Trees Ancient and Modern: Woodland Cultures and Conservation Hardcover – December 26, 2025

Leafed with illustrations and branching into many realms of human thought, an exploration of the beauty, importance, and precarity of forests.   While trees are celebrated as symbols of natural beauty, they are increasingly at risk from climate change, disease, fires, and urban expansion. Trees Ancient and Modern explores humanity’s deep connection with trees and woodlands, highlighting their splendor and importance and the challenges they face. The book examines debates about creating new woodlands, exploring questions of location, ownership, and management. Using diverse sources such as literature, art, historical records, scientific surveys, and oral histories, Charles Watkins reveals how people have used, valued, and understood forests over time. He also evaluates modern threats to woodlands and considers how best to conserve them. Richly illustrated, this is a global social and cultural history of forests that provides valuable insights for future management. Read more