The first of 32 sample plots studying the effect of tree type and wood type on decomposer communities
The first research plots have been established in Wytham Woods in Oxfordshire by our Sylva Scholar, Kirsty Monk. This marks the start of a two and a half year project studying the effects of climate change, invasive events and woodland management strategies on the fungal communities therein.
Kirsty has placed split logs in 32 sample plots in the woodland. These will be monitored at two-monthly intervals to study the preferences of fungi for different tree species, fungi growth patterns and differences in the rate of decomposition of different wood types.
This is the first of many experiments taking place in the research project to tackle these questions, and news of these will be added as they get underway.
