In the far north of the world lies the greatest plant continuity on the planet: the boreal forest. At the edge of shadow and light, temperatures are extreme and living things have adapted to survive. In the vastness of the forest, the birch stands out. Its white bark is a powerful insulator, and its roots, by allying themselves with the symbiotic fungi in the soil, defend it against underground attacks. But the birch above all plays an essential role for the Taiga: it is the pioneer tree, the herald of the forest. The lichens that spread around it feed the reindeer who, as they move, carry with them the seeds that will re-sow the rest of the forest. An essential cog in the great cycle of life in the North, the birch is the emblem of an entire world.

Series Description:

Secret networks, Wood Wide Web, superorganism… A scientific and discovery series, Of Trees and Forests opens the doors to a world we only thought we knew. Committed scientists, researchers, indigenous people and more guides us in our quest to unveil the trees genius, their interconnections with other animal/vegetal species and the invisible but fully interdependent ecosystem behind it. Through one legendary tree, each episode explores a primary forest with its own climate, fauna and flora. By revealing their superpowers (purify water, stabilize the climate, stock energy, reduce flooding and erosion…), the series serves as wake-up call to remind how urgent and important it is to preserve our endangered forests.