WHILE I have always enjoyed the aesthetic qualities of a tree, I was dubious as to whether an entire book written about the ancient green giants would sustain my attention.

However, this book is enriched by far more than facts alone about Cumbria’s trees.

From breathtaking photographs, by Val Corbett, to stories about a mix of people encountering trees, this book is as much about history as it is timber.

Mr Richardson tells a lively story that is complemented by the many photographs throughout the 257-page hard-back book.

Credit has to be given to him for exploring such a unique topic and achieving such an interesting read.