Tree Walk with Aidan Meighan

Meet outside Beck Isle Museum | Starts at 11am | Tickets £8 or £16 including sandwiches

Explore the folklore of the trees found on our doorstep here in Pickering!

Join arboreal devotee and author of The Folklore of Trees, Aidan Meighan, on an approximately two mile walk starting outside the Beck Isle Museum and following the Pickering Beck, before branching off around the Castle and down Burgate to the Church.

Along the way we’ll stop to hear about the legends, secrets and myths of the different tree species living on this beautiful route.

We’ll end the walk at The Forest and Vale Hotel garden, home to a 300+ year old sweet chestnut tree, with a sandwich buffet for those who choose to add this on to the walk. Drinks aren’t included, but the bar will be open for you to choose your favourite, from a cup of tea to an afternoon tipple!

The walk is generally considered an easy route along footpaths. If you have any questions about the route or accessibility, please contact Pickering Book Tree to discuss.

The event will go ahead in most weathers, so please come prepared for the day’s forecast. We’ll move inside at the Forest and Vale if it is raining.

About the Book

The Folklore of Trees explores the fascinating stories and intriguing superstitions behind nature’s guardians. Insightfully written and beautifully illustrated by Aidan Meighan, it’s the perfect reading companion for every lover of the natural — and mythological — world.

This book reminds us of the enduring power of stories to connect us to our history, to nature and hopefully to an ever-greener future. We need to love life, we need to love trees — Chris Packham, wildlife TV presenter & campaigner

Uncover the myths, legends and secrets of the world’s most iconic trees.

Did you know that laurel is said to protect against snakebites and shield against witchcraft? Or that yews are often planted near graveyards to keep the devil out? Across cultures and centuries, trees have stood as guardians of life, inspiring stories that connect us to nature, spirituality and tradition.

The Folklore of Trees brings these tales together in a stunning hardback featuring a foreword by acclaimed naturalist, Chris Packham. Inside, you’ll explore 36 legendary species from around the globe, each paired with an intricate illustration and rich cultural context.

You’ll discover:

• The Major Oak, said to shelter Robin Hood, and the baobabs of Madagascar, revered for their longevity.
• Sacred trees of Celtic, Norse, Greek, Roman, Hindu, Buddhist and Indigenous traditions.
• Fascinating myths behind olive branches of peace, dragon blood trees that bleed red sap and Japanese cherry blossoms symbolising life’s impermanence.
• Seasonal customs, protective charms and superstitions.
• A compact, beautifully designed format, perfect for gifting or personal reflection.

Whether you’re a nature lover, folklore enthusiast or simply curious about the stories rooted in our landscapes and forests, this book is your invitation to wander the cultural canopy.

About the Author

Aidan Meighan is an author, illustrator and arboreal devotee living in Somerset, with a passion for nature and storytelling. For fifteen years, Aidan has been passionately drawing trees, maps and beautiful places from around the world, working with travel and lifestyle books and magazines, brands and destinations, in his distinctive style.

Aidan is an enthusiast for the written word and print, being instrumental in the production of the Glastonbury Free Press newspaper since its inception in 2013. He is also a keen gardener and back-yard conservationist.

The Folklore of Trees is a joyful coming together of Aidan’s passions and interests.

You can find Aidan on his website, www.aidanmeighan.com, and on Instagram, @aidan_meighan.

Tickets

£8 from the shop counter (currently cash only) or online at ticketsource.com

Direct link to booking page here

We’ll meet outside the Beck Isle Museum and start the walk at 11am, heading along the Beck and up to Pickering Castle.

We’ll end the walk in The Forest and Vale Hotel with sandwiches in the garden for those who have added this on. In the case of poor weather, we will move inside!

Sandwiches are an additional £8 per person and need to be booked in advance through the booking page or Pickering Book Tree, letting us know of any dietary requirements.