The Heartbeat of Trees: Embracing Our Ancient Bond with Forests and Nature

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars | 550 ratings

Price: 18.39

Last update: 08-15-2024


About this item

From the author of the New York Times best seller The Hidden Life of Trees

A powerful return to the forest, where trees have heartbeats and roots are like brains that extend underground. Where the color green calms us, and the forest sharpens our senses.

In The Heartbeat of Trees, renowned forester Peter Wohlleben draws on new scientific discoveries to show how humans are deeply connected to the natural world. In an era of climate change, many of us fear we’ve lost our connection to nature - but Peter Wohlleben is convinced that age-old ties linking humans to the forest remain alive and intact. We just have to know where to look.

Drawing on science and cutting-edge research, 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.

A perfect book to take with you into the woods, The Heartbeat of Trees shares how to see, feel, smell, hear, and even taste the forest.

Peter Wohlleben, renowned for his ability to write about trees in an engaging and moving way, reveals a wondrous cosmos where humans are a part of nature, and where conservation and environmental activism is not just about saving trees - it’s about saving ourselves, too.

Praise for The Heartbeat of Trees

“As human beings, we’re desperate to feel that we’re not alone in the universe. And yet we are surrounded by an ongoing conversation that we can sense if, as Peter Wohlleben so movingly prescribes, we listen to the heartbeat of all life.” (Richard Louv, author of Our Wild Calling and Last Child in the Woods)

“Astonishment after astonishment - that is the great gift of The Heartbeat of Trees. It is both a celebration of the wonders of trees, and a howl of outrage at how recklessly we profane them.” (Kathleen Dean Moore, author of Earth’s Wild Music)

“As Peter Wohlleben reminds us in The Heartbeat of Trees, trees are the vocabulary of nature as forests are the brainbank of a living planet. This was the codex of the ancient world, and it must be the fine focus of our future.” (Dr. Diana Beresford-Kroeger, author of To Speak for the Trees and The Global Forest)

“Peter Wohlleben knows the battle that lies before us: forging a closer relationship with nature before we destroy it. In The Heartbeat of Trees he takes us deep into the global forest to show us how.” (Jim Robbins, author of The Man Who Planted Trees)


Top reviews from the United States

eleanor glorioso
5.0 out of 5 stars excellant resource
Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2024
A book for those who think outside the box
Daniel Lee Cotton
5.0 out of 5 stars Favorite book of my year
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2023
This seems to be an easy to read book packed w all kinds of ecological knowledge. Many of the European references to ecology, forestry practices, or German tree farming were very enlightening. Truly enjoyed
Aran Joseph Canes
4.0 out of 5 stars An Optimistic Perspective to Reconnect with Planet Earth
Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2021
Peter Wohlleben is no Pollyanna about the environment. As a witness to the almost complete loss of Germany’s old growth forests he would have to be somewhat gloomy.

But in the Heartbeat of Trees he chooses a different tack than the prophets of environmental destruction. He emphasizes the connection between human beings and trees; that the relationship is symbiotic; that nature is not only competitive but cooperative; and that ultimately deforestation is humanity’s own loss.

Thus, the reader is not so much harangued with guilt as taught how to feel at home in a forest. Blending scientific research and personal experiences makes for a pleasant read. The reader is taught such things as how the brain of a tree is in its roots, why old growth forests are not as subject to forest fires and how Homo sapiens have evolved a gene that minimizes the risk of cancer through smoke inhalation (since we’ve been gathering around campfires for millions of years).

While maybe not as groundbreaking as some of his earlier works, fans will recognize the same spirit at play. It’s familiar stylistically and thematically while still having something new to contribute. Recommended to all those aware of the precarious state of the earth’s ecology but who want to hear about it from a more positive perspective.
Just Another Review
5.0 out of 5 stars Good read
Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2023
Very interesting book. It's great to pick up and read a chapter or two when I have down time
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A Pointed Gently Persistent Advocate for Forests
Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2021
Each chapter is a separate visit to the community of trees, guided by humorous old man who can laugh at himself and shares his sorrow over the self-serving follies of tree killers. He always encourages you to look in new ways: at your self, at tree plantations, at city living, and towards the dim goal of aboriginal forest communities, which were and may come again, with work and patience.
Erika Whitton
5.0 out of 5 stars Another great book by Peter Wohlleben
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2021
Peter’s book if filled with detailed information that links to the bigger picture; his passion for, and intimate understanding of forests/woodlands takes you on a journey that leaves you inspired, and for me at least, it also leaves me sad… sad that our species really does not get-it: no nature, no life (at least no life that could be described as beautiful & thriving).
Solveig Thompson
5.0 out of 5 stars If you like or love trees, it is a must read.
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2022
The love for trees it was written comes through in every chapter. I learned much and admired the way the author wrote about things he did not agree with. Everything was done with compassion for all trees. One of my favorite "tree books".
Holly B.
3.0 out of 5 stars Earlier books are better than this one
Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2023
We have read all of his earlier books, and this one feels like he's running out of things to say. His first book is the best! Get that one instead.

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