A Focus On Nature, Books and Reviews
AFON
Book Review: The Wood For The Trees
Fortey’s ‘The wood for the trees’ reads like an amble through the countryside, and as with any walk with a naturalist there are a multitude of diversions and uncovered curiosities along the way.
In this book the author chronicles a year spent in his own little parcel of the Lambridge woods nestled in the Chiltern Hills. Starting in April, you are guided through the seasons as they progress through this semi-ancient woodland to come full circle and finish in March.
Along the way there are close examinations of the flora, fauna and history of the area, with the occasional recipe thrown in. With a revolving cast of guest experts in fields from Archeology to Zoology, Fortey explores the richness in history and wildlife that he has unearthed.
The usual dominating charismatic species, notably the birds of prey and the mammals, are described with excellent details but are not the stars of this journey through the woods. Every taxa is given equal weighting, treated with the same respect and attention to details.
Mystery abounds with ghostly orchids, strange ditches, and the hidden realms of the many under appreciated species like the fungi and insects given extensive attention. All of these curiosities are found within the ever-present beech trees which provide the niches and crannies that this incredible diversity calls home.
Like a spider web there appears to be a vast network of connections, with illustrious names including Sir Christopher Wren, and Darwin himself; as well as a plethora of other connections to places as close as London to as far as the Caribbean. Demonstrating how much one can find if you just look a little closer at what may appear an insignificant patch of woodland.
Though enjoyable and informative unfortunately his attention to details can lead to a few long diversions. Depending on your tastes you may find the details of multiple family histories and the changes in estate ownership dry. For those particularly interested in the more natural history it may feel like there is a disconnect between the human history and what it means to the narrative of the wood. Something which Fortey tries to contextualise through relating the demands of humanity to its implications for how the woods are treated, as a source of income, a refuge from the law, or an aesthetic amenity.
I also found that the notes section of the book doesn’t quite work with both additional information and sources lumped together. This system can mean that some readers who like the extra tidbits have to go to the back of the book between the Acknowledgements and Index and be disappointed by a reference instead, that although useful for further reading, disrupts the flow of the narrative. One can’t help but feel that the notes would be better kept separate from the bibliography or perhaps best put into a footnote.
Minor criticisms aside this would make an excellent read for the armchair, somewhere quiet to let yourself become immersed in the story of this microcosm of the Oxfordshire countryside. The pace at times may be slow for those looking for the non-stop action of a triller, but I found it perfectly pleasant for a few long journeys, with several pauses for wistful glances at the countryside outside of a crowded train carriage.
Being completely unfamiliar with Richard Fortey as a writer I would compare this to Bill Bryson, his writing here a celebration and thorough examination of what makes the English countryside so wonderful. For those who have wondered where the word bodger comes from.
Peaceful, intriguing and full of surprising insights, overall ‘The Wood For The Trees’ is a thoroughly pleasant read. Recommended for seasoned naturalists and keen amateurs alike and will probably lead many to spend an hour or two researching some newfound interests.
Jamie White is 22, from Chigwell in Essex. In 2012 he went to Aberystwyth University where he studied the Animal Behaviour BSc. Afterwards he spent a year volunteering with several organisations including the RSPB and a charity called Tir Coed. This year he have started his MRes degree at Leeds University in Biodiversity & Conservation. In the future, he hopes to work in conservation either as part of an organisation or as a researcher.
[Editor’s note: I thought this would be a lovely opportunity to also showcase a few wonderful photos taken by some of our members. ~Megan]
(c) Alexandra Pearce
(c) Ryan Clark
(c) James Borrell
(c) Megan Shersby