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The Druid Way

The Charter for Trees, Woods and People

April 19th, 2016

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The Woodland Trust has initiated a movement to promote tree awareness in Britain: The Charter for Trees, Woods and People. Druid groups in Britain are enthusiastically backing this project, and OBOD, BDO and the Druid Network are working together to do this. Here is our statement of support.

OBOD Statement on the Charter for Trees, Woods and People

‘I came into England with Oak, Ash and Thorn… and when Oak, Ash and Thorn are gone I shall go too.’
Puck of Pook’s Hill, Rudyard Kipling.

‘Three gifts from the forests of the Isle of the Mighty:
The beauty of birches, the strength of oaks, and the wisdom of yews.’

Throughout the Ancient World, trees were held sacred. From the dryad-haunted foothills of Mount Parnassus in Ancient Greece, to the Oak groves of Ynys Mon in North Wales, people revered trees as living beings, animate with raw power and profound wisdom. The word “Druid” echoes down from that time – an old word, that can be traced to the proto-Celtic dru-wid- s. Translated into English, this means “Oak Seer”.

British Druids today draw inspiration from that heritage; still honouring trees and learning the many lessons they have to teach. Trees are, for us, far more than mere resources – they are spirits of the wild, counsellors of the heart, and guardians of the ages, worthy of respect and love. Defending Britain’s woodlands and encouraging an ever-closer relationship between people and the forests is for us, therefore, a sacred charge. In this time of declining biodiversity, increasing urbanism, and climate change – this charge is more important than ever.

The Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids has taken a number of steps to put this crucial aspect of Druidic philosophy into practice. Woodland lore forms a major part of the training the order provides, covering cultural, botanical, and spiritual themes. For many years the Order has been running the Sacred Grove Project – an initiative to assist members with tree planting – and actively promotes sustainability through our Ecological Campaign. In 2014, the Order celebrated its 50th Anniversary with the planting of 1,000 trees in Glen Moriston, in the Scottish Highlands. A Charter dedicated to woods, trees and communities is therefore a cause that speaks to the deepest values of our Order, and reflects our existing commitment to safeguarding Britain’s woodlands.

Jonathan Woolley,
For and on behalf of The Order of Bards Ovates & Druids
April 2016

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6 Responses to “The Charter for Trees, Woods and People”

  1. Thank you for this. If I lived in the UK I would join you at your events. We have similar problems here on the west coast of Canada where we are battling industry. We are nothing without our sacred landscape. I enjoy your posts, Phillip.

  2. Absolutely wonderful! This made my day to read! Wish that I was closer to be able to participate! I’m over in California. But this is very inspiring!

  3. Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your weblog? My blog is in the very same niche as yours and my visitors would genuinely benefit from some of the information you provide here. Please let me know if this okay with you. Many thanks!|

  4. Congratulations from all of my heart – for the Charter and for the other initiatives!

    What would be our world without the magical whisper and wise power of the Trees?

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