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?

Three Somervillian Medics Elected as Foulkes Foundation Fellows

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09 July 2025
Three Somervillian Medics Elected as Foulkes Foundation Fellows

Three Somervillians Elected to Honorary Fellowships

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09 July 2025
Three Somervillians Elected to Honorary Fellowships

Somerville Student Corinne Clark Wins Lord Alfred Douglas Memorial Prize

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04 July 2025
Somerville Student Corinne Clark Wins Lord Alfred Douglas Memorial Prize