Suffolk Arboretum: East Anglian Stories Inspired by Remarkable Trees is the second anthology written by students and follows the hugely successful Suffolk Folk anthology which focused on local folk tales.
An anthology of original stories which map Suffolk from Haverhill to Lowestoft via the county’s trees, it celebrates our diverse natural landscape via stories inspired by the trees we love, from ancient oaks and weeping willows to hawthorns and the yew.
An interactive digital map accompanies the book and allows readers to seek out the trees featured here and visit them, or if the weather suggests indoor reading, links to images of the trees take you to the podcast series produced alongside the anthology.
Following the success of the first MA Creative and Critical Writing anthology Suffolk Folk (which rewrote our county’s folk tales as contemporary short stories set in Suffolk towns and villages) this new anthology turns its attention to the trees and woodlands of our region.
Each student story focuses on a Suffolk tree or woodlands, creating a unique story arboretum trail through the county.
Dr Amanda Hodgkinson, Associate Professor English and Creative Writing, said: “The MA Creative and Critical Writing at the University of Suffolk is known for its award-winning lecturers, guest speakers, networking and publishing opportunities, and particularly, its warm and vibrant community that supports and encourages the talented writers of the future.
“This shows in the high standards of student writing found in these beautiful anthologies.
“Already they are becoming favourites in libraries, bookstores and homes across the region.
“We hope they will encourage others to enjoy the natural heritage of Suffolk and maybe write their own Suffolk inspired tales.”
Rose Dawn, student on the MA said: “The MA writing community at the University of Suffolk is so supportive and inspiring and I know this will extend beyond the course and help to continue to shape my writing.”
The anthology was officially launched at an event at the university with contributors, alumni and new MA students among the guests.
A third book in the series is planned for next year Suffolk Reflections: East Anglian Stories inspired by the waterways of the county.
University of Suffolk Press Office
E: press@uos.ac.uk
