LONGLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION 2026

A fascinating exploration of the remarkable inner lives of trees, The Genius of Trees reveals how these remarkable organisms have shaped our planet for hundreds of millions of years.

Drawing on the latest discoveries in ecology and natural history, Harriet Rix uncovers the extraordinary ways trees influence the world around them. From transforming landscapes and storing carbon to forming complex relationships with fungi, animals and people, she shows that trees are far more than silent witnesses to history, they are active architects of life on Earth.

Blending science with beautifully accessible storytelling, The Genius of Trees challenges the way we think about forests and the natural world. Perfect for readers of nature writing, books about trees and ecology, and anyone fascinated by Britain's woodlands and the wider living world, this is an inspiring celebration of one of nature's greatest wonders.