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Ancient

Reviving the Woods That Made Britain

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About this listen

 Ancient woods are Britain's richest habitats: rare fragments of our landscape that teem with life from soil to canopy. They live in our collective imagination as quiet places, best left pristine and untouched. But their story has always been one of interdependence with people. Now, as ever, these woods - including remnants of the primeval 'wildwood' - need the thoughtful intervention of humans to survive.

With the benefit of over twenty years' experience rehabilitating ancient woodland - from the Lakes to the Peak District, by way of suburban London's hidden gems - Luke Barley brings us deep into this hidden world to reveal majestic oaks, freshly coppiced hazels, endangered limes, and the passionate individuals tending them for future generations. As modern woodlanders judiciously cut and fell, the flood of fresh light brings new life and hope to these irreplaceable natural jewels.

With clear-sighted passion and lyrical prose, Barley reveals what we stand to gain, as individuals and as a society, by rekindling our ancient connection with these special places.©2026 Luke Barley (P)2023 Simon & Schuster Agricultural & Food Sciences Biological Sciences Botany & Plants Europe Great Britain Outdoors & Nature Science Sustainable & Green Living
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Weaves personal experience with science and history, to deliver a timely message. Good practical connecting work for those who enjoy Monbiot, Tree and Shrubsole. leaves you wanting to go out and revive a British forest.

First rate

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