Currently experiencing an upsurge in the popularity of its folk music – termed ‘the second folk revival’ – English society is at the same time attempting to address the issue of national identity. Chris Wood – pioneering singer, fiddle-player and composer, who this year was nominated for four BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, including folk singer of the year – is musically at the very heart of what is taking place in English folk music at present. Here, he provides his personal view of English society today and the untapped potential of its traditional music.