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Temperate forests stretch across Europe from Brittany to the Urals. They are made up mainly of deciduous trees, one of which is the oak, which has a very special role. For the Celts, the oak symbolizes the connection between the spirits of heaven and earth. In fact, this tree adapts to the changing seasons: in autumn it loses its leaves, in winter it rests under a blanket of snow, and in spring it begins to grow again. Its fruit is a delicious meal for wood mice, wild boars, squirrels and birds that help spread the oak seeds. Green woodpeckers and bats help rid the tree of parasites that prey on its wood and leaves. The shy lynx also serves the oak because it regulates deer and caribou, which like to nibble on its buds. The oak lives underground in symbiosis with fungi that provide it with vital nutrients. Ecologists, biologists and mycologists explain the links between these fascinating interactions. The secret to the success of the highly resilient temperate forests lies in their biodiversity. Unfortunately, they are increasingly being replaced by pure conifer plantations that meet the demands of the standardized timber industry and impoverish the soil, causing many species to migrate. In light of timber construction practices and expanding urban areas, the question arises: Is oak really as immortal as it is claimed? ـــــ #Documentary #DW #dwdocs #Oak #Trees ـــــ DW Dialogue Call: https://p.dw.com/p/OYIo More documentaries are available on our websites in English: http://www.dw.com/ar/tv/docfilm/s-3610 / dwdocumentary / dw.stories