Did you know that at one time the wood of the rowan tree was kept as a pocket charm against rheumatism? Or that the ancient Greeks believed trees possessed wood spirits, called dryads, that took the form of young women? Or that you can make blackberry whisky from the humble blackberry and absinthe from wormwood?

This beautifully illustrated, eclectic book contains a mixture of fact and fiction about woodlands and forests, including information about flora and fauna, woodland crafts, tree identification, foraging advice, folklore, mythology and much more. Simple step-by-steps show readers how to, among other things, make a bird house and bug hotel, press flowers, make a poultice and treat nettle sting.

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This beautifully presented book is a treasure trove of practical information, magical tales and folklore about forests. On the practical side, there is much to learn about the different types of woodland, the biology of a tree, dendrochronology and the various species of animals and plants that live in forests around the world. To put some of this knowledge to use, there’s a craft section with plans for a bird house, an introduction to whittling techniques and a guide to coppicing. If approached with caution, the forest can be a source of food and medicine too, as the section on foraging and folk remedies proves. Safety advice is provided throughout alongside guides to identifying edible plants and fungi and even invertebrates – apparently ants and grasshoppers can be tasty snacks! The traditional remedies include herbal poultices for aches and pains. Perhaps the most fascinating chapter is that on folklore, which includes forest-related mythology and fairy tales from around the world, as well as exploring the wood’s place in traditional and modern literature and music. With its entertaining prose and beautiful illustrations, this is a perfect book to dip into when you’re taking a well-earned rest from furniture making!