EPISODE 4: MANAGEMENT OF COPPICE WOODLAND

A visit to the Scottish Highlands serves as a case study of how throughout the world today we are in danger of losing our ancient woodlands of native trees.

A visit to England's Windsor Great Park, a celebrated site for ancient oaks, reveals the importance of trees in the ecosystem's complex process of renewal and regeneration.

Examines the natural growth in ancient forests of scarce species such as the Crab Apple, Wild Cherry and Irish Whitebeam, the importance of the cultivation of diverse species in private gardens, and recommendations for the growth of trees in urban environments.

Examines the ancient history of customs and rituals involving trees, their spiritual and religious significance, and their persistence to the present day, including the Fair Trees of Ireland, the springtime decoration of may bushes, Arbor Day celebrations, and the activities of a group of contemporary tree worshippers.

Examines the threatened survival of rare trees, the importance of preserving them, techniques (such as grafting) to do so, and the activities of botanists in several species recovery programs.

Examines both the history of trees--including once relatively abundant species which today are very rare and some of the oldest trees in the world--as well as the importance of trees in human history.

A visit to the ancient Redwoods in the Giant Sequoia National Park in California inspires a discussion with a Native American ecologist of how a true respect for trees must be handed on to the next generation.

Environmentalist Dick Warner hosts this eight part series on trees and their relationship with the world around them.