In his extraordinary book Old Growth Trees, Peter McConchie has put together a breathtaking collection of photographs and thoughts, showcasing the stunning natural beauty of our ancient (and threatened) old growth forests. The photos are superb and highlight the species most under threat in all their magical and almost meditative calm and dignity. The limbs tower and shelter. The roots plunge gracefully into the earth as they have done for thousands of years.

McConchie's book is a quiet call to action because while old growth forests are a thing of beauty, they are also crucial to the ongoing bio-diversity of our, and the planet's, life and they continue to be destroyed every day. The image above is one from Masaki Hirano's exhibition Stumps of Silence: Tasmania in 2006. It is a collage or mosaic of many photos of the stumps of old growth trees cut down for greed.

If you need a louder call to action, the Wilderness Society's campaign to ensure Gunns Pulp Mills only use plantation trees has been successful with the Swedish company Södra announcing it will only fund Gunns pulp mill if 100% Forest Stewardship Council certified, plantation timber is used, and if the pulp mill uses best practice totally chlorine-free technology. Now though, they are encouraging Södra to further the restrictions of their involvement, by making it clear they won’t build a pulp mill threatening the local environment and community in the Tamar Valley.

Whatever your beliefs or ideas on the subject, McConchie's photos reveal the majesty of the ancient forests. It is an absolute must for all who love our Australian trees.