This, like all powerful fables, starts with an impelling maxim "For a human character to reveal truly exceptional qualities, one must have the good fortune to be able to observe its performance over many years." The tale is a time-travel odyssey marked by the cumulative effect of a self-appointed man's quiet, determined propagation and planting of trees.
First published in 1954 the book establishes Giono as a futuristic seer. The protagonist, Elzéard Bouffier's evening ritual of sorting out a hundred viable acorns to plant each day whilst shepherding his sheep is a runic charm. It counters the present bleak, desolate discontinuity of a landscape and ecosystem denuded of trees due to historical clearance for agriculture and fuel. In the mystery of these acorn kernels lies the future promise of restoration of natural systems that will support life - flora, fauna and people.
Though set in a valley in the foothills of the Alps in France our own wooded lands have followed a similar historical trajectory as discussed in this article British Forest Landscapes, The Legacy of Woodland Fragmentation' by Kevin Watts, @Watts_km. Trees colonised Britain after the Ice Age, and approximately 6000 years ago 75 % of the landscape was forested. Systematic clearance of the trees began in Neolithic times and by the beginning of the Iron Age, 2500BP, the woodlands had been reduced by 50%. Domesday records, 900BP, show that only 15% of woodland remained. It is currently estimated that there is 13% woodland cover, however this is in main due to afforestation, plantations of exotic conifers, which accounts for over half. Ancient, semi-natural woodland (that which has a continual history from at least the 1600s) which counts for the highest diversity value is extremely fragmented, unfortunately these woods are very small and isolated from each other.
The slim book richly illustrated with wood engravings by Michael McCurdy and printed on heavy stock, held in hand evokes an immediacy to our relationship with trees and wood despite our home environments becoming more and more veneered in man-made materials and distanced from the natural world.
This enchanting allegory should be a prescribed story for primary school pupils. Its a compelling political creed and manifesto that should inform our actions as gardeners and citizens. It is our targeted, determined efforts that will contribute to the cumulative, joined-up effect of planting mixed hedgerows along garden boundaries and at the very least a well-considered tree in each and every garden (even if it is on dwarf rooting stock). We could be more aware of how our councils manage our street trees and planting of public spaces. We could take proactive measures to protect our existing woods against development. We could contribute our time and money to forest restoration projects. We could spend time exploring and experiencing our woodlands.
The Man Who Planted Trees Jean Giono Wood engravings by Michael McCurdy ISBN: 978 07206 1334 6 Peter Owen Publishers<
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