Root and Branch

In this series ecologist Anja Murray and musician Brían Mac Gloinn (Ye Vagabonds) celebrate some of Ireland's native trees. Each episode in this series is about a tree species, weaving together history, ecology and folklore with traditional tunes and especially composed songs by Brían Mac Gloinn, one half of the folk due Ye Vagabonds. Together, Anja and Brían create a unique portrait of pioneering birch, adaptable willow, golden rodded hazel, protective holly, strong oak and generous ash. There are interviews with a master basket maker, a folklorist, an archaeologist, an ecologist, so that the story of each tree is told through the many ways in which it has infused Ireland's wildlife, and cultural heritage.

Episode 2 - Hazel

Hazel (Coll in Irish) is all about this small tree that has always been one of the most indispensable for our ancient ancestors. Hazel grows as many long straight rods that were a staple building material, used for wattle and daub walls, for thatching, and for making fish traps and fences. Brían and Anja meet with Aidan O Sullivan and colleagues at the school of archaeology in UCD as they construct an early medieval homestead, made almost entirely of hazel. Anja also visits an oceanic Hazel wood in County Clare with ecologist Maria Long, where they see the incredible richness of wildlife that make these woodlands so special. Brían and friends perform a newly composed song about the many uses of Hazel and perform traditional tunes referencing Hazel.

(First broadcast - 16th October 2022)

Presenters: Anja Murray and Brían Mac Gloinn

Produced by: Anja Murray

Original score and songs by Brían Mac Gloinn

Sound Design & Editing: Brían Mac Gloinn

Producer for RTÉ lyric fm: Eoin O Kelly

Production Co-ordinator: Peter Curtin