The Oak

'When the Chetham Oak was a sapling, the forest in which it grew extended from horizon to horizon. Nothing but trees were visible in every direction, except for a few wispy smoke- columns betraying human settlements. Those were the days when a squirrel could travel across England from sea to sea without ever setting foot on the ground.'

In this book Ralph Whitlock unfolds the fascinating life story of a great oak tree, from its germination in the Middle Ages to its mature present-day splendour. The oak acts as host to a multitude of animals, insects and plants all of which have vital roles in the delicate ecological microcosm surrounding the tree. Beautifully illustrated by Robert Morton's well-observed drawings, this book is a tribute to the oak tree and to its vital role in the woodland environment. Everyone who loves trees and forest life and who appreciates walking in woodland glades will find in Ralph Whitlock the ideal guide, companion and interpreter.