Professor Terry Gifford has praised Paul Evans as a 'post-pastoral shaman' after reading his country diary about a kelo tree. In a letter, Gifford described the column as profoundly healing, noting how Evans moves from poetry through observation, science, and conservation to provide emotional reassurance.
Gifford, from Wookey, Somerset, said Evans's writing makes him want to find a dead tree to 'respect the standing dead' with a deepened understanding. He highlighted Evans's ability to weave Finnish, Anglo-Saxon, and biblical references into a narrative that explores life-in-death.
The professor's comments underscore the therapeutic impact of Evans's work, which he likens to a 'nature cure' for delicate vulnerabilities. Evans, once called 'The Shropshire miniaturist,' continues to inspire readers with his unique blend of poetry and ecological insight.
