A new Radio 3 series of Somerville Fellow Fiona Stafford’s The Meaning of Trees will air at 10.45pm from Monday to Friday this week.

Horse Chestnut, Cypress, Cherry, Holly and Birch will each be a the subject of a full episiode, as Professor Stafford considers the cultural and literary significance of each species.

You can also read our 2014 feature on Fiona Stafford’s research into the meaning of trees.

To see photos of a few of the Somerville quad trees, see the recent Facebook post.

Further reading?

From Most Vulnerable to Most Valuable: Elevating Children in the Climate and Health Agenda

Learn More
22 June 2026
From Most Vulnerable to Most Valuable: Elevating Children in the Climate and Health Agenda

Andrew Parker Looks Back on 14 Years as Treasurer

Learn More
19 June 2026
Andrew Parker Looks Back on 14 Years as Treasurer

Somerville Secure “Most Bumps per Crew” at Summer Eights

Learn More
15 June 2026
Somerville Secure “Most Bumps per Crew” at Summer Eights