We are delighted to be hosting an online event with Peter Wohlleben in celebration of his return to the forest with his powerful and engaging new book The Heartbeat of Trees. He will be in conversation with David Knott, Curator at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and Vicky Allan, journalist and author of For the Love of Trees.

Drawing on new scientific discoveries, The Heartbeat of Trees reveals the profound interactions humans can have with nature, exploring the language of the forest, the consciousness of plants, and the eroding boundary between flora and fauna. Whether we observe it or not, Wohlleben points out that our blood pressure stabilises near trees, the colour green calms us, and the forest sharpens our senses. Above all, Wohlleben reveals a wondrous cosmos where humans are a part of nature, and where conservation is not just about saving trees—it’s about saving ourselves, too.

Peter Wohlleben is the author of numerous books, including the international bestseller The Hidden Life of Trees which has sold more than 150,000 copies in the UK alone, over 3 million worldwide and has been in the Top 10 bestseller lists in 13 different countries.

David Knott is currently Curator at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh where he is responsible for the Horticulture team which includes the Arboriculture team. He was previously Curator at Dawyck Botanic Garden, one of RBGE’s Regional Gardens, and home to some of the oldest and tallest trees in Britain. Knott is also a tree hugger.

Vicky Allan is the author of For The Love Of Trees: A Celebration of Trees and People, as well as the bestselling wild swimming book, Taking The Plunge, and the collection of frank menopause stories, Still Hot! She is an award-winning journalist working as a staff writer at the Herald, specialising in stories about wellbeing, nature and the environment.

The event will be streamed live with Peter Wohlleben, David Knott and Vicky Allan joining us from their own homes.

The signed book and ticket option includes a signed bookplate edition of The Heartbeat of Trees. These will be hand-wrapped and posted out in the days following the event. There is also a £3 ticket option, which includes a £3 voucher that can be redeemed against any item on the Portobello Bookshop website – including books by featured authors.

The Heartbeat of Trees by Peter Wohlleben