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?

‘Secret Genius’ Comes to Somerville

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26 February 2026
‘Secret Genius’ Comes to Somerville

Janet Vaughan Society Dinner 2026

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26 February 2026
Janet Vaughan Society Dinner 2026

Ratan Tata Building Update

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25 February 2026
Ratan Tata Building Update