Fungus powering resilient woodland creation for FLS
An innovative approach to planting trees that harnesses the power of fungus is yielding positive results for Forestry and Land Scotland’s (FLS).
As the UK celebrates Fungus Day 2025 on October 4, FLS can reveal recent trials that use fungal pellets in the planting process have significantly boosted sapling survival rates.
The pellets, produced by Edinburgh-based start-up venture Rhizocore Technologies, utilise native ectomycorrhizal fungi to create a symbiotic underground nutrient network that helps both trees and fungi to flourish.
On a test plot at FLS’ Damside site in North Lanarkshire there has been a 97% survival of RhizoPellet treated trees against 78% survival of non-treated trees 12 months after the trees were planted.
FLS Forest Management Officer Martin Price said:
“At FLS, we are always looking for new ways to improve and adapt our forestry practices to grow more productive and resilient forests.
“It is hoped that by planting the fungi pellets alongside our saplings the fungi and tree roots can establish a ectomycorrhiza connection and grow together. Potential benefits include increased survival and growth rates and decreasing the effect of weed competition. More robust saplings are also more resistant to our principal insect pest the pine weevil and we hope that this will reduce its’ impacts without resorting to chemical control.
“It is really encouraging to see the early trials showing this to be the case.
“As well as being vital to Scotland’s effort against the climate and biodiversity emergencies, improvements in yield would help ensure security of future timber supply for Scotland’s thriving £1bn forestry industry.”
FLS will look to expand the use of the pellets at various sites across Scotland during the next planting season. Monitoring will be carried out to establish the impact they have on the success of the projects.
Rhizocore Technologies CEO, Dr. Toby Parkes, said:
“Ectomycorrhizal fungi play a key role in the healthy functioning of forest ecosystems. They provide nutrients, retain water, improve soils and protect the trees from disease. But because they rely on the trees for their survival, they are not present on most sites, and we should aim to establish these ectomycorrhizal partners when we plant.
“Like the trees themselves, fungi need to be adapted to the location they are being planted, so we need to match the right tree in the right place with the right fungi. That's why we only use locally adapted ectomycorrhiza. Getting that right is key to establishing a healthy fungal community and significantly boosting tree growth and survival.
“We are excited about working with FLS to help them drive forward a sustainable and resilient forestry sector for Scotland. Supporting healthier soils and more resilient woodlands is a critical part of how forestry can adapt to the changing climate while meeting the growing demand for biodiversity, carbon capture, and sustainable timber.”
Notes to editors
- Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
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