THE Battle of the Trees (Cad Goddeu) is a 10th-century Welsh poem about a lost myth, which has baffled scholars for hundreds of years. Its story has inspired the likes of Shakespeare and Tolkein, and one Welsh artist has dedicated years of her life to decoding it. The resulting show will be performed at Colby Woodland Garden as part of a national tour this May. Christine Cooper is a professional storyteller, originally from Jameston, who attended Greenhill School. In the footsteps of Tolkein, one time professor of Celtic literature at Leeds University, Christine found The Battle of the Trees in a dusty book while she was a student there "Hidden in the library basement, I discovered cracked and yellowed editions of the Four Ancient Books of Wales," said Christine. "I didn't realise that I could have been holding the very book that had inspired Tolkein's Ents! I became obsessed with this strange poem; I knew I had to bring it to life somehow." Christine immersed herself in the world of trees for three years, learning to identify them and gathering stories about them. Her performance opens, not in the distant past of the poem, but in October 1987, in the middle of the Great Storm which cost Britain 15 million trees, changing our landscapes forever. The uncovering of a ritual tree circle in Norfolk, the passion of the writer Robert Graves, the summoning of the boy Merlin to come to Britain's aid: all are woven into Christine's story. She describes the show as 'like an enchanting bed-time story for grown-ups. You'll learn something as well as be entertained, and it will be extra special to do the show in the woods, surrounded by trees.' Christine will be joined by renowned Welsh folk musician Ceri Rhys Matthews, who will provide live music for the show. Ceri and Christine have toured internationally together as half of the band Fernhill. Director of Dyfi Woodlands Kirsten Manley said: 'We are delighted that Christine and Ceri will be weaving together myth, sounds and song about woodlands in Wales! We have long awaited a project like this to encourage our communities to engage further with their local woodlands." Christine and Ceri will be at Colby Woodland Garden tomorrow (Saturday) evening at 7 pm. Ticket prices are £8 (£4).