Paul Wood

Discover the ultimate urban tree-spotter’s guideThe Rebel Tree. The Climber’s Lime. The Ecclesiastical Pear.In Tree Hunting, Paul Wood seeks out the best individual trees – the most charismatic, quirky or downright spectacular – that grow in Britain and Ireland's towns, cities and villages (and, in one case, from the crack in a church steeple). From a stumpy sycamore in Shetland, contorted by wind and hard weather, to the shining jewel in Brighton’s unlikely treasure trove of elms, Paul travels on a quest from north to south rooting out the legends and tall tales behind these marvellous specimens. As he delves into this rich ecosystem, he reveals how trees are inextricably bound to the story of our towns and cities: they have always meant a great deal to those that live near them, and they continue to shape the fabric of urban life in deep, and often surprising ways.Including sumptuous maps, grid references and charming travel notes so you can plan adventures of your own, Tree Hunting will help you unlock the secrets of Britain and Ireland's urban forests.

The first guide to reveal the full, amazing variety of London's street tree population is now an agenda-setting, canonical work. Paul Wood's brilliant and acclaimed London's Street Trees sold out three printings in its first 2017 edition, two more in its expanded 2020 edition, and in 2024 is republished yet again in a completely revised and further extended edition. But London's Street Trees has needed to be revised and expanded again, because the capital's street tree population has continued to grow and gloriously diversify. Every month boroughs all over the capital are planting new species, from winter-flowering cherries to brighten up winter to Hackney's shocking pink-flowering Toona sinensis.

**Finalist in the Outstanding Music Education Print Resource Category for the 2025 Music & Drama Education Awards** Stringtastic Book 2 teaches through playing in an engaging exploration of musical styles. Part of the fully integrated Stringtastic series in which violin, viola, cello and double bass can all learn and play together in any combination. This Teacher’s Accompaniment book provides the complete piano score which works with any combination of the instrumental parts. Learn as you play through the world of Stringtastic, with 62 imaginative pieces that have been specifically designed to establish a secure playing technique and build confidence one step at a time. Following on from Stringtastic Book 1, Book 2 takes the student from Grade 1 (Early Elementary) to Grade 2 (Elementary) level. Featuring equal-level duets for all instruments, the pieces are ideal for individual and group tuition as well as flexible ensemble and classroom settings. Every piece is supported by an exciting backing track plus a piano-only track for practice, all available to download. Mark Wilson and Paul Wood have developed an engaging and accessible new series of string-playing method books… The presentation will appeal to young learners, and the careful, well-conceived pedagogy will thrill their teachers! Furthermore, the Stringtastic integrated approach gives proper deference to the social aspect of music-making by allowing violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists to play together from the start. I look forward to sharing this method with my young students and colleagues in early music education. Dr. Mark Elliot Bergman, Director of Strings and Orchestral Studies, Sheridan College.

**Finalist in the Outstanding Music Education Print Resource Category for the 2025 Music & Drama Education Awards** Stringtastic Book 2: Cello teaches through playing in an engaging exploration of musical styles. Part of the fully integrated Stringtastic series in which violin, viola, cello and double bass can all learn and play together in any combination. Learn as you play through the world of Stringtastic, with 62 imaginative pieces that have been specifically designed to establish a secure playing technique and build confidence one step at a time. Following on from Stringtastic Book 1, this book takes the student from Grade 1 (Early Elementary) to Grade 2 (Elementary) level. Featuring equal-level duets for all instruments, the pieces are ideal for individual and group tuition as well as flexible ensemble and classroom settings. Every piece is supported by an exciting backing track plus a piano-only track for practice, all available to download. The Stringtastic Book 2: Teacher’s Accompaniment book provides the complete piano score which works with any combination of the instrumental parts. Mark Wilson and Paul Wood have developed an engaging and accessible new series of string-playing method books… The presentation will appeal to young learners, and the careful, well-conceived pedagogy will thrill their teachers! Furthermore, the Stringtastic integrated approach gives proper deference to the social aspect of music-making by allowing violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists to play together from the start. I look forward to sharing this method with my young students and colleagues in early music education. Dr. Mark Elliot Bergman, Director of Strings and Orchestral Studies, Sheridan College.

**Finalist in the Outstanding Music Education Print Resource Category for the 2025 Music & Drama Education Awards** Stringtastic Book 2: Viola teaches through playing in an engaging exploration of musical styles. Part of the fully integrated Stringtastic series in which violin, viola, cello and double bass can all learn and play together in any combination. Learn as you play through the world of Stringtastic, with 62 imaginative pieces that have been specifically designed to establish a secure playing technique and build confidence one step at a time. Following on from Stringtastic Book 1, this book takes the student from Grade 1 (Early Elementary) to Grade 2 (Elementary) level. Featuring equal-level duets for all instruments, the pieces are ideal for individual and group tuition as well as flexible ensemble and classroom settings. Every piece is supported by an exciting backing track plus a piano-only track for practice, all available to download. The Stringtastic Book 2: Teacher’s Accompaniment book provides the complete piano score which works with any combination of the instrumental parts. Mark Wilson and Paul Wood have developed an engaging and accessible new series of string-playing method books… The presentation will appeal to young learners, and the careful, well-conceived pedagogy will thrill their teachers! Furthermore, the Stringtastic integrated approach gives proper deference to the social aspect of music-making by allowing violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists to play together from the start. I look forward to sharing this method with my young students and colleagues in early music education. Dr. Mark Elliot Bergman, Director of Strings and Orchestral Studies, Sheridan College. 'One key aspect of the accompaniment parts that is quite special is that they very powerfully harmonically support the independent aural melodic line without doubling the melody, really nurturing aural independence and harmonic listening… An excellent new resource for all string teachers.' Helen Tuckey, Stringendo Magazine, April 2024

**Finalist in the Outstanding Music Education Print Resource Category for the 2025 Music & Drama Education Awards** Stringtastic Book 2: Violin teaches through playing in an engaging exploration of musical styles. Part of the fully integrated Stringtastic series in which violin, viola, cello and double bass can all learn and play together in any combination. Learn as you play through the world of Stringtastic, with 62 imaginative pieces that have been specifically designed to establish a secure playing technique and build confidence one step at a time. Following on from Stringtastic Book 1, this book takes the student from Grade 1 (Early Elementary) to Grade 2 (Elementary) level. Featuring equal-level duets for all instruments, the pieces are ideal for individual and group tuition as well as fl exible ensemble and classroom settings. Every piece is supported by an exciting backing track plus a piano-only track for practice, all available to download. The Stringtastic Book 2: Teacher’s Accompaniment book provides the complete piano score which works with any combination of the instrumental parts. Mark Wilson and Paul Wood have developed an engaging and accessible new series of string-playing method books… The presentation will appeal to young learners, and the careful, well-conceived pedagogy will thrill their teachers! Furthermore, the Stringtastic integrated approach gives proper deference to the social aspect of music-making by allowing violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists to play together from the start. I look forward to sharing this method with my young students and colleagues in early music education. Dr. Mark Elliot Bergman, Director of Strings and Orchestral Studies, Sheridan College.

**Finalist in the Outstanding Music Education Print Resource Category for the 2025 Music & Drama Education Awards** Stringtastic Book 2: Double Bass teaches through playing in an engaging exploration of musical styles. Part of the fully integrated Stringtastic series in which violin, viola, cello and double bass can all learn and play together in any combination. Learn as you play through the world of Stringtastic, with 62 imaginative pieces that have been specifically designed to establish a secure playing technique and build confidence one step at a time. Following on from Stringtastic Book 1, this book takes the student from Grade 1 (Early Elementary) to Grade 2 (Elementary) level. Featuring equal-level duets for all instruments, the pieces are ideal for individual and group tuition as well as flexible ensemble and classroom settings. Every piece is supported by an exciting backing track plus a piano-only track for practice, all available to download. The Stringtastic Book 2: Teacher’s Accompaniment book provides the complete piano score which works with any combination of the instrumental parts. Mark Wilson and Paul Wood have developed an engaging and accessible new series of string-playing method books… The presentation will appeal to young learners, and the careful, well-conceived pedagogy will thrill their teachers! Furthermore, the Stringtastic integrated approach gives proper deference to the social aspect of music-making by allowing violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists to play together from the start. I look forward to sharing this method with my young students and colleagues in early music education. Dr. Mark Elliot Bergman, Director of Strings and Orchestral Studies, Sheridan College.

The Remarkable Story of How One Man Defied the Odds At 18, Paul Wood thought he had lost everything. He had committed an act he knew would send him to prison for many years. To a young man like Paul, it might as well have been for the rest of his life.Plunged into a nightmarish world of extreme violence, solitary confinement, gang allegiances, drugs, vindictive wardens and regular stabbings, Paul spent the next 11 years confined in some of New Zealand's toughest jails. Based on an account of his experiences he wrote while still inside, How to Escape from Prison chronicles Paul's road to redemption and a new life as a doctor of psychology, helping others strive to fulfil their potential and develop the resilience to flourish, even in adversity. This is a gripping read about a man who sank to the depths of despair, before scaling the heights of true freedom.'Paul's transformation is unbelievable. We are sometimes brought up to think a zebra can't change its stripes. Paul Wood's story is proof that anyone can change. It gives you great courage that you can do anything.'- Sir John Kirwan

**Finalist in the Outstanding Music Education Print Resource Category for the 2025 Music & Drama Education Awards** Stringtastic Book 1: Cello teaches through playing in an engaging exploration of musical styles. Part of the fully integrated Stringtastic series in which violin, viola, cello and double bass can all learn and play together in any combination. Learn as you play through the world of Stringtastic, with 57 imaginative pieces that have been specifically designed to establish a secure playing technique and build confidence one step at a time. Following on from Stringtastic Beginners, this book takes the student from playing the notes of the D major scale to Grade 1 (Early Elementary). Featuring equal-level duets for all instruments, the pieces are ideal for individual and group tuition as well as flexible ensemble and classroom settings. Every piece is supported by an exciting backing track plus a piano-only track for practice, all available to download. The Stringtastic Book 1: Teacher’s Accompaniment book provides the complete piano score which works with any combination of the instrumental parts. Mark Wilson and Paul Wood have developed an engaging and accessible new series of string-playing method books… The presentation will appeal to young learners, and the careful, well-conceived pedagogy will thrill their teachers! Furthermore, the Stringtastic integrated approach gives proper deference to the social aspect of music-making by allowing violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists to play together from the start. I look forward to sharing this method with my young students and colleagues in early music education. Dr. Mark Elliot Bergman, Director of Strings and Orchestral Studies, Sheridan College.

**Finalist in the Outstanding Music Education Print Resource Category for the 2025 Music & Drama Education Awards** Stringtastic Book 1: Viola teaches through playing in an engaging exploration of musical styles. Part of the fully integrated Stringtastic series in which violin, viola, cello and double bass can all learn and play together in any combination. Learn as you play through the world of Stringtastic, with 57 imaginative pieces that have been specifically designed to establish a secure playing technique and build confidence one step at a time. Following on from Stringtastic Beginners, this book takes the student from playing the notes of the D major scale to Grade 1 (Early Elementary). Featuring equal-level duets for all instruments, the pieces are ideal for individual and group tuition as well as flexible ensemble and classroom settings. Every piece is supported by an exciting backing track plus a piano-only track for practice, all available to download. The Stringtastic Book 1: Teacher’s Accompaniment book provides the complete piano score which works with any combination of the instrumental parts. Mark Wilson and Paul Wood have developed an engaging and accessible new series of string-playing method books… The presentation will appeal to young learners, and the careful, well-conceived pedagogy will thrill their teachers! Furthermore, the Stringtastic integrated approach gives proper deference to the social aspect of music-making by allowing violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists to play together from the start. I look forward to sharing this method with my young students and colleagues in early music education. Dr. Mark Elliot Bergman, Director of Strings and Orchestral Studies, Sheridan College.

**Finalist in the Outstanding Music Education Print Resource Category for the 2025 Music & Drama Education Awards** Stringtastic Book 1 teaches through playing in an engaging exploration of musical styles. Part of the fully integrated Stringtastic series in which violin, viola, cello and double bass can all learn and play together in any combination. This Teacher’s Accompaniment book provides the complete piano score which works with any combination of the instrumental parts. Learn as you play through the world of Stringtastic, with 57 imaginative pieces that have been specifically designed to establish a secure playing technique and build confidence one step at a time. Following on from Stringtastic Beginners, this book takes the student from playing the notes of the D major scale to Grade 1 (Early Elementary). Featuring equal-level duets for all instruments, the pieces are ideal for individual and group tuition as well as flexible ensemble and classroom settings. Every piece is supported by an exciting backing track plus a piano only track for practice, all available to download. Mark Wilson and Paul Wood have developed an engaging and accessible new series of string-playing method books… The presentation will appeal to young learners, and the careful, well-conceived pedagogy will thrill their teachers! Furthermore, the Stringtastic integrated approach gives proper deference to the social aspect of music-making by allowing violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists to play together from the start. I look forward to sharing this method with my young students and colleagues in early music education. Dr. Mark Elliot Bergman, Director of Strings and Orchestral Studies, Sheridan College.

**Finalist in the Outstanding Music Education Print Resource Category for the 2025 Music & Drama Education Awards** Stringtastic Book 1: Violin teaches through playing in an engaging exploration of musical styles. Part of the fully integrated Stringtastic series in which violin, viola, cello and double bass can all learn and play together in any combination. Learn as you play through the world of Stringtastic, with 57 imaginative pieces that have been specifically designed to establish a secure playing technique and build confidence one step at a time. Following on from Stringtastic Beginners, this book takes the student from playing the notes of the D major scale to Grade 1 (Early Elementary). Featuring equal-level duets for all instruments, the pieces are ideal for individual and group tuition as well as flexible ensemble and classroom settings. Every piece is supported by an exciting backing track plus a piano-only track for practice, all available to download. The Stringtastic Book 1: Teacher’s Accompaniment book provides the complete piano score which works with any combination of the instrumental parts. Mark Wilson and Paul Wood have developed an engaging and accessible new series of string-playing method books… The presentation will appeal to young learners, and the careful, well-conceived pedagogy will thrill their teachers! Furthermore, the Stringtastic integrated approach gives proper deference to the social aspect of music-making by allowing violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists to play together from the start. I look forward to sharing this method with my young students and colleagues in early music education. Dr. Mark Elliot Bergman, Director of Strings and Orchestral Studies, Sheridan College.

**Finalist in the Outstanding Music Education Print Resource Category for the 2025 Music & Drama Education Awards** Stringtastic Book 1: Double Bass teaches through playing in an engaging exploration of musical styles. Part of the fully integrated Stringtastic series in which violin, viola, cello and double bass can all learn and play together in any combination. Learn as you play through the world of Stringtastic, with 57 imaginative pieces that have been specifically designed to establish a secure playing technique and build confidence one step at a time. Following on from Stringtastic Beginners, this book takes the student from playing the notes of the D major scale to Grade 1 (Early Elementary). Featuring equal-level duets for all instruments, the pieces are ideal for individual and group tuition as well as flexible ensemble and classroom settings. Every piece is supported by an exciting backing track plus a piano-only track for practice, all available to download. The Stringtastic Book 1: Teacher’s Accompaniment book provides the complete piano score which works with any combination of the instrumental parts. Mark Wilson and Paul Wood have developed an engaging and accessible new series of string-playing method books… The presentation will appeal to young learners, and the careful, well-conceived pedagogy will thrill their teachers! Furthermore, the Stringtastic integrated approach gives proper deference to the social aspect of music-making by allowing violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists to play together from the start. I look forward to sharing this method with my young students and colleagues in early music education. Dr. Mark Elliot Bergman, Director of Strings and Orchestral Studies, Sheridan College.

Exploring the rich diversity of London through a series of urban forest trails, this new, expanded edition of London is a Forest uncovers the fascinating stories and secrets the city holds.Through seven carefully devised paths, author Paul Wood explores the urban forest's geography, its past and future, and looks at the remarkable variety of life supported in this unique metropolitan ecosystem. For curious Londoners and anyone who’s fascinated by nature, a wealth of arboreal details, history, myth and anecdotes are revealed along the way. Complementing the trails, Wood looks in more detail at the fascinating stories of some of the iconic, and some of the less obvious species that define the urban forest.In London, 9 million people are crammed into just 600 square miles alongside 8.5 million trees. According to one UN definition, this makes the city a forest. The Forestry Commission agree, describing London as the world’s largest urban forest. And a particularly diverse and historic urban forest at that.

**Finalist in the Outstanding Music Education Print Resource Category for the 2025 Music & Drama Education Awards** Stringtastic Beginners is a fun new series designed to teach through playing in an engaging exploration of musical styles. A fully integrated series, violin, viola, cello and double bass can all learn and play together in any combination. Each book contains over 40 imaginative pieces to steadily establish a secure playing technique and build confidence, one step at a time, taking the student from complete beginner (open strings) to playing the notes of the D major scale. The first 20 pieces comprise two independent tunes that can be played as duets – one for open strings and a more advanced part using the left-hand fingers, which students can revisit as they progress. Ideal for individual and group tuition as well as flexible ensemble and classroom settings. Every piece is supported by an exciting backing track plus a piano-only track for practice, all available to download. This Teacher’s Accompaniment book provides the complete piano accompaniments which work with any combination of instrumental parts. Mark Wilson and Paul Wood have developed an engaging and accessible new series of string-playing method books… The presentation will appeal to young learners, and the careful, well-conceived pedagogy will thrill their teachers! Furthermore, the Stringtastic integrated approach gives proper deference to the social aspect of music-making by allowing violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists to play together from the start. I look forward to sharing this method with my young students and colleagues in early music education. Dr. Mark Elliot Bergman, Director of Strings and Orchestral Studies, Sheridan College.

**Finalist in the Outstanding Music Education Print Resource Category for the 2025 Music & Drama Education Awards** Stringtastic Beginners is a fun new series designed to teach through playing in an engaging exploration of musical styles. A fully integrated series, violin, viola, cello and double bass can all learn and play together in any combination. Each book contains over 40 imaginative pieces to steadily establish a secure playing technique and build confidence, one step at a time, taking the student from complete beginner (open strings) to playing the notes of the D major scale. The first 20 pieces comprise two independent tunes that can be played as duets – one for open strings and a more advanced part using the left-hand fingers, which students can revisit as they progress. Ideal for individual and group tuition as well as flexible ensemble and classroom settings. Every piece is supported by an exciting backing track plus a piano-only track for practice, all available to download. Plus, the teacher’s book provides the complete piano accompaniments which work with any combination of instrumental parts. Mark Wilson and Paul Wood have developed an engaging and accessible new series of string-playing method books… The presentation will appeal to young learners, and the careful, well-conceived pedagogy will thrill their teachers! Furthermore, the Stringtastic integrated approach gives proper deference to the social aspect of music-making by allowing violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists to play together from the start. I look forward to sharing this method with my young students and colleagues in early music education. Dr. Mark Elliot Bergman, Director of Strings and Orchestral Studies, Sheridan College.

**Finalist in the Outstanding Music Education Print Resource Category for the 2025 Music & Drama Education Awards** Stringtastic Beginners is a fun new series designed to teach through playing in an engaging exploration of musical styles. A fully integrated series, violin, viola, cello and double bass can all learn and play together in any combination. Each book contains over 40 imaginative pieces to steadily establish a secure playing technique and build confidence, one step at a time, taking the student from complete beginner (open strings) to playing the notes of the D major scale. The first 20 pieces comprise two independent tunes that can be played as duets – one for open strings and a more advanced part using the left-hand fingers, which students can revisit as they progress. Ideal for individual and group tuition as well as flexible ensemble and classroom settings. Every piece is supported by an exciting backing track plus a piano-only track for practice, all available to download. Plus, the teacher’s book provides the complete piano accompaniments which work with any combination of instrumental parts. Mark Wilson and Paul Wood have developed an engaging and accessible new series of string-playing method books… The presentation will appeal to young learners, and the careful, well-conceived pedagogy will thrill their teachers! Furthermore, the Stringtastic integrated approach gives proper deference to the social aspect of music-making by allowing violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists to play together from the start. I look forward to sharing this method with my young students and colleagues in early music education. Dr. Mark Elliot Bergman, Director of Strings and Orchestral Studies, Sheridan College.

**Finalist in the Outstanding Music Education Print Resource Category for the 2025 Music & Drama Education Awards** Stringtastic Beginners is a fun new series designed to teach through playing in an engaging exploration of musical styles. A fully integrated series, violin, viola, cello and double bass can all learn and play together in any combination. Each book contains over 40 imaginative pieces to steadily establish a secure playing technique and build confidence, one step at a time, taking the student from complete beginner (open strings) to playing the notes of the D major scale. The first 20 pieces comprise two independent tunes that can be played as duets – one for open strings and a more advanced part using the left-hand fingers, which students can revisit as they progress. Ideal for individual and group tuition as well as flexible ensemble and classroom settings. Every piece is supported by an exciting backing track plus a piano-only track for practice, all available to download. Plus, the teacher’s book provides the complete piano accompaniments which work with any combination of instrumental parts. Mark Wilson and Paul Wood have developed an engaging and accessible new series of string-playing method books… The presentation will appeal to young learners, and the careful, well-conceived pedagogy will thrill their teachers! Furthermore, the Stringtastic integrated approach gives proper deference to the social aspect of music-making by allowing violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists to play together from the start. I look forward to sharing this method with my young students and colleagues in early music education. Dr. Mark Elliot Bergman, Director of Strings and Orchestral Studies, Sheridan College.

**Finalist in the Outstanding Music Education Print Resource Category for the 2025 Music & Drama Education Awards** Stringtastic Beginners is a fun new series designed to teach through playing in an engaging exploration of musical styles. A fully integrated series, violin, viola, cello and double bass can all learn and play together in any combination. Each book contains over 40 imaginative pieces to steadily establish a secure playing technique and build confidence, one step at a time, taking the student from complete beginner (open strings) to playing the notes of the D major scale. The first 20 pieces comprise two independent tunes that can be played as duets – one for open strings and a more advanced part using the left-hand fingers, which students can revisit as they progress. Ideal for individual and group tuition as well as flexible ensemble and classroom settings. Every piece is supported by an exciting backing track plus a piano-only track for practice, all available to download. Plus, the teacher’s book provides the complete piano accompaniments which work with any combination of instrumental parts. Mark Wilson and Paul Wood have developed an engaging and accessible new series of string-playing method books… The presentation will appeal to young learners, and the careful, well-conceived pedagogy will thrill their teachers! Furthermore, the Stringtastic integrated approach gives proper deference to the social aspect of music-making by allowing violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists to play together from the start. I look forward to sharing this method with my young students and colleagues in early music education. Dr. Mark Elliot Bergman, Director of Strings and Orchestral Studies, Sheridan College. This entertaining book of 57 original pieces, composed by Wilson and Wood, is appealing to youngsters. Cute illustrations and amusing lyrics set to the music help foster a sense of rhythm. Marian Heckenberg, Stringendo Magazine, April 2024