LONDON’S STREET TREES

A Field Guide to the Urban Forest

Paul Wood

NEW EDITION: EXPANDED, REVISED AND REDESIGNED FOR 2020

Three years ago the idea of a whole book about London’s street trees seemed somewhat esoteric – weren’t they all just London Planes?

But Paul Wood’s brilliant and acclaimed book has gone on to sell out three printings, and become a fixture in London’s bookshops and museum and gallery gift shops, while the author is still busy leading his popular ‘street tree walks’ every weekend somewhere in the capital.

And its revelations that London’s streets are actually an amazing ‘urban arboretum’, where you can find everything from Magnolias to Olive trees, Persian Silkwoods to Giant Redwoods, have even led local tree groups to plant the rare species featured in it to beautify their own streets.

Now, to take account of all the new species planted on the capital’s streets since the first edition – from Persimmons to Pecans! – Safe Haven is publishing a new, expanded, fully revised edition, that includes not only more trees but more of its hugely popular tree-walk routes. It should sell even more widely.

Paul Wood writes the popular and unique blog on street trees, The Street Tree. He is also the author of London is a Forest and the Great Trees of London Map, and lives in London.

April 2020
ISBN 978 1 9160453 3 0
224pp
190 x 170 mm
paperback
£14.99

‘An easy to follow, thoroughly researched and detailed book, with enough depth for the tree enthusiasts among us as well as the casual observer. . . a worthwhile addition to any bookshelf’. Natural History Museum magazine

‘For someone like me who is not a natural naturalist, the book reveals a previously unconsidered world situated just outside the front door, or at most only a bus ride away.’ Ian Jack, Guardian

‘A paean to London's street trees ... an urban safari of the capital's diverse tree life.’ Hampstead & Highgate Express 

‘[A] brilliant book that will appeal to everyone. Paul Wood’s handy guide is packed with insights... including photos... historical perspectives, messages about the vital role of street trees in promoting diversity. Moreover, the ongoing conflict in Sheffield gives this book an urgent topicality. This book gave me insights both into trees and into their place in the London scene. It is very definitely a worthy celebration of the urban forest.’ British Wildlife magazine

‘If I were a doctor, I would prescribe everyone a tree – to plant, to tend, to water, to clean the air, the summon birds and bees, to bring people together, to give time to stand and stare, to fall in love with. Because I can't do that, then I would advise them to read London’s Street Trees ... a love song to the author’s favourite trees currently gracing the streets of London. Reading this book gives a wonderful sense of strolling the streets with the author and stopping to chat about each tree.’ Jonathan Tulloch, Tablet

‘...adds a fascinating new dimension to any walk through the city.’ Stephen Moss, Guardian Best Nature Books