Natural sanctuary, Beechwood: John Lewis-Stempel's tribute to nature's architectural masterpiece

In the heart of Britain, High Wycombe was once known as the 'chair capital', with beech trees forming a significant part of the furniture industry. This hardwood tree, present in Britain even before it became an island around 6000BC, has been a staple of England's landscape for millennia.

Beech trees, with their preference for slightly acidic, neutral soil and free-draining limestone, can be found throughout the country, from the chalk downlands that are as botanically diverse as a rainforest, to the estuaries that hold a unique habitat, part water, part earth, and characterized by constant movement.

John Lewis-Stempel, a two-time winner of the Wainwright prize for nature writing, expresses skepticism towards the concept of 'rewilding', stating it is a limited set of tools for addressing the state of nature. Instead, he delves into the natural habitats of England in his latest book, "England: A Natural History".

The book explores twelve distinctive habitats located throughout various regions in England, including the chalk downlands, home to the iconic skylark, and the English Estuary, a unique habitat that is rich in energy. For instance, a square yard of estuary mud contains the energy equivalent of 16 chocolate bars, according to John Lewis-Stempel.

One such habitat, the deer park, originating from Roman times, has significantly influenced England's topography. A notable example of this can be seen in Burnham Beeches in Berkshire, which holds a collection of veteran pollarded oak and beech trees.

The origin culture of John Lewis-Stempel's stamps, as explored in his book, is the natural habitats of England. Beech trees, in particular, have played a significant role in England's history. They were not only a staple of the furniture industry but were also believed to be the first food eaten by humans, according to the Ancient Greeks.

John Lewis-Stempel's book also sheds light on the beech woodlands in England, most of which are recent and intentional plantings. Beech trees can be trimmed into hedges and pollarded, pruned at head height, making them a versatile addition to the English countryside.

Beech trees are often associated with England's spiritual and minimalist side. They have been a part of England's identity for thousands of years and continue to be an essential component of its natural history.

In addition to his latest book, John Lewis-Stempel was named BSME Columnist of the Year in 2016, further cementing his position as a renowned nature writer in Britain. With "England: A Natural History", he invites readers to explore and appreciate the diverse and rich natural history of England.

Natural sanctuary, Beechwood: John Lewis-Stempel's tribute to nature's architectural masterpiece