In the forest, says biologist Peter Wohlleben,author of The Hidden Life Of Trees, there’s a battle for every last ray of sunlight, and each species of tree is specialized to grow in a particular niche of the woods so that it can receive at least some of the energy of the sun, however small.

Trees have won their competition for the sun because they can grow so tall. But a plant can grow a long sturdy trunk only if it lives for a very long time, because so much energy is stored in the wood. To grow its trunk, a mature beech tree needs as much sugar and cellulose as there is in a 2.5 acre field of wheat.

The challenge for trees is that it takes about 150 years to grow such a tall and strong structure, although, says Wohlleben, once it’s there is it pretty much set for life, no other plants but trees can reach it. Trees help feed their offspring, transferring water and nutrients through their roots.

The Hidden Life Of Trees is a powerful story, an awakening, I have given little thought in my life to the life of trees, who have complex social structures, help  one another in many ways, and take many years to mature. We cut trees down thoughtlessly, I have never thought of them as sentient beings who are, in their own ways, keenly aware of one another and of us.

Maria and I walk in the woods almost every day, and our consciousness about trees has changed radically. They are amazing, complex and fascinating creatures once you know even a small amount about them – how they share light, communicate, warn one another of danger.

Human beings have been cutting trees down throughout their history and we use wood to warm our farmhouse throughout the winter. But I will not ever again be so casual about trees, getting to look and them and learn about their history has transformed the way I see the world. They have a lot to teach me.

Walking in these woods, I came across some white leaves, rare in the forest, the light still manages to reach them, cutting through the thick canopy. They were especially beautiful, alone in the woods. I call them Ghost Leaves.