George McGavin investigates the highly varied and dramatic life of
oak tree. Part science documentary, part historical investigation, this
film is a celebration of one of the most iconic trees in the British
countryside. It aims to give viewers a sense of what an extraordinary
species the oak is and provide an insight into how this venerable tree
experiences life.
Filmed over a year, George uncovers the
extraordinary transformations the oak goes through to meet the
challenges of four very different seasons.
In autumn, George goes underground,
digging below an oak tree to see how its roots extract precious
resources from the soil. And he sees why the oak’s superstrong wood made
it the perfect material for building some the most famous ships in
naval history, including Nelson’s flagship The Victory.
In winter, George discovers the
sophisticated strategies the tree uses to survive gales and bitter
frosts. He finds out about the oak’s vital role in architecture, showing
how some very familiar sights, such as the tower of Salisbury
Cathedral, are in fact giant oak structures.
In spring, George investigates how the
oak procreates, spreading its pollen through the countryside. He
discovers the incredibly sophisticated strategies it uses to withstand
savage onslaughts from predators hellbent on eating it alive.
In summer, George uses a high-powered
microscope to see the hundreds of species that regard the oak as their
home. Humans too rely on the oak for their own form of ‘sustenance’.
Whisky gets its unique flavours from the oak wood barrels in which it’s
matured.