Trees cannot move, so we often assume that they are passive participants in the world. Join tree consultant and author Harriet Rix as she reveals fascinating aspects of trees; the ways they shape the abiotic elements of water and air, how they’ve evolved to use fire as a tool, and how they minutely manipulate the organisms which depend on them—modeling and remodeling plants and using animals (including humans) to move.
About the Speaker
Harriet Rix was born in Devon, UK, and studied biochemistry at the University of Oxford before an MPhil in the History of Science at the University of Cambridge. She worked in landmine clearance in Iraq and Syria, and for the UK-based charity The Tree Council, researching tree diseases and the role of urban trees. She is the author of The Genius of Trees, which has been described as “a true masterpiece” (The Telegraph) and “mind-blowing and erudite” by The Guardian. Her publication was also featured in the New Yorker’s “Best Books of 2025” list.
Location Ross Hall