Some of us may not be able to access woodland for a little while, so when Earth Day focused on climate change for it’s 50th anniversary, it seemed a good opportunity to appreciate the trees around us, their communities, their role in combating climate change, and our role in supporting them. We plan to talk more about this in the next few weeks, alongside articles giving you hints and tips on how to support wildlife and create space for wildlife at home.
Trees play a vital role in regulating our climate and supporting our local environment and biodiversity, right down to urban trees and trees in gardens. You may have seen trees referred to as ‘the lungs of our planet’ for the important work they do converting carbon dioxide into oxygen. It’s a fitting time to show trees the love and respect they deserve.
Mutual support: trees as community builders, good neighbours, and supporters of the forest ecosystem
During coronavirus, we’ve seen neighbours connecting more than ever while staying physically apart. We’ve seen tremendous acts of kindness and funds raised for the NHS, for foodbanks, and to support local businesses in trouble. People are putting rainbows in their windows, checking in on each other, even singing together and clapping for the NHS.
Many of us have also experienced how soothing nature connection can be at this time, and conversations are starting on how to better support wildlife in gardens, on verges and in public and urban spaces.
The Wood Wide Web, a hidden support network in the forest, can teach us a lot about community too, as the organisms of the forest support members of their community constantly. Trees, assisted by the fungi and bacteria in the soil that live harmoniously with them, will share nutrients with other trees in need. A ‘mother tree’ will send nutrients to ‘her’ own descendants first, and then other trees in the vicinity. Much like a parent feeding their own children and then making sure that other kids in the neighbourhood have enough to eat too. In winter, when deciduous trees lose their leaves, their non-deciduous (evergreen) neighbours will share nutrients, and be repaid in the summer when the deciduous trees are in full leaf again and have an abundance of energy and sugars to share in return.
It may seem like trees in a crowded woodland are competing for space, and in a way, they are, but actually research tells us that a sapling that looks young may actually be up to 40 years old, waiting patiently for it’s chance to mature and find space in the canopy above. Professor Suzanne Simard addresses this further in the video below on ‘mother trees’ and how the forest communicates.
Forest scientists have concluded that reasons for the existence of the Wood Wide Web include resilience and adaptability. One tree by itself is at considerable risk of changes in the local and wider environment. When all of the trees are connected, they have a much higher chance of survival, and can even send warning signals to each other of disease or insect attack. The strong support the vulnerable so they can become stronger. When dramatic climate changes happen, the whole system is more robust and able to handle more.
What if we could engage the community spirit that we’ve seen develop so strongly between people in recent months and use that to work together in support of the wildlife around us too. How valuable could it be for us to support the forest and in turn let it support us?