Root and Branch
In this series ecologist Anja Murray and musician Brían Mac Gloinn (Ye Vagabonds) celebrate 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 1: Birch
The first episode is all about the pioneering Birch (Beith in Irish), 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 and how birch can withstand harsh environments. The pair also talk to of Catherine Cleary of Pocket Forests about a new project to bring small pockets of native woodland back to communities in inner city Dublin. Brían and friends perform a newly composed song about Birch and several traditional tunes that reference birch.
(First broadcast – 9th October 2022)
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
RTÉ lyric fm, Sunday 14th May, 6pm-7pm
