‘Rackham has been a great champion for real woods and against the endless postwar conifer plantations – a campaign now largely won. Here he is writing not as a conservationist, but simply to share his prodigious knowledge of woods and trees with the reader.’
The Times
‘… A magnificent compendium of evocations, celebrations and warnings – the harvest of a long lifetime, gathered slowly but with unflagging passion.’
Guardian
‘The Woodland Trust welcomes Oliver Rackham’s latest book celebrating the glories of our irreplaceable ancient woodland heritage. Restoration of ancient woods and creation of new woods is vital to creating a countryside which is more sympathetic to woodland wildlife, and which delivers benefits to society.’
Woodland Trust
‘Magnificent, masterful … For those of us who worship trees, Rackham is our (slightly grumpy) High Druid. A true classic.’
The Week