The ash tree has long been an integral part of the British landscape, its familiar branches protruding from limestone scars and chalky cliff faces. But tragically ash dieback, a disease from mainland Europe, now poses a serious threat to the trees' survival. And their grave prognosis took on a personal resonance when, while writing this book, Lisa Samson was diagnosed with a brain tumour, forcing her to contemplate her own mortality while the trees' likely fate emerged.

Taking us from the lowlands of Norfolk to the northernmost reaches of the British Isles,Epitaph for the Ashoffers up a rallying cry to treasure these remarkable woodlands while we can, before it is too late.