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?

Shared Food, Shared Purpose: the Oxford Conferences’ Welcome Dinner 2026

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13 January 2026
Shared Food, Shared Purpose: the Oxford Conferences’ Welcome Dinner 2026

A Diplomat’s View on the Venezuela Crisis

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07 January 2026
A Diplomat’s View on the Venezuela Crisis

What Does Somerville Stand For? Reflections from the JCR

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09 December 2025
What Does Somerville Stand For? Reflections from the JCR