Root & Branch
A new six part 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 about a tree species, weaving together history, ecology and folklore with traditional tunes and especially composed songs by Brían Mac Gloinn, one half of the folk due Ye Vagabonds. Together, Anja and Brían create a unique portrait of pioneering birch, adaptable willow, golden rodded hazel, protective holly, strong oak and generous ash. There are interviews with a master basket maker, a folklorist, an archaeologist, an ecologist, so that the story of each tree is told through the many ways in which it has infused Ireland’s wildlife, and cultural heritage.
Episode 4: Willow
Willow was the material which baskets were made from, so for this fourth episode of Root & Branch, Brían and Anja interview celebrated basket maker Joe Hogan, about the history and culture of basket making in Ireland. Brían sings a traditional song about weeping willow, and performs a song he has written to reflect the folklore of willow. Anja discovers the importance of willow catkins as an early source of pollen to bees when few flowers are in blossom and talks to Jane Stout, a specialist in plant animal interactions in the botany department of Trinity College Dublin.
Presenters: Anja Murray and Brían Mac Gloinn
Produced by: Anja Murray
Original score and songs by Brían Mac Gloinn
Sound Design & Editing: Brían Mac Gloinn
Producer for RTÉ lyric fm: Eoin O Kelly
Production Co-ordinator: Peter Curtin
Funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland from the television licence fee.
RTÉ lyric fm, Sunday 30th October, 6pm-7pm