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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
This paper describes how a particular group of broadleaved trees – known as “valuable broadleaved trees” because of their special value as timber and their general rarity in terms of timber supply – have had a special place in the cultural landscapes and cultural life of a number of countries in Europe. The paper is an output of Cost Action E42 – VALBRO - Valuable Broadleaved Trees in Europe. The countries presented here reflect those which took part in the action, although conveniently they represent a good range of different regions – from Finland in the North to Greece in the south and from Ireland in the west to Poland in the east. Not all of the trees are found in each country and in some they are planted but not native. The cultural values and associations therefore vary but there are also some great similarities in the way trees have played a role – economically, providing a range of products both timber and non-timber; as elements that identify place and help establish place identity; as sources of folklore, myths, legends and superstitions. These values are on the point of being lost to most cultures because they are associated with traditional, rural ways of life. As Europe becomes more urbanised such cultural heritage is at risk of becoming lost forever. Trees become either utilitarian sources of products of economic value or are used as aesthetic objects in landscape design.
Description
This publication is derived from the Outputs of Working Group One (WG3) of the EU COST
ACTION E42 VALBRO with the contribution of Ana Maria Carvalho from ESA/IPB and CIMO to this theme in particular.
Keywords
Etnobotany Folhosas Broadleaved species TEK Património imaterial Heritage
Citation
Simon, B.; Mcloughlin, J.; Reeg, T.; Gavaland, A.; Muehlthaler, U.; Makinen, K.; Castro, J.; Carvalho, Ana Maria; Cziesewzka, A.; Borowski, J.; Ferrini, F.; Pennati, L.; Dini-Papanastasi, O.; Ispikoudis, I. (2008). Cultural aspects of the trees in selected European countries. VALBRO, COST Action E42: Valuable broadleaved tree species in Europe. COST Office.