Root & Branch
A new series by ecologist Anja Murray and musician Brían Mac Gloinn (Ye Vagabonds) celebrates some of Ireland’s native trees. Each episode in this series is a musically rich homage to the history, ecology, music and folklore of a tree species. Brían composes and performs new songs and collates traditional tunes for each tree, weaving these into a sonic journey through science, stories, people and wildlife. Together, Anja Murray and Brían Mac Gloinn create a unique portrait of pioneering birch, adaptable willow, regenerative hazel, protective holly, strong oak and generous ash. There are interviews with master craftsmen, folklorists, archaeologists, ecologists and activists, telling the story of each tree species through the many ways in which it has infused Ireland’s wildlife, and cultural heritage.
The series is produced by Anja Murray; written and presented by Anja Murray & Brían Mac Gloinn; and editing and sound design also by Brían Mac Gloinn. Original musical score and especially composed new songs by Brían Mac Gloinn.
Episode 1 ‘Birch’ reveals how this pioneering tree was one of the first trees to seed itself across the tundra like landscape of post-glacial Ireland, helping to create the rich soils we so depend on today. Brian Mc Gloinn and Anja Murray meet Michael O’Connell in Galway to find out how the tiny wind-borne seeds are perfectly adapted to colonising new ground. They explore how these characteristics are reflected in Irish folklore with Ríonach uí Ógáin, former director of the National Folklore Collection. The pair also meet Catherine Cleary of Pocket Forests to see tiny pockets of native woodland being planted up in communities in inner city Dublin. Brían and friends perform a newly composed song about Birch and several traditional tunes that reference birch.
Presenters: Anja Murray and Brían Mac Gloinn
Produced by: Anja Murray
Original score and songs by Brían Mac Gloinn of Ye Vagabonds
Sound Design & Editing: Brían Mac Gloinn
Producer for RTÉ lyric fm: Eoin O Kelly
An Anja Murray production funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland from the Television Licence Fee.
RTÉ lyric fm, Sunday 19th June, 6pm-7pm