Discovering the Wood-Wide Web

It has been known since the 1880’s that roots invariably form intimate associations with fungi, termed mycorrhizas. Around 95% of all plants form such associations. In the 1960s it was demonstrated that these were important in providing growth-limiting nutrients and water to plants in exchange for sugars passed to the fungus. Indeed, around 25% of the sugars produced by trees feeds the associated fungi with carbohydrates essential for their growth.

In the mid-1990s it was established that these fungal threads were not just associated with one tree, but connected different trees, in some cases even those of different species. In 1997 the phrase Wood-Wide Web was coined for these interlinking networks, and this has caught the imagination of ecologists and nature film producers.

We will dig to reveal fungal sheaths on tree roots, find some restricted to particular kinds of tree and some which are not so fussy. We will also see what other fungi we can find on the trees themselves, on fallen branches, and also in leaf litter, and explain their key ecological roles that are so important to woodland health. You can also be introduced to some of the commoner lichen fungi we stumble across.

Timings & Tours

Thursday 12 September:

1400

Location & directions

Entrance to The Nower, Coldharbour Lane - junction with Harrow Road West, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 3BN

Directions:

Meet at the entrance to The Nower, Dorking on Coldharbour Road opposite the junction with Harrow Road West.

Contact on day:

Rod Shaw

Telephone number:

+447835388761

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Book via the Dorking Halls Box Office.

Booking contact name:

Dorking Halls

Booking telephone number:

+441306881717

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking opens:

01 Jul 2024 10:00 AM

Booking closes:

11 Sep 2024 04:00 PM

Accessibility details

There is no public car. Park on nearby streets. Stout footwear advisable, especially if wet. A x10 hand-lens may be useful if you have one. Distance approx. 1.5 miles.

Additional information

Max no of people per tour:

25

Est. tour duration:

2 hour(s)

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