A work of stunning photography and fascinating information
can be found in THE LIVING FOREST. In keeping with the
subtitle, An Eye-Opening Journey From the Canopy to the
Woodland Floor, we are invited to view the North American
landscape from leaf litter to treetops, and the large or
small creatures which inhabit the woods.
Award-winning photographer Robert Llewellyn has captured
the magic and awe of various American woodlands, with
explanations by Joan Maloof of the processes and ecology
involved. Eastern bluebirds are tiny winged jewels, now
under threat due to deforestation, pesticide use and
competition from sparrows and starlings. Like other insect-
eaters they help rid the trees of sap suckers and leaf
chewers. In return the tree provides them with nesting
holes. Bats are part of the same process, catching moths
about to lay eggs on leaves. Maloof explains that trees
emit chemicals to the air when leaves are being chewed, and
not only do other trees nearby sense this but birds will
increase feeding on insects on the affected trees.
Grand, spreading native trees are home to far more species
than thin, marshalled forestry trees. An old tree has
holes, lichen and moss, forked twigs and abundant leaves,
suitable for homes. The most ancient trees shown have had
room to spread and hold fast against storms. Maloof
describes how trees see light and react to it, whether that
is the length of day or the visible wavelengths; even
moonlight. The role forests play in containing and
distributing water, through condensation and transpiration,
is discussed, with images of misty mornings in the woods
and stream life. 'Trout grow on trees' is a trademarked
slogan of the Stroud Water Research Center, which
understands the need for forests to maintain rivers.
Appalachian Mountain forests are the global centre of
salamander diversity. And browsing deer attract larger
predators. A seldom seen world is exposed by removing tree
bark to show the tunnels bored by beetle larvae.
I love that the language is clear enough for a casual
nature lover, but at the same time up to date studies are
provided. THE LIVING FOREST would suit equally well as a
coffee table book, full of wonder and bright colour,
whether autumnal mountainside, fungi or tiny wildflowers. I
strongly recommend this book.
A spectacular journey deep into the heart of the forest From the leaves and branches of the canopy to the roots and soil of the understory, the forest is a complex, interconnected ecosystem filled with plants, birds, mammals, insects, and fungi. Some of it is easily discovered, but many parts remain difficult or impossible for the human eye to see. Until now. The Living Forest is a visual journey that immerses you deep into the woods. The wide-ranging photography by Robert Llewellyn celebrates the small and the large, the living and the dead, and the seen and the unseen. You’ll discover close-up images of owls, hawks, and turtles; aerial photographs that show herons in flight; and time- lapse imagery that reveals the slow change of leaves. In an ideal blend of art and scholarship, the 300 awe- inspiring photographs are supported by lyrical essays from Joan Maloof detailing the science behind the wonder.
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