Oaklore: Adventures in a World of Extraordinary Trees

‘A JOYFUL AND IMAGINATIVE EXPLORATION OF THESE TOTEMIC TREES.’ Tristan Gooley, author of How to Read a Tree

‘Jules Acton’s woodland wisdom is infectious ... the joyful verve with which [she] imparts wisdom gathered in the wild is impossible to resist.’ Observer

The perfect gift for anyone who loves trees, Oaklore – from Woodland Trust Ambassador Jules Acton – explores the incredibly diverse history of the ‘king of the woods’: from a source of food and shelter to its use in literature as a plot device and muse, and in mythology as a sacred plant and precious resource.

A charming exploration of one of our most important trees, Oaklore invites readers to embark on a journey of discovery, unveiling the role of oaks in English literature and mythology, and the myriad of life that thrives within their branches and bark: from their feathered denizens to the intricate communities of insects, fungi, and lichens.

Environmentalist and Woodland Trust Ambassador Jules Acton skillfully shares her personal experiences of wandering in the woods alongside scientific insights and cultural histories. Meeting fellow oak-lovers along the way, and trees like Sherwood Forest’s Medusa Oak, the gargantuan Marton Oak in Cheshire and Lincolnshire’s Bowthorpe Oak in (which some estimates say is more than 1,000 years old), Acton plots an unforgettable journey through the tangled roots of the oak’s story, and that of Britain itself.

Acton encourages a deeper connection during our own woodland walk by learning to recognize bird songs and observing the moss and butterflies that thrive in the presence of oaks.

Powerfully arguing that ancient oaks deserve the same rights as ancient buildings, Oaklore underscores the urgent need to protect the oak tree and the vibrant, interconnected worlds it sustains. Acton's narrative serves as a call to action, inspiring readers to engage in conservation efforts and foster a deeper appreciation for the oak's vital role in the delicate web of life.