Local author Cheryl Rickman launches her new book TREE GLEE: How and why trees make us feel better this evening (13 October), at 7pm at P&G Wells Bookshop in College Street Winchester.
Endorsed by Dr Jane Goodall, Dame Joanna Lumley and Alan Titchmarsh MBE, TREE GLEE is part ode and love letter to trees, part practical wellbeing guide/nature-connection manual and part call to action.
At this after-hours bookshop event, Cheryl will share the mental and physical benefits of time spent with trees and what we can do to grow our own ‘branches of wellbeing’. She’ll also share what we can learn from the wisdom of woodlands to support our own wellness and how we can give back to trees that give us so much, so that we may thrive together. Attendees will also have the chance to take a trip down memory lane to consider their own ’treestory’.
Those who cannot attend in person can join via Zoom by contacting P&G Wells, while those attending in person are invited to register at pgwells.co.uk
Cheryl, a qualified Positive Psychology Practitioner and nature-lover, said “I’ve long known that being around trees has given me solace and a sense of calm comfort and I’ve been interested in the power of nature on wellbeing and creativity ever since my daughter went to a local Forest School a decade ago. But I wanted to dig deeper to find out why trees make us feel better. And what I discovered about evolutionary biology, the role our senses play and what happens to our bodies and minds when we are near trees is fascinating. Trees can be an essential tool in our wellbeing toolkit.
“While trees provide us with the necessities of life – they clean the air we breathe, fill us with awe as we walk through forests and provide timber for the houses we live in, there are deeper reasons for our arboreal admiration that go beyond utility and beauty.”
Tree Glee looks at the psychology behind our fascination with trees, examining exactly how they comfort, restore and revitalise us, explores the importance of trees in our leafy suburbs and urban landscapes, and shares magical stories of remarkable ancient trees across the globe.
Featuring chapters on forest bathing and nature therapy, woodland wellbeing and tree mythology, conservation initiatives and creative activities, Tree Glee explores how by deepening our appreciation and connection to trees and by celebrating and protecting them, we can flourish together.
Tree Aid Patron, Dame Joanna Lumley has said of TREE GLEE: “This lovely book is an absolute gem.” While Hampshire-based gardening expert and television presenter, Alan Titchmarsh MBE said, “Trees are so important to our health and that of the planet. This inspirational book shows just how we can thrive together.”
Dr Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace who lives in Bournemouth, said: “I have loved trees as long as I can remember, and Cheryl Rickman’s wonderful book illuminates the vitally important role they play, not only in maintaining the health of our planet and a habitat for so many living creatures, but also in providing us with mental and physical healing. Tree Glee also presents ideas on how you can help protect our amazing trees for the good of all.”
To register to attend the TREE GLEE book launch at P&G Wells, visit www.pgwells.co.uk/cheryl-rickman-book-launch/
Follow Cheryl on Instagram at @treeglee or visit www.TreeGlee.co.uk
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