New Books Network Charles Watkins, "Trees Ancient and Modern: Woodland Cultures and Conservation" (Reaktion, 2025)
Nov 5, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Charles Watkins, a rural geography professor at the University of Nottingham, shares his insights from his book on the intertwining relationship between humans and trees. He explains the historical significance of Sherwood Forest and its ancient oaks. The discussion delves into the emotional value of individual trees like the Sycamore Gap, the dynamics of coppicing, and the challenges of modern woodland conservation. Watkins also addresses the balance between rewilding and sustainable resource management, offering a profound reflection on our connection to nature.
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Forest Meant Royal Hunting Ground
- The legal term "forest" originally meant royal hunting land, not continuous woodland.
- Sherwood Forest's famous oaks are a small ancient remnant within a historically varied landscape.
Aesthetics Saved Ancient Trees
- The picturesque movement reframed "old, gnarled" trees as aesthetic assets worth preserving.
- Tourism and art shifted landowners' attitudes, helping ancient oaks survive into modern times.
Identify And Protect Ancient Woodland
- Use ecological indicators like herb paris and wild service tree to identify ancient woodland.
- Cataloguing and naming these woods as "ancient" built popular and legal support for their protection.
