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?

Mistletoe, Mythology, and Somerville’s Mistle Thrushes

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15 April 2026
Mistletoe, Mythology, and Somerville’s Mistle Thrushes

Profile: Professor Loeske Kruuk, FRS

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14 April 2026
Profile: Professor Loeske Kruuk, FRS

Professor Dame Averil Cameron (1940–2026)

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08 April 2026
Professor Dame Averil Cameron (1940–2026)