TREE HUNTING

The Beer Belly The Climber s Lime The Ecclesiastical Pear In Tree Hunting Paul Wood seeks out the best individual trees the most charismatic quirky or downright spectacular that grow in Britain and Ireland s towns cities and villages and in one case from the crack in a church steeple From a stumpy sycamore in Shetland contorted by wind and hard weather to the shining jewel in Brighton s unlikely treasure trove of elms Paul travels on a quest from north to south rooting out the legends and tall tales behind these marvellous specimens As he delves into this rich ecosystem he reveals how trees are inextricably bound to the story of our towns and cities they have always meant a great deal to those that live near them and they continue to shape the fabric of urban life in deep and often surprising ways Including sumptuous maps grid references and charming travel notes so you can plan adventures of your own Tree Hunting will help you unlock the secrets of Britain and Ireland s urban forests