The Trees of Life

Waterbear Original

Britain's iconic oak trees have a reputation for supporting biodiversity, but a changing climate is making them increasingly susceptible to threats from pests and diseases. Professor Rob Jackson a biological scientist at the University of Reading led a pioneering research project PuRpOsE: Protecting Oak Ecosystems examining these threats. The researchers produced the most comprehensive list yet of all species known to use native oak trees (Quercus petraea and Q. robur) in the UK - 2300 total species - 38 bird species, 229 bryophytes, 108 fungi, 1178 invertebrates, 716 lichens and 31 mammals.

06:11 | 2021