Judi Dench: My Passion for Trees on the Beeb

[Sgian Dubh]

I thought others might enjoy watching this programme which is being repeated on Boxing Day at 12:45 on BBC 1 (Dec 26, for any overseas visitors who aren't familiar with UK holidays surrounding the Christmas period). Unfortunately, I also suspect only UK based viewers will be able to watch it, but I suppose it's slightly possible those same overseas visitors to this forum might be able to watch it on some sort of download - not sure on that. US visitors to here, for example, might find it's showing on PBS or perhaps BBC America in the not too distant future.

The programme is quite well stocked with information I was already aware of in the life of trees, including leaf shedding (or not as winter approaches), aged trees in the UK, sum branch length, pollination, seed distribution, leaf area of large trees, means trees use to fight pests and disease, including communication with each other; the role of fungi in tree sustenance and welfare, and so on. And there's a fair bit of Shakespeare thrown in for good measure, perhaps not surprising given the name of the presenter.

Well worth a look I think. The link below provides more information. Slainte.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09jxnv4

 

[thetyreman]

the part of it about fungus was fascinating, I didn't realise how important it is, I watched it on TV the other day, good programme.

 

[dickm]

Watched it, but was rather disappointed. Some good bits, but an awful lot of "luvvy padding". That said, as a retired scientist, I'm probably not the intended audience

 

[Sgian Dubh]

That said, as a retired scientist, I'm probably not the intended audience

To some extent I suspect that depends upon your scientific field. I'm guessing there wouldn't be much in it for a mycologist, or someone with a specialism in a botanical field, but perhaps a nuclear physicist, or oceanographer, for example, might find something new. I noticed, and I'm not any kind of scientist, that the role of fungi in tree growth and as a source of nutrients, and in creating a healthy forest in general was barely touched upon, but that was largely true of all the subjects aired.

Still, I do think there was enough meat in a short one hour documentary to open people's eyes a bit to subjects concerning trees they were completely unaware of. As an aside, I didn't mind the Shakespeare at all, and given who was presenting I rather expected it, ha, ha. Slainte.

 

[Robbo3]

Fairly common knowledge amongst woodturners, Dr sarah Robinson is a doctor of spalting
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWedsgkoxYY
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZUir8hWvnI
(love the tag line 9m 45s - I don't pee on my wood & I can spalt it in 12 weeks).
- http://www.northernspalting.com/

 

[Ttrees]

It's always disappointing when you cant view the video because its not to be broadcasted
where you live.
I have been searching endlessly, for a BBC video that was linked here recently before,
BBC Panorama, Jungle outlaws : The chainsaw trail.
I gather the "message" is about awareness of illegal logging and counterfeit papers etc ....
Darn good that is, when you cant watch the show :x

I'm guessing it may be the only video that's specifically concerning iroko from Ghana, or the Ivory coast.

[Edit] Just had another look, and read it's actually about the Congo basin, not the above ???

I've watched all the other similar youtubes, but wondering if this video has more info.
I could be totally off the mark, but I would love to know if the video is worth searching frequently for,
Anyone seen it ?

Thanks

Sorry slightly off topic
Tom

 

[Woody2Shoes]

...specifically concerning iroko from Ghana....
.

Sadly, I fear the horse has already left the Ghanaian stable...

I enjoyed the programme. I don't think I learned anything new, other than a bit more about Judi Dench(!). It was beautifully photographed, and as well made as any BBC documentary. Of course, being aimed at a general audience (with an average IQ of 100) we were never going to be overloaded with detail.

Cheers, W2S