Trees

Laura Wright visits Ushaw Historic House in County Durham to discover the deep spiritual, emotional and symbolic connections between trees and the Christian faith.

Ushaw Historic House is a former Catholic seminary set in acres of beautiful grounds that boast tens of thousands of trees. It is here that Laura meets theologian and bishop of Newcastle, Helen-Ann Hartley. Surrounded by stunning woodland, they discuss the important place trees have in the Bible - from the Garden of Eden to the cross - and how planting trees can be a profound act of hope for future generations.

We then visit Perthshire in Scotland, the home of one of the most extraordinary trees in the world - the legendary Fortingall Yew. This ancient tree is believed to be thousands of years old and attracts visitors from all over the world. Although this tree predates Christianity, local experts explain that yew trees are often found in church yards precisely because they represent the eternal.

Back at Ushaw Historic House, Laura meets Judith Watson. Judith shares how volunteering in the gardens has brought her closer to her faith.

With inspiring music celebrating God’s creation, including hymns specially recorded in the stunning St Cuthbert’s Chapel at Ushaw:

1. Joyful, Joyful – St Cuthbert’s Chapel, Ushaw Historic House
2. The Rugged Old Cross - St Augustine’s Church, Penarth
3. Great Is Thy Faithfulness - Unoma Okudo in the Church of the Holy Rude, Stirling
4. Trees – Sir Bryn Terfel in Margam Park, Port Talbot
5. Make Me a Channel of Your Peace - St Cuthbert’s Chapel, Ushaw Historic House
6. Praise with Joy the World’s Creator - St Cuthbert’s Chapel, Ushaw Historic House