A powerful read, essential for everyone

 

5 stars

Superstar forest ecologist Suzanne Simard is back again after the ground-breaking success of her previous book, Finding the Mother Tree, which I highly recommend. Her research into tree networks, communication, kin recognition and support as well as the best ways to grow and harvest trees whilst preserving the delicate ecosystem is a balm against climate change. Though, sadly, her findings and actionable data seems to have fallen on deaf ears as loggers continue to clear cut old growth forests in British Columbia, and beyond, at pace. Not just clear cutting trees but destroying the soil and all life within the areas where they harvest. This is harrowing reading at times, though essential to know, but is hard to take. Do you recall the vast devastation in the film Ocean with David Attenborough? That's it in a nutshell but set within forests.

It is hard to believe that in this day and age people continue to turn their backs on nature. Humans, apex predators, have become mindless consumers of every possible resource on this planet but do not stop to think at what cost. The practice of clear cutting is fastest and cheapest so the option most often employed but the harm that ensues not only devastates the landscape and all life within their zone of control but releases carbon at a shocking rate. 

It is easy to despair with the knowledge of our planet being ravaged to chase a buck but Suzanne gives us hope. She spends a lot of time with indigenous peoples around the world who have ancient wisdom on safeguarding the forests in their care. They take what they need with respect and give back to the natural cycle. Simple logic that is beautiful and awe inspiring. Why don't we live this way? In harmony with nature instead of fighting to control it.

This layman's research paper crossed with a memoir carries on from Finding the Mother Tree and is very approachable. Suzanne's story is an impressive one, gently kindling a flame of passion within the reader which mirrors her own. All is not yet lost but we must work to protect ancient woodlands EVERYWHERE, before it is too late.