The Great Tree Story
How Forests Have Shaped Our World
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Narrated by:
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Levison Wood
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By:
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Levison Wood
About this listen
'The tree is the hero in his book.' The Times
'A thrilling journey of discovery' -- Tristan Gooley, author of How to Read a Tree
'Levison Wood has done the impossible. To tell the story of trees in a single book is a Herculean task, but one that he has resoundingly achieved.' -- Merlin Hanbury-Tenison, author of Our Oaken Bones
'A thrilling, moving, and convincing journey through the life of trees.' -- Will Storr, author of The Status Game
'This powerful book brims with curiosity, original thought, and cutting-edge research, but amidst the wonder, you can also hear the haunting 'cry' of the natural world.' -- Sophy Roberts, The Lost Pianos of Siberia
Levison Wood has spent a lifetime exploring wild places and witnessing environmental challenges and conservation efforts around the world. Now, he's delving into the incredible world of forests. In this global investigation, The Great Tree Story explores the profound influence forests have had on our planet and civilisation. Each chapter digs into a different aspect of this relationship, from the evolutionary history of trees and their cultural significance in ancient civilisations, to the impacts of agriculture, colonisation, and the industrial revolution on forest ecosystems. The book highlights the wisdom of indigenous communities in forest stewardship, examines the environmental movement's efforts to protect forests, and analyses the causes and consequences of deforestation and environmental degradation.
Forests are integral components of the global ecosystem. They serve as complex habitats for flora and fauna, supporting a delicate web of interdependence that we have only scratched the surface of understanding. Every organism, from the towering trees to the smallest insects, plays a crucial role in maintaining the biodiversity that sustains our planet. The intricate relationships woven within forests are not to be underestimated, for they are the threads that hold our world together.
In this compelling weaving of fascinating anecdotes and in-depth research, Wood contemplates the future of forests, emphasising the importance of collective action and individual responsibility in preserving these vital ecosystems.©2025 Levison Wood
Critic reviews
A thrilling journey of discovery! Levison Wood is our passionate guide as we head through time and across the world in the company of trees. (Tristan Gooley)
Levison Wood has done the impossible. To tell the story of trees in a single book is a Herculean task, but one that he has resoundingly achieved. (Merlin Hanbury-Tenison, author of Our Oaken Bones)
Levison Wood is a great adventurer and a wonderful storyteller. (Sir Ranulph Fiennes)
Britain's best-loved adventurer.
A thrilling, moving, and convincing journey through the life of trees. (Will Storr, author of The Status Game)
This powerful book brims with curiosity, original thought, and cutting-edge research, but amidst the wonder, you can also hear the haunting 'cry' of the natural world. (Sophy Roberts, The Lost Pianos of Siberia)
This isn't just a book about trees - it's about relationship. Lev reminds us that for many Indigenous peoples, the forest is family. Kin, not resource. In hearing their voices, we're not only invited to remember - but to recognise that we, too, belong. (Bruce Parry)
The tree is the hero in his book.
A manifesto for rewilding the human spirit.
This is a powerful book . . . The Great Tree Story is an irresistible celebration; exciting, informative, and as climate change accelerates, something we should all know more about'. (Michael Palin)
Inspirational!
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Very informative and thought provoking
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Amazing
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Great read
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