Call of the Forest: The Forgotten Wisdom of Trees

In the documentary film "Call of the Forest: The Forgotten Wisdom of Trees," renowned botanist Diana Beresford-Kroeger invites viewers on a captivating journey through the ancient forests of the Northern Hemisphere. Through her engaging narrative and striking visuals, she reveals the intricate web of relationships between trees, humans, and the natural environment. The film begins in a majestic beech forest in Ontario, Canada, where Beresford-Kroeger shares her passion for the natural world and her life's work studying the interconnectedness of trees and the ecosystems they inhabit. As she walks through the forest, pointing out the unique characteristics of the beech trees, she explains that these towering sentinel trees are connected through a network of fungal hyphae, similar to the internet, which allows them to communicate and share resources. Beresford-Kroeger takes us to other parts of the Northern Hemisphere, including the forests of China, Japan, and Ireland, highlighting the similarities and differences between these ecosystems. In the Irish forests, she points out the importance of the hazel tree, which has been a symbol of wisdom and fertility throughout Celtic mythology. She also introduces us to the concept of "wood wide web," a term coined by Peter Wohlleben, a German forester, which describes the complex network of relationships between trees, fungi, and other organisms in the forest. Through her travels, Beresford-Kroeger reveals the importance of the Northern Hemisphere's forests as a source of oxygen, a reservoir of carbon, and a home to countless species of plants and animals. She notes that these forests have been under pressure from human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and climate change, which have disrupted the delicate balance of these ecosystems. Beresford-Kroeger also shares her personal story, growing up in a family of Irish immigrants in Canada, where she learned about the spiritual significance of forests from her mother, a healer and naturalist. She recounts her experiences as a young girl exploring the forests, identifying plants, and learning about the traditional uses of these species. Her passion for botany and ecology was ignited at a young age, and she went on to become a leading expert in her field. One of the most striking aspects of the film is Beresford-Kroeger's ability to convey the scientific and spiritual significance of trees and forests in an engaging and accessible way. She weaves together stories, myths, and scientific discoveries to create a rich tapestry of knowledge that highlights the intricate web of relationships between humans, trees, and the natural environment. The film also explores the concept of "tree memory," which refers to the way that trees can recall and respond to past events, such as droughts and insect attacks. Beresford-Kroeger notes that this memory is not just a physical phenomenon but also an emotional one, where the trees respond to the emotional state of the forest and its inhabitants. Throughout the film, Beresford-Kroeger emphasizes the importance of preserving and restoring ancient forests, not just for their ecological significance but also for their cultural and spiritual importance. She argues that these forests have been a source of inspiration and guidance for human societies for centuries and that their loss would be a devastating blow to our collective cultural heritage. As the film concludes, Beresford-Kroeger reflects on the significance of her life's work, saying that she has dedicated her life to "listening to the trees" and conveying their wisdom to the world. The film ends with a powerful message, one that resonates deeply with audiences: the importance of respecting, preserving, and honoring the wisdom of trees and the natural world. Ultimately, "Call of the Forest: The Forgotten Wisdom of Trees" is a powerful and inspiring documentary that invites viewers to reconsider their relationship with the natural world. Through Beresford-Kroeger's passion, knowledge, and storytelling, the film reveals the intricate web of relationships between humans, trees, and the environment, highlighting the importance of preserving and restoring ancient forests for future generations.