Their Enchanted Tree with its fluttering butterflies and magical mushrooms has an important message for guests, thanks to a stunning new network of weaving lights representing an incredible natural phenomenon.
People often wonder whether animals can talk to each other, but did you know that under your feet a complicated web of fungus connects the nature around us and enables trees to communicate in their own unique way?
This incredible network of tiny, white, root-like tendrils not only connects the trees we see above ground, but enables them to share resources in a fascinating way.
And it all begins with fungus!
Although we often think of mushrooms as fungus, what we see above ground is actually just the fruit of a much bigger and incredibly important organism living under the ground.
These organisms connect to trees and plants through a series of thin roots known as mycelium. Reaching out under the ground, they attach themselves to tree roots.
By effectively tying everything in our forest ecosystems together, these roots provide trees with important information and resources and incredible ways of working together.
The tiny winding threads wrap around, and in some cases even pierce through tree roots before carrying minerals and water between them.
Through these networks trees are able to communicate with each other and transfer resources including nitrogen and carbon to those that need them.
Dr Heidi Mitchell, Head of Conservation Impact at Marwell Wildlife, said: “Fungi are everywhere, even inside us, and everywhere in the world.
“They connect living things in a way that speaks to the very mystery of life on earth, and they have been playing this role for a billion years.
“Here at Marwell, we celebrate fungi as the founders of woodland ecosystems in our wonderful Glow Marwell exhibit”
Sometimes referred to as the woodwide web, these networks can even enable saplings growing in areas that are too shady to tap into the resources of larger trees in sunnier spots!
The Enchanted Tree at this year’s Glow Marwell event demonstrates this process with lights that represent the flow of resources between our giant fungi and the tree.
Nicky Cole, Senior Events Manager at Marwell Zoo, said: “This year’s event is set to be more interactive than ever before with some family favourites returning, some getting bigger and lots of brand new content!
“Using our popular winter light event to demonstrate the wonders of the nature around us is a great way to engage our guests and spread awareness of how connecting with nature, however you choose to do it, can be beneficial for everyone – even the trees!”
The Enchanted Tree is just one element of Glow Marwell 2024, which will feature 64 stepping stones, an even longer light tunnel than last year’s event and more music than ever before.
Father Christmas will be spreading festive cheer in Marwell Hall and a new VR headset experience will be available in the Science and Learning Centre.
Plus, this year there will be UV face paints with special lights around the trail to make guests part of the Glow Marwell show!
Additional costs apply to Father Christmas, UV face paints and the VR headset experience. Visit www.marwell.org.uk for tickets and information.
