Happy New Year dear people! In this short but beautiful excerpt Elif Shafak uses trees to point our attention to the silent stories surrounding us.
“Listen to what we have to tell,
because hidden inside our story
is the past and the future of…[Read more]

Have you been in the nature today? During our live broadcasts we always talk about the different benefits that trees and forests have on humans, both mentally and physically. Here is an article that links to studies on those benefits, and explains what it is that draws us to the nature…[Read more]

There are so many benefits to being close to trees that it is pretty incredible. This Forbes article highlights a few of them and gives links to scientific research – tree hugging is not just for hippies, you see! Did you know, for instance, that the phytoncides emitted by trees decrease the levels of cortisol (or the stress hormone) in your…[Read more]

This is cool! On this map you find some historic tree graffiti, including the so called ‘witch marks’ carved into England’s trees. The markings tell about how people used the area hundreds of years ago – to mark trees for logging, protection etc.

Tree graffiti

Picture © New Forest NPA

We have had a gorgeous autumn here in HaliPuu -forest, with flaming red forest floor (see the blueberry plants in the picture) and golden trees. Alas, all good things must come to an end, and now the deciduous trees are bare, waiting to be covered with a layer of snow. More to the south, however, there is still beautiful fall foliage to be seen.…[Read more]

Yikes! Do NOT hug this tree! Some types of Australian Dendrocnides grow to be 100ft tall and look furry and inviting – but cause a sting that can last for days 😬
So always know what you are hugging… https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/16/science/australia-stinging-trees-toxins.html
Image: Peter Righteous/Alamy

Another great entry from #TreeHugging2020! Competing with number 2 we had Edmund from Malaysia, who did a clever tripple-hug. Edmund and his wife Sio Sen have been residing in Finland for almost 6 years of which 2 in Levi. They both work in the Hospitality industry in Levi, as the Wine Director and Customer Relation Manager respectively. It was…[Read more]

I have never heard of this tree growing technique, what a shame that it is not possible with our pine trees (on the other hand, we have never tried, so who knows… 🤔)
https://www.boredpanda.com/sustainable-japanese-forestry-daisugi/
(picture credits wrathofgnon)

Did you see this weeks “Tree of the Week” from The Guardian? It is a big hornbeam in Brockwell Park in London, and it is very important to Tim Mosley (interviewed for the story). If you happen to be somewhere close to it, would be great to get a hugging picture 😊 (This pic is by Tom Fuller)…[Read more]

And we have a WINNER 🥇🌎🌍🌏🏆
For a few weeks now we have been searching for the Virtual TreeHugging World Champion 2020, an here she is! The judges loved the deep feeling of joy in this picture, as well as the sincerity. Congratulations Irina, we hope you can come and defend your title live next year in the HaliPuu forest 💞
You can see more of the…[Read more]

Listen to this beautiful love letter to trees by Hermann Hesse.

Wander: Natascha McElhone Reads Hermann Hesse’s 100-Year-Old Love Letter to Trees in a Virtual Mental Health Walk Through Kew Gardens

Very curious to see everybody’s tree hugging pictures!

Again a new potential medicine from trees, this time willow. Researchers have found a chemical called miyabeacin that can kill various types of cancer cells, some of them resistant to other drugs. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/jul/14/could-the-willow-help-us-fight-cancer

The Finnish company behind Koura uses pine tree resin (byproduct of wood industry) to create a reusable protective “glove” that prevents spreading of viruses, bacteria and impurities. https://koura.eu/ It is completely non-toxic, it disinfects itself and kills 99,96% of harmful impurities, such as MRSA bacteria. Check their website to pre-order!

I bumped into Rainforest Connection https://rfcx.org/ a while ago, and loved the idea :). The initiative uses old mobile phones to “eavesdrop” forests, which makes it possible to detect illegal deforestation and animal poaching – and to learn more about rainforests.