Contrary to the common idea that most of Great Britain is a sylvan paradise, the island has for centuries been one of the least wooded countries of Europe, botanist Oliver Rackham points out, but it once looked very different from today. From prehistoric times, through the Roman period and into the Middle Ages, Rackham describes the changing character, role, and history of England's greenery. Looking ahead, Rackham concludes this definitive study with a section on the conservation and future of Britain's forests and hedgerows.

"There are heroes in this book as much as in any history but they are ancient oaks and beeches and hornbeams. Besides, how could anyone not want to read a book with a section on 'What nettles say'?"—Simon Schama