Hello! Welcome to Oak Tree Island.
Background – Why was OakTree Island created?
Whilst travelling on the Trans-Siberian Railway in the middle of winter, at the early stages of a 4 month trip through Russia, Japan, China and Thailand, it suddenly struck me that I had barely seen my own country.
I continued on to have an incredible journey in some exotic, faraway places, but the feeling that I didn’t really know my home country, its landscape or history, grew stronger. I also noticed that people of other countries spoke with far greater knowledge and affection of their home that I, and I think most other English people could.
I therefore decided to start a project that turns the spotlight on my home. To bring the energy and curiosity I had (and still have) for the faraway, but apply it to Blighty.
What is Oak Tree Island?
In short, Oak Tree Island is a reconnection to Britain.
I want to explore all corners of Britain’s landscape, understand the distinct regional identities, gain a ‘hands on’ appreciation of our heritage, and meet the people of Britain along the way.
What type of posts can you expect?
This is just the beginning for this site, but here is the initial plan:
- The ‘Shire Checklist’ – I aim to complete an 8-point checklist in each county of England.
- Wild Britain – I want to adventurously travel the landscape of my home.
- Sampling our Heritage – Recreating food and everyday life from our past.
- Meet the people of Britain – In particular our famous eccentrics, subcultures and those living an ‘old way of life’.
Why did I call the site Oak Tree Island?
I called the site Oak Tree Island as that’s where we live in its most raw form! At the end of the day, Britain is simply an island off the coast of Northern Europe and England’s national tree is the Oak.
There we have it. I hope you enjoy the site!