<\/p>\n
The Trees & Their Names<\/strong><\/p>\n I\u2019ve been given a list, the names of the trees. I start with an easy one: English Oak, Quercus robur<\/em>, Next is Wild Cherry, Prunus avium,<\/em> also called Mazzard or Gean. After 15 minutes I can find no tree which matches By the time I make it to the bottom of the list, Tomorrow I\u2019m to be given a new list, the people and their jobs. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\nThe task is to go into the forest
\nand match the names with trees.<\/p>\n
\nI pick a tree which looks to be about 500 years old.
\nIt is a gathering place for tiny wasps, earwigs, woodlice,
\nsomewhere to cower under an old twisted root.
\nIf I\u2019m really quiet I can hear it grumble and groan.<\/p>\n
\nUnder the names someone with pretty handwriting has noted –
\n\u2018A favourite of blackbirds and starlings.\u2019
\nI think it is the blackbirds which call it Mazzard
\nand the starlings which call it Gean.<\/p>\n
\nany of the Cherry\u2019s names. I\u2019ve been trying my best
\nto see what the people who wrote these names must have seen.
\nI must try harder. I will eat my packed lunch
\nin a patch of sunlight and think clearly.<\/p>\n
\nBlack Poplar, Populus nigra<\/em>, the Devil\u2019s Fingers,
\nI am very tired. When I close my eyes I see the Poplar.
\nIt grows and grows to reach a tremendous height
\nand pluck aeroplanes out of the sky. I must go home.<\/p>\n
\nThe task is to go into the town
\nand match the people with jobs.<\/p>\n