Ancient

A wonderful ramble beneath the boughs. Barley listens, translates and spins their beautiful ancient yarns – Chris PackhamBarley communicates his love and knowledge of woods with eloquence – Christopher Hart * Daily Mail *Luke Barley brings us deep into his hidden world to reveal majestic oaks, freshly coppiced hazels, and the passionate individuals tending them for future generations * Countryside *Luke Barley’s spellbinding book dispels decades of myths about our woodlands, showing the reality to be so much more extraordinary. Ancient is a thrilling account of our past that offers a valuable blueprint for our future – James Fox, author of CRAFTLANDA brilliant and highly readable exploration of our surviving ancient woodlands; one written by someone who actually works with them – John Wright, author of THE FORAGER’S CALENDARA passionate, knowledgeable and immersive guide to these important and magnificent habitats – Tristan Gooley, author of HOW TO READ A TREEBillhook in hand, Barley he hacks through pretension, politics and downright ignorance so that we can see both the wood and the trees. He’s a tremendous companion in the forest – Charles Foster, author of THE EDGES OF THE WORLDStunning. This beautiful biography of Britain’s ancient woodland demonstrates irrefutably that we humans are a part of nature rather than apart from it’ – Merlin Hanbury-Tenison, author of OUR OAKEN BONESA timely guide to our irreplaceable ancient woodlands offering expert insights into their past and hope for their future – Paul Wood, author of TREE HUNTINGBristles with insight gained through devotion and toil. Ancient is a wise and heartfelt love song to our woodlands, a book that reveals treasure in the trees – Lee Schofield, author of WILD FELLBrilliant. My favourite kind of nature book - one that explores and celebrates the intricate, tangled relationship we share with the natural world – Tiffany Francis-Baker, author of EBB AND FLOWThoughtfully written and exquisitely attentive to the symbioses between human and nonhuman life in the woods, Ancient reveals history and heritage that hold vital lessons for a greener, happier future – Chantal Lyons, author of GROUNDBREAKERS

Luke Barley is a senior advisor on trees and woodlands with the National Trust, providing leadership, guidance and support on woodland management across the charity’s 250,000-hectare landholding. He is a chartered forester, a professional member of the Arboricultural Association and a trustee of the Ancient Tree Forum, and previously worked as a ranger and helped care for ancient woods in the North Downs, the Lake District and the Peak District. He lives in Sheffield with his family.