This all began with the seed of a thought; what would a thriving, abundant forest landscape feel like?

How could we work with trees to return the potential life and energy to UK forests?

How could we grow more trees on farms in agroforestry systems?

How could we do this to benefit collective health?

These are the ideas that inspired From Trees. Sitting with a hot brew, an idea germinated... a thought about TEA.

Through thousands of years of culture, process and relationship to the living world, a wondrous health drink was created that now sits in boxes in cupboards across the world - a commodity that is totally detached from the tree and the origins of its culture. True tea is harvested with care and respect, it honours the trees and creates incredible flavour and health benefits which nurture people and land. In that moment multiple thoughts flowed...

What if we used native European tree species to make tea?

How would that taste? What health benefits would they offer? What lost land culture could we discover?

We started researching and exploring a rich seam of ethnobotanical stories and information. In Britain our relationship with trees runs deep. We discovered records of the amazing health benefits, flavours and tastes from brewing with tree leaves, flowers, fruit and bark. Drinking these brews felt nostalgic - as if our bodies were remembering a well known connection.

We are people of the trees. We have always known the incredible gifts trees offer.

This ancient wisdom is being backed up by modern science. There is more and more research confirming the powerful phytochemicals trees offer that nurture our bodies and replenish our minds. Deep roots pull minerals from the soil, leaves are packed full of vitamins; boosting our immune system and hydrating our cells.

Holding reverence, respect and establishing long term, multi-generational connections with trees and forest environments builds community. We are supporting and working with forest communities who protect and grow trees throughout generations. The income forest communities gain from harvesting and selling tea means they can sustain life and protect forest home land. This isn’t only something that can happen in other parts of the world; forestry and farming in Britain needs to diversify and embrace more trees.

Growing trees for tea, either on farms or as wild forest harvests, creates so many shared benefits. Leaves nourish the soil, roots oxygenate the ground and aid water retention. The canopy oxygenates and cleanses the air, provides shelter and protection. The leaves, fruit and bark not only benefit our health, but feed and house a multitude of other species.

If we need guidance as to how our relationship with trees can work, we have only to look to other relationships within the forest - life functions according to exchange - systems of give and take. Harvesting from trees in regenerative systems supports biodiversity, it makes them adaptive and builds resilience.