We are hugely proud to have been leading a collaborative project to create a book entitled ‘The Thousand Year Tree’ that tells the story through time of Surrey’s ancient trees.
We brought a local school, Weyfield Primary Academy in Guildford, to visit and learn about the ancient yews at Newlands Corner and how we need to look after them to ensure their future. A mature tree may look majestic and strong, but it is fragile if not cared for in the right way.
This was followed up by a series of workshops, led by local author Lucy Reynolds and local illustrator Katie Hickey, where the children’s amazing creativity inspired most of the illustrations and words to co-create the book.
Another element of this project has included a competition which was launched through Surrey Libraries’ network to engage all young people aged 4 to 11 across Surrey to submit a design for the endpapers of the book. We have now chosen the talented four winners.
The book has now been printed by Old Dungate Press and will shortly be available for sale, with proceeds funding future Society conservation projects.
Lucy and Katie are also developing a schools engagement pack which will help extend the reach of the book further, focusing on elements of history, conservation and art. They will also be delivering several school workshops, helping to spread the message about safeguarding Surrey’s precious ancient trees.
