There are around 20,000 species of tree around the world.
To coincide with The Tree Council’s Walk in the Woods festival, we thought we’d post this article about some of our native trees! The festival aims to encourage everyone to enjoy trees and woods and hopefully our blog might inspire some woodland visits this Spring!
Yes they provide oxygen and are an important component of the ecology in any country, but trees are firmly rooted(!) in all aspects of British culture, past and present. Our childhoods wouldn’t be the same without them whether it’s memories of tree houses and tyre swings or their almost obligatory appearance in books; what would The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe be without the snow covered pine forest, or Harry Potter without the Womping Willow?! It is not surprising to discover that many of our native trees are imbued with myths and legends much like the land in which they grow.
The well known superstition of knocking on wood for luck is derived from primitive tree worship. Trees were believed to hold protective spirits, and knocking on the trunk would summon them to your assistance.
Just as the species of trees native to Britain are diverse, so are the myths and legends associated with them. Below are just a few:
© Wikipedia.org.
Alder – The green dye that can be derived from the flowers of the Alder tree was said to be used as a camouflage on the garments of outlaws such as Robin Hood, as well as on the clothes of faeries to conceal themselves from human eyes.
© Wikipedia.org
Ash – In Norse mythology, a mythical ash tree called Yggdrasil serves as the centre of the world. Its roots were anchored in the abyss of the underworld, and watered by the streams of wisdom and faith. Its trunk was supported by the earth, while its crown touched the ark of heaven.
Aspen – This is also known as the tree of heroes. The wood was used to make Celtic shields and the trees acted as doors in to the Land of the Faerie.
Birch – This is the symbol of renewal and purification. Brooms constructed from Birch twigs were used by Celtic tribes to purify gardens in the spring. This is also the origin of the witch’s broom.
Elder – It was said that musical instruments constructed from elder were the best to please the faerie folk. It was also advised against sleeping beneath an Elder tree as you would be transported to the Land of the Faerie; however it is believed that the strong smell of the elder leaves had a mildly narcotic influence, explaining people’s trips to a different land.
Elm – The elm had a special affinity with elves that were said to guard the burial mounds, their dead and the associated passage into the underworld. It is the traditional wood used to construct coffins and the wood used by Mediaeval Welsh archers to form their long bows.
Hawthorn – It was seen as unlucky to bring into the home as it brought death and sickness. It has now been shown that a chemical present in hawthorn blossom is also present in decaying animal tissue which explains why people thought it smelt of the plague.
Hazel – This is the favoured wood in the construction of staffs, the nuts are also said to be concentrated wisdom and poetic inspiration.
Holly – Sprigs of holly were believed to protect the home from malevolent faeries. Hollies were frequently left uncut within hedges in order to prevent witches from running across the tops. It is also traditionally the tree known for its protection against lightening strikes. We now know that spines in the traditionally shaped holly leaves can act as miniature lightening conductors.
Oak – Oaks were frequently the largest, tallest living thing in the landscape. Druids worship and practise their rights in oak groves with the word Druid being derived from the Gaelic word for Oak – Duir, Making them men of the oaks. The major oak in Sherwood Forest is proposed to be the tree where Robin Hood and his Merry Men hatched their plans.
Scots Pine – The pine cone was seen as a symbol of fertility and the trees were often used to mark the burial places of warriors, heroes and chieftains.
Rowan – In Norse mythology the first woman was made from Rowan. It was known to protect against witchcraft and enchantment. Each berry has a pentagram opposite the stalk.
Willow – Most species thrive close to water or in damp places and this is reflected in the associated legends and magic. There is also the recurring theme of the moon as the movement of water is intimately bound with the moon. Willow is also associated with healing and even now provides the key ingredient in Aspirin.
Yew – The yew is associated with longevity and regeneration, due to the ability of its drooping branches to root and form new trunks. It is a common sight in graveyards and is the wood used by Mediaeval English archers to construct their long bows.
As you step into a wood or forest it’s not difficult to understand why these giant plants were given so much weighting in ancient times. You only have to see an acorn next to an ancient oak, and the origin of magic is plain to see. Britain is thought to have the largest population of ancient trees in Europe, Britain’s oldest tree is the Fortingall Yew in Tayside, which is believed to be over 3000 years old. So get outside and enjoy the unique habitats that are found beneath the boughs of these fascinating plants, and keep an eye out for the animals that call it home.
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