The Secret Life of Trees

The Secret Life of Trees - Social networks? Neighbourhood Watch?

Woods have much in common with human communities but many of the extraordinary things trees do require special techniques to be revealed to us. They use sophisticated underground networks to carry signals and provisions. They advertise for sexual partners and enter into pacts with go-betweens. They defend themselves and their communities, sometimes even commandeering mercenaries to ward off attack. They even send food to needy neighbours. A forest is full of chatter and trade, if only we could sense it.

Professor Jon Drori - A former BBC executive producer of science television, Jon was also editorial director of BBC Online and chairman of the UK Parliament's Advisory Council on Public Engagement. He is a visiting industrial professor at Bristol University, specialising in misconceptions in science.