What secrets lie within the ancient oak trees of Britain?

Oak trees: Kew's living legends | Dig Deeper episode 12 · 10:07 · Video: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew · Watch at the source

In short: Oak trees are iconic fixtures of British landscapes, yet their biological diversity, cultural mythology, and modern survival challenges remain largely misunderstood. This episode features Kew expert Tom Fry, who examines the science and stories behind these resilient sentinels.

The oak tree, belonging to the genus Quercus, serves as a central figure in both British ecology and folklore. Despite their familiarity in parks and forests, these trees are complex organisms facing contemporary environmental pressures.

Tom Fry, a member of the Kew Tree Gang, investigates the specific number of oak species, the historical myths associated with the trees, and the various threats currently impacting their health and longevity.

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