The Great Tree Story: How Forests Have Shaped Our World

by Levison Wood

'The tree is the hero in his book.' The Times


'A thrilling journey of discovery' -- Tristan Gooley, author of How to Read a Tree

'Levison Wood has done the impossible. To tell the story of trees in a single book is a Herculean task, but one that he has resoundingly achieved.' -- Merlin Hanbury-Tenison, author of Our Oaken Bones

'A thrilling, moving, and convincing journey through the life of trees.' -- Will Storr, author of The Status Game

'This powerful book brims with curiosity, original thought, and cutting-edge research, but amidst the wonder, you can also hear the haunting 'cry' of the natural world.' -- Sophy Roberts, The Lost Pianos of Siberia

Levison Wood has spent a lifetime exploring wild places and witnessing environmental challenges and conservation efforts around the world. Now, he's delving into the incredible world of forests. In this global investigation, The Great Tree Story explores the profound influence forests have had on our planet and civilisation. Each chapter digs into a different aspect of this relationship, from the evolutionary history of trees and their cultural significance in ancient civilisations, to the impacts of agriculture, colonisation, and the industrial revolution on forest ecosystems. The book highlights the wisdom of indigenous communities in forest stewardship, examines the environmental movement's efforts to protect forests, and analyses the causes and consequences of deforestation and environmental degradation.

Forests are integral components of the global ecosystem. They serve as complex habitats for flora and fauna, supporting a delicate web of interdependence that we have only scratched the surface of understanding. Every organism, from the towering trees to the smallest insects, plays a crucial role in maintaining the biodiversity that sustains our planet. The intricate relationships woven within forests are not to be underestimated, for they are the threads that hold our world together.

In this compelling weaving of fascinating anecdotes and in-depth research, Wood contemplates the future of forests, emphasising the importance of collective action and individual responsibility in preserving these vital ecosystems.

Genres: Nonfiction

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 10, 2025

Reviews

[Ros · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Levison Wood writes in a style that is accessible to all. He interlinks true facts with his own experiences and humour. It is a very inspiring book which everyone should read to encourage the understanding of the importance of trees. I have and will continue to promote this book.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book. It is a way to leave the world to your children better than you found it. Focus on trees and everything will be in sync at the end. The book delivered tp me some remarkable insights, for example planting trees.....

[Stephen the Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Levison Wood is best known as an intrepid adventurer/explorer on television- travelling to remote parts of the world and meeting groups of indigenous people.

The Great Tree Story is very much a labour of love as Levison Wood's desire to inform, educate, motivate and raise awareness is palpable. This is very much a broad stroke read as it covers many different aspects of the relationship of trees within the natural environment, with folklore and different faiths , the destruction of forests and ultimately the positive impact trees can have upon us all .

This a book that has been meticulously researched and Levison's personal travels add an extra dimension of understanding and experience. The future of forests, woodlands and the wider environment are explored and this is very much a call to arms for us all to wake up before it's too late.

This is a perfect read for someone just starting out in their understanding of the world of trees and their essential role on the planet.

Yes, books such as Peter Wohhlleben's The Hidden Life of Trees will give a more scientific study on the role of trees within forests and it's accompanying research but this book will show a wider picture of the value of trees across history, the value in societies and how we need to do our damn best to turn the tide on the destruction of this incredible partner to our lives.

An important read highlighting the impact and power of trees in all of our lives.

[Jody Majko · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Great Tree Story is a sweeping, soulful exploration of the deep-rooted relationship between forests and humanity. Known for his amazing globe-spanning expeditions, this time Levison Wood turns his lens toward the silent sentinels of our planet: trees. What unfolds is not just a natural history, but a cultural, spiritual, and ecological journey.

Wood traces how forests have shaped civilizations, economies, and belief systems. His writing is rich with anecdotes from his travels, whether it’s witnessing wildfire resilience in Hawaii or meeting forest guardians in Ukraine. These stories reveal that trees are not passive scenery, but active participants in our shared history.

Wood blends cutting-edge research with poetic insight, revealing forests as intelligent, communicative ecosystems. His admiration for indigenous stewardship and his critique of deforestation are both urgent and heartfelt, making the book not just informative but a call to action.

What makes The Great Tree Story particularly compelling is its emotional resonance. Levison Wood doesn’t just present facts; he invites readers to reconnect with nature, to see trees not as resources but as relatives. It’s a beautiful book that reminds us that the future of forests is entwined with our own.

This wonderful book is nothing short of being a masterful woven tribute to the world’s forests. Essential reading for nature lovers, environmentalists, and anyone seeking to understand the roots of our existence.

[Bryan Waters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a mixed bag! Starts off really brilliantly talking about the history of trees and the impact they had on the natural world, really brilliantly written with some very memorable quotes and insights. But then it veers off into, frankly, a very grim dive into basically how terrible us humans are for the planet. The point is definitely worth making, and re-iterating, but my expectations of this book were a bit different and it seemed to be a huge part of the book taken up with very dispiriting stories, facts and figures. Very far from inspiring, it made the situation seem entirely hopeless and rather than glorying in trees and what they've done for us, or for the world, it was borderline political polemic and definitely not what I was looking for from this book. So be warned! Such a shame as I was absolutely loving it until that point but then it became very heavy, difficult to read and VERY difficult to persevere with. I was looking for something very different, an insight into the glory of trees, their role in the history of the world and society and why they are so valuable and amazing. All of this is there but it felt completely dwarfed by, basically, the focus on the negative impacts of humanity.

[Thomas Heron · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.1 ⭐️. Another great book by my fave author! The book addresses topics such as trees in folklore and religion, the stories of the oldest trees around the world and how we can save the trees and the wider environment. It made me realise that we are all part of nature and trees are our friends!
Was so interesting to read about the roles that indigenous communities play in conservation and how they can live so harmoniously with their environment in places such as the Amazon and the Congo.
Although I really enjoyed the read, I felt a bit of a lack of structure within the book, maybe I would have enjoyed more distinct sections with shorter more focused chapters. I think that is just a personal preference and it is still really well written!
In typical Levison Wood style, the ending is wrapped up really well and it made me think about what trees do for me, how I can appreciate nature more in my day to day living and a very special tree in my life! It made me grateful to grow up and be encouraged into nature by my green-fingered parents and have plenty of woodland walk memories around Salcey Forest! 🌳

[Ron · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good start but then goes off on annoying environmental and political rant, with very little about trees. It’s more about how people shaped forests than how forests shaped the world. Misleading, better off reading The Hidden Life of Trees. We all know about the issues of deforestation, a book about how amazing trees are would have been better.

[P D Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very though provoking book, why are mankind so useless lol