New research at Wild Haweswater in Cumbria is exploring how underground fungal networks affect tree survival rates, with implications for England’s ambitious woodland expansion goals. The project, a collaboration between the RSPB, United Utilities, and several research organizations, seeks to understand how microscopic soil organisms can improve the success of tree planting in upland landscapes.
The Role of Mycorrhizal Fungi
The study focuses on mycorrhizal fungi, which form symbiotic relationships with tree roots. These fungi act as essential underground networks, facilitating nutrient and water absorption for trees in exchange for carbon. Without the correct fungal presence, trees struggle to establish and may die. The Haweswater site was chosen specifically because its fungal composition has shifted over time due to centuries of grazing, creating a unique environment for this research.
Why This Matters: Beyond Just Planting Trees
The UK government has committed to planting approximately 260,000 hectares of new woodland across England. However, simply planting trees isn’t enough. Successful, long-term woodland creation requires understanding and leveraging natural processes like fungal networks. The Haweswater research will identify which types of mycorrhizal fungi are present in the soil, allowing land managers to make informed decisions about tree species and planting locations.
The Research Process
Researchers are collecting soil samples to analyze the fungal composition. This data will inform future planting strategies, potentially guiding the selection of tree species best suited to local fungal communities. Computational biologists are also working to model how fungal networks influence tree growth and survival. This integrated approach aims to improve confidence in woodland creation by working with natural systems instead of against them.
The success of this research could dramatically increase the efficiency and sustainability of England’s woodland expansion, ensuring that new forests thrive rather than merely survive.
