[citation needed] Speaking on the Dominic King show on BBC Radio Kent on 19 July 2019, David said in regards to why he started the podcast: If we live in a world of identity politics where personality trumps any viable policy or common sense, then maybe we can use that for betterment too.

So, if we can get someone who is fascinating who can take you through their life story and their idiosyncratic interests and pastimes and accidental encounters with griffins or narwhals or fantastical or factual beasts across time, then maybe we can then be seduced into fewer plastic bottles or driving your car a little less often.

Speaking to Countryman Magazine in June 2019, Oakes said: I decided to seek out others who, like me, have a meaningful connection with the rolling hills, misty moors, babbling brooks, and dappled woodlands of our glorious Great Britain.

Instead of interviews, it provided short narrative accounts - scripted and produced by Oakes - of 'the secrets and stories beneath the native tree species to the British Isles'.

The series explored the folklore, history, botany, art, music and literature associated with each tree, and was illuminated by anecdotes from Oakes' personal experience.