Spotlight 11. Trees

Connecting with Trees and Nature

In this podcast, author Luke Turner takes a wander through the trees and history of Epping Forest as he discusses his book Out of the Woods. He talks  about finding solace in nature during difficult times.

Listen to the podcast 

Navigate using Nature

Tristan Gooley is the author of numerous books including The Natural Navigator and The Walker's Guide to Outdoor Clues and Signs.  His website is full of useful tips for exploring the landscape in a way that fosters a greater connection with nature, including a section on navigation using trees.

Visit the website

Download the Woodland Trust's Tree ID app

Using this free app for Android and iPhone you can identify the UK's native and non-native trees. It's an A-Z tree guide in your pocket.  In just a few steps you can identify native and common non-native trees in the UK whatever the season using leaves, bark, twigs, buds, flowers or fruit.

Discover more

The Woodland Trust website also contains some great nature spotting activities for families to enjoy while out for their daily exercise.

Visit the webpage

Chris Riddell reads Once Upon a Wild Wood

Former Children's Laureate, Chris Riddell reads from his beautifully illustrated book, Once Upon a Wild Wood.  A richly imagined story packed full of familiar fairy tale characters as you've never seen them before. 

Watch the video

Creativity during Corona - Hope

Each morning during lockdown, we’ve been posting daily creative prompts on Facebook and we’ve been overwhelmed by the response from people creating their own poetry and artwork.  We look forward to showcasing some of this work during an exhibition at the Central Library when life returns to normal.

Today, Claire from the Central library has picked a couple of poems about trees that speak to her.  Perhaps they will speak to you too.

You could simply read the poems then close…or take a look at the prompts on our Facebook page and send us your own thoughts, notes, journal piece, poem, short story,  drawing, paintings, photographs, knitting, sewing, or  songs….  Enjoy.