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?

Professor Dame Carole Jordan DBE, FRS, FRAS, FInstP (1941-2026)

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13 February 2026
Professor Dame Carole Jordan DBE, FRS, FRAS, FInstP (1941-2026)

Remembering Our Supporters’ Lunch 2026

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13 February 2026
Remembering Our Supporters’ Lunch 2026

Professor Patricia Owens awarded Leverhulme Major Research Fellowship

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23 January 2026
Professor Patricia Owens awarded Leverhulme Major Research Fellowship