The Woodland Book

From an author passionate about reconnecting both adults and children with nature, The Woodland Book aims to show anyone with an interest in nature and the great outdoors how to make the most of the unique environments provided by a canopy of trees.
Packed with fascinating facts about woodlands including ancient rituals and the wildlife and flora that make it special. You'll learn how to identify different kinds of woodland, assess the age of a tree from a stump, recognise the birds that nest in the canopy by their song and meet other creatures such as bats, badgers and even the odd wild boar. Other activities include learning ancient woodland arts such as coppicing, searching for woodland fruits and building your own shelter and mythical 'green man'.
Perfect for adults and children who enjoy climbing, investigating, den building, camping and generally having fun, this book will encourage readers to have fun with nature.

Educated in watery disciplines to masters level, Tessa Wardley is a member of the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management and a former senior water ecologist at a leading environmental consultancy and policy adviser to the Environment Agency. These days she uses her 15 years experience of studying rivers to back up the fun and adventures she has in and around them, usually accompanied by her four children.

Introduction
How to use the book
Getting started
A bit about the woodlands
Finding woodlands
Woodland access
A word on safety
Relax
Contemplate the canopy
Sling a hammock
Hug a tree
Make a woodland message
Go in search of woodland spirits
Listen to the birds
Feed your senses
Play
Woodland games
Scavenging
Conkers, I'm collecting conkers
Woodland alphabet
Games with sticks
Look under logs
Talk to the birds
Obstacle courses
Be creative
Leaf prints
Rubbings
Woodland art
Make Christmas wreaths
Make nests
Build dens
Whitting
Make bows and arrows
Take a camera
Be curious
Identifying trees
Grow an oak
Go nutty: woodland forage
Hunt for helicopters
Spot a fun guy
Find your way in the woods
What's in the woods?
Night walking
Natural grafts
Be adventurous
Climb into the canopy
Hang out in trees
Balancing games: find your Zen
Woodland workout
Stray off the path
Answer some questions
How tall is that tree?
What are 'native trees'?
What is 'ancient woodland'?
What kills trees?
Why are deciduous woodlands so diverse?
What the old oak saw
Resources
Useful links
Acknowledgements
Bibliography