Ghost Trees: Nature and People in a London Parish - Paperback

by Bob Gilbert (Author)

Nominated for two major literary awards, this is an urban nature book telling the story of an historic
part of London through its trees, past and present.

Even in the brick and concrete heart of our cities, nature finds a way. Birds and mammals, insects, plants and
trees--they all manage to thrive in the urban jungle, and Bob Gilbert is their champion and their chronicler.
He explores the hidden wildlife of the inner city and its edgelands, finding unexpected beauty in the cracks
and crannies, and uncovering the deep and essential relationship that exists between people and nature
when they are bound together in such close proximity.

Beginning from Poplar, the East End area in which he lives, Bob explores, in particular, our relationship with
the trees that have helped shape London; from the original wildwood through to the street trees of today.
He draws from history and natural history, poetry and painting, myth and magic, and a great deal of walking,
observing and listening.

Beautifully written, passionate and defiant, Ghost Trees tells the secrets and stories of the urban
wildscape, of glorious nature resilient and resurgent on our very doorsteps.

Author Biography

Bob Gilbert is the author of Ghost Trees and presenter of BBC Radio 4's The Passion in Plants. A regular
contributor to TV and radio, including Natural World and BBC Radio 4's The Food Programme, Bob has also
been a long-standing campaigner for inner city conservation and chair of The Garden Classroom, a charity
that promotes environmental education in London. Ghost Trees is available in hardback and paperback.