Folklore of Trees

Did you know that laurel is said to protect against snakebites and act as a potent shield against witchcraft?

Did you know that yews are often planted near graveyards to keep the devil out? 

Discover the fascinating folklore behind the forest’s most steadfast guardians.

Whether it’s the Major Oak, a 1,000-year-old tree where Robin Hood is thought to have sheltered, or the 2,800-year-old baobabs in Madagascar, trees are tourist destinations, world heritage sites and much-beloved landmarks. They play a vital role in our imaginations and are inextricably woven into the story of humankind. It’s unsurprising, then, that an astonishingly rich body of myth, legend and superstition has grown up around them. This beautifully illustrated guide introduces us to thirty-six iconic trees from across the world and explores the stories that have been told about them. With a foreword from acclaimed naturalist, BBC television presenter and conservationist Chris Packham, The Folklore of Trees is the perfect companion for every lover of the natural – and mythological – world.