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The Heartbeat of Trees

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The Heartbeat of Trees

By: Peter Wohlleben
Narrated by: Mike Grady
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About this listen

 FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER, THE HIDDEN LIFE OF TREES

‘A simultaneously stimulating and soothing blend of nature writing and science … Strongly encourages tree hugging for our own, human sake’ Guardian Summer Reads 2021

A powerful return to the forest, where trees have heartbeats and roots are like brains that extend underground. Where the colour green calms us, and the forest sharpens our senses.

In The Heartbeat of Trees, renowned forester Peter Wohlleben draws on new scientific discoveries to show how humans are deeply connected to the natural world. In an era of climate change, many of us fear we’ve lost our connection to nature, but Wohlleben is convinced that age-old ties linking humans to the forest remain alive and intact. We just have to know where to look.

Drawing on science and cutting-edge research, The Heartbeat of Trees reveals the profound interactions humans can have with nature, exploring:

  • the language of the forest
  • the consciousness of plants
  • and the eroding boundary between flora and fauna

A perfect book to take with you into the woods, The Heartbeat of Trees shares how to see, feel, smell, hear, and even taste the forest.

Peter Wohlleben, renowned for his ability to write about trees in an engaging and moving way, reveals a wondrous cosmos where humans are a part of nature, and where conservation and environmental activism is not just about saving trees, it’s about saving ourselves, too.

©2021 Peter Wohlleben (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers Limited Biological Sciences Botany & Plants Human Geography Outdoors & Nature Science Social Sciences Thought-Provoking

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Critic reviews

‘A simultaneously stimulating and soothing blend of nature writing and science’ Guardian

‘Wohlleben confronts [climate change] directly. He is trenchant in his critique of tree plantations and wood-pellet-power plants, which claim to help the climate but, he argues, end up destabilizing it further’ New Yorker

‘[A] detailed, easy-to-read summary of what research has shown us about “the language of the forest, the consciousness of plants, and the eroding boundary between flora and fauna.” In this excellent and updated sequel to his The Hidden Life of Trees,[…] Wohlleben writes beautifully about the reciprocal bonds we can form with trees and all sorts of nature’ Psychology Today

‘It’s hard to dispute the book’s overall message; namely, that time spent in nature can serve as both a balm for anxiety and a bulwark against despair’ Globe and Mail

‘[An] eclectic look at humanity’s relationships with trees… Nature-minded readers will enjoy this episodic deep dive’ Publishers Weekly

‘Drawing on scientific evidence and his many years of experience, [Peter Wohlleben] extolls the wonders of the forest. A persuasive invitation to get outside and bathe in nature, perfect for tree huggers and fans of the author’s other books’ Kirkus Reviews

‘A return to the wonders of trees’ Booklist

‘[The Heartbeat of Trees] showcases the interconnectedness of humans and nature … Wohlleben takes a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating history, science, medicine, and mysticism. He balances poetic descriptions with analytical thoughts; beauty is at the heart of both. The result is a text that is full of wonder and insatiable curiosity, and that invites love for humanity and the natural world’ Foreword Reviews

‘[Like] a walk in the woods…[Wohlleben] urges hope, not despair, about our environmental malaise. [The Heartbeat of Trees] will appeal to fans of popular science and anyone curious about natural history’ Library Journal
All stars
Most relevant  
Lovely book with an engaged narrator. Sometimes annoying, but the book itself was easy to get through.

Plus for mentioning activists in Poland and Germany.

Enjoyable listen

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I've learnt so much about trees just from this single book. I'll never look at them the same again.

excellent book,

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I found this book fascinating as well as disturbing. I’ve found myself worrying about the management of forests to date and the future of ancient forests but also hope for the future due to people like Peter who care deeply and are willing and able to make decisions to protect them. I have learnt a lot and thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book. Peter has the perfect voice for this topic, I will be listening to more of his books going forward. Thank you.

Interesting book and beautifully read

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Great audiobook. Read beautifully. Would definitely recommend as learnt loads and enjoyed enormously. Each chapter is read at just the right pace

Loved this beautifully read audiobook

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After listening to the first book, The Secret Life of Trees, I dived straight into this one without reading the comments or reviews, expecting a continuation.

That's not what this is, to the point where the title is maybe a little misleading? The first book is all about trees; this is more about people, and how both we and our environment need trees, and lots of them. Well worth reading/listening - I particularly liked listening while hiking around my local nature reserves!

Interesting but different

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Soothing. Nourishing.
Beautiful narration, style.
Both of his books are bedtime audio masterpieces.
Wake up knowing stuff about trees 🤓

Bedtime on repeat 🛏️💤

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A very detailed and new way of viewing trees. These 'whales' of the plant world are brought to life by Peter and their plight is laid bare. It's worthwhile listening to a few chapters and then having a walk in the woods. It really brings them to life. The first few chapters were particularly thought provoking and I plan to use some of them in my public relations work for my own woods that I manage. The narration was generally very good with the exception of some American pronunciation of some words, e.g aluminium. Other than Mike's voice really carried the gravitas one would expect for a book of this stature.

A new way of viewing trees

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This is a truly excellent translation of Peter Wolleben's book. Informative and written with true passion, while remaining true to the author's scientific roots. And this also shines through in the translation, which is a real bonus. Having done a lot of translation work myself, I know from experience how difficult it is to bring across not just the literal meaning of the words, but also the intention of the author. The translator here is clearly passionate about this subject herself and that comes through beautifully. All in all a book I highly recommend for anyone who is passionate about trees, their role in the wellbeing of our planet and who wants to know more about them.

If you love trees, this is the book for you!

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I'm putting this in my favourite top 3 books of all time, so far.
beautifully enlightening, helped me see nature from a different perspective.
can't wait to start peters other books now.

wow!

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Absolutely one of my favourites. Informative, educational, relaxing, jovial, exploratory, nostalgic, charming, delightful... and so much more.
Most definitely one for the senses.

Sumptuously Sublime

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