Long-listed for The Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing 2026

'A wonderful ramble beneath the boughs' - Chris Packham
'Brilliant and highly readable' - John Wright
'Spellbinding. A thrilling account' - James Fox
'Passionate, knowledgeable and immersive' - Tristan Gooley

A beautifully written exploration of Britain's ancient woodlands, this inspiring work of nature writing reveals why these remarkable habitats are among our most precious - and most threatened - natural landscapes.

Drawing on more than twenty years of experience restoring ancient woodland, Luke Barley takes readers deep into the hidden world of Britain's oldest woods, from the Lake District and Peak District to overlooked pockets of woodland on the edge of London. Along the way, he introduces majestic oaks, coppiced hazel, endangered small-leaved lime and the skilled woodlanders whose traditional management is helping these irreplaceable habitats thrive once again.

Blending natural history, woodland conservation and lyrical storytelling, this fascinating book challenges the idea that ancient woods should simply be left untouched. Instead, it explores the long relationship between people and forests, revealing how thoughtful stewardship can help safeguard Britain's richest wildlife habitats for generations to come.

Perfect for readers of nature writing, books about trees, British woodland, woodland conservation and the natural history of Britain's forests, this is an inspiring celebration of the landscapes that have shaped both our countryside and our culture.