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Trees are an important part of the life of many cities. Whether in avenues or parks they provide shade, a green resting place for the eye, comfort for the mind, and as we increasingly know from research, help keep the atmosphere cool and fresh. Some cities are famous for a particular species, such as the orange trees of Seville, London's plane trees, or Washington DC's cherry blossoms, whereas others are renowned for trees in general, such as the remarkable diversity to be found in Delhi.
Urban Arboreal looks at city trees and their stories in all their complexity – how they have become synonymous with their cities is often an untold story. By knowing more about these trees we come to know more about the very spaces we inhabit, or wish we did! It celebrates their glories and the symbolic place they have in the lives of city dwellers, and at how they are increasingly seen as important allies in improving the quality and health of the urban environment. Above all, this is a clarion call for bringing more life into urban communities. Through 70 trees we travel the world and come to learn the hidden histories that are wrapped up in these botanical giants.
Michael Jordan's writing career began after ten years as a successful broadcaster working for BBC TV, Granada, Anglia, Channel 4, Radio 4 and World Service. He has published ten books on the natural world, his most recent being The Beauty of Trees. He lives in Devon.
