Forest cover about 31% of our planet and are home to around 80% of worlds biodiversity, and to countless species like plants, animals, fungi and micro organisms. Trees and forests are one of the worlds largest and oldest organisms on our planet. Forest’s can revile many historical facts, among that also was happening with the weather and climate in the past.
1. the biggest & the oldest trees in the world
By the last update the largest tree by volume is generally considered to be the General Sherman tree, a giant sequoia located in California’s Sequoia National Park, with a height of 83.8 meters, a diameter of 7.7 m an estimated volume of 1.487 m3. The oldest tree is the Methuselah tree, a pine tree found in the White Mountains of California estimated to be over 4.800 years old. The biggest tree in Slovenia is a spruce tree, which is located in Bohinj valley and we are very proud of it. It is 47 m high, the diameter of the trunk is 169 cm and its about 200 years old.
2. trees can “boost our imunne system”
Trees produce special chemicals, so called Phytoncides, which help them fight against bacteria, microbes and all sorts of infections. One hectare of pine forest releases about 5kg of phytoncides per day. When we spent time in forest, we inhale the forest air and also these special chemicals. They increase the number of our white blood cells, so called “killer shells” which are the first warriors in our blood fighting against illness and diseases. So next time when you will be in the forest breath deeply, inhale the fresh air and boost your immune system with forest.
3. forest wi-fi
Trees can communicate among each other with help of plants and funghi. Under the forest ground there is a lot going on. Fungi have a special system which is called mycelium and can be spread around the whole forest. Electric signals are traveling thru this system, connecting fungi and trees. They are sending informations about predators and potential danger. Trees are interconnected, exchange nutrients, communicate with each other and only together can survive and fight against weather and climate change.
4. TREES CAN BE FRIENDS
Older trees help their “children” grow by supplying them with nutrients. Even dead trees and stumps are still helped and they receive nutritions thru their roots, because you never know when you will need help. Trees which start to grow next to each other can sometimes connect and grow on as one tree, which is stronger and resilient. Neighbouring trees can grow their branches away from the other tree and giving each other space to grow better.
5. FOREST MELODY
When we are in forest we can notice, that there is a special symphony of sounds, from rustling leaves to bird songs. These natural sounds contribute to a sense of tranquility and have even been proved to have positive effects on human well-being. Birdsong has been associated with various positive effects on human health and well-being like stress reduction, reminding us, that we are a part of nature, improving sleep and concentration. Overall, the sounds of nature have a therapeutic quality, offering benefits for mental and emotional well-being.
What to experience more?
If you would like to know more interesting facts about the forest, experience how nature can calm us down, balance our mind and body, boost our creativity, help us sleep better, reduce our stress levels and much more, i invite you to join me on a Forest Therapy Walk and get to know a lot more about the forest, experience and reconnect to the nature and yourself.
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