Is there really a ‘wood wide web’?
Run time: 15.30 – 16.30
The idea that trees communicate and share resources using a ‘wood wide web’ has become popular. But is it true?
Scientists have shown that carbon can be passed between plant roots across networks of fungi. This has led to speculation that these networks help trees to share food, water and even information, such as warnings of enemy attack. But do trees actually ‘communicate’ with each other via a ‘wood wide web’, or has this idea been overstated?
This talk takes a critical look at the idea of the ‘wood wide web’, bringing you the latest science on the topic. Katie Field (University of Sheffield) – an expert in plant-fungal relationships – examines the evidence.
For access information and directions to this venue, and all British Science Festival venues, please click this link https://britishsciencefestival.org/british-science-festival-2025-venues
