About the book

Synopsis

There has never been a book like this in Scotland before. It is not a textbook on forestry or a guide to the identification of trees. It is not a treatise on natural woodlands or a practical guide to the choice of species for a garden. The book contains elememts of all of these but has a broader sweep and intention. All trees in Scotland come under scrutiny in this unique volume: those in woodlands and forests; in parks and parkland; in arboreta; streets and gardens, large and small, public and private and there is a particular section devoted to community woodlands. It celebrates the wonderful wealth of trees and flourish throughout the country, not only the 30 odd native to Scotland but the 1, 000 and more introduced from everywhere in the temperate world. There is a long tradition of Scots as gardeners and foresters and the Scottish climate is admirably suited to the growth of many sorts of trees. For centuries Scots have roved the world sending home crates of seeds and plants. Alistair Scott draws on his experience of over more than five decades of climbing, planting, felling, managing, admiring, photographing and even chewing trees. Examples are taken from all over the Scotland: Kelso to Hoy, Banchory to Stranraer, Montrose to Gigha.