Tales of the Irish Hedgerows

Traditional hedgerows are rapidly vanishing from our countryside. With their disappearance, we lose not only their flora and fauna but also the tales and folklore that have always surrounded them. This book records these stories before they disappear from memory. With chapters dedicated to specific plants or animals, we learn about the folklore of the hedgehog, the badger, woodmouse, thrush, wren, bumblebee, hawthorn, foxglove and hazel and many more. These are tales of wisdom and magic that help us to gain a greater understanding of the natural world we live in and which encourage us to live in closer harmony with that world.

TONY LOCKE was a professional storyteller and member of the Storytellers of Ireland who grew up listening to the tales of his grandfather, who was also a storyteller. He passed away in August 2020. He had a degree in Heritage Studies and used to write and present his own radio show for Westport Community Radio. His previously published works include Mayo Folk Tales and Irish Ghost Tales.