Inspiring trees

In what ways do traditional stories inspire people in Britain to value

and protect their trees?

Robin HoodQueen Elizabeth King Charles

witchesPicture by 1967 Geezer. Details of picture and its Creative Comons licence http://www.flickr.com/photos/11475646@N03/2870805232/

Size and age

Special trees are everywhere

Interactive map of special trees of the Chilterns available at http://www.chilternsaonb.org/caring/stwp_sites.asp

Each year since 1947, a Christmas tree

has been given to the people of

London from the people of Norway

in gratitude for Britain's support

for Norway during World War II.

New storiesNew traditions

Picture fromhttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Trafalgar_Square_Christmas_tree8.jpg

Apple Day

Picture by lennox_mcdough. See it with its creative commons licence at http://www.flickr.com/photos/lennox_mcdough/3274793526/

Clootie Trees

There is a tradition of fastening rags to trees (usually hawthorn) near holy wells. After taking the water people tie a piece of their

clothing to the tree. The tree is a symbol of long life and health

Picture by Robert Crum. See the picture with its Creative Commons licence at http://www.flickr.com/photos/13010608@N02/2441932784/

Tree dressing

• Share your legends and traditions to invent a festival…this cross-cultural community expression…draws attention to the trees we take for granted, an enjoyable first step towards taking more care of them

More details at http://www.england-in-particular.info/

Getting involved

• Identify trees for the Tree Register

• Take part in Apple Day (21 October)

• Take part in tree-dressing day during the first weekend in December

• Plant your own special tree