Did you know that in spring, you can hear the water flowing inside a tree if you listen to the trunk with a stethoscope? Science cannot yet fully explain this phenomenon.
Just like you, a tree needs water to live.
Its foliage catches some of the rainwater, but this quickly evaporates in the sun. Fortunately, a tree can also absorb water from the ground. This water travels through the roots, rises up the trunk and is distributed to the leaves high up in the crown.
The spruce acts like an umbrella.
The branches, which slope towards the ground, and the closely packed needles allow only 15 per cent of the rainwater to flow down to the trunk.
The forest is like a sponge.
Trees and the soil store rainwater. The water is either ‘drunk’ directly by the tree roots, or it flows slowly towards fresh, pure water sources.

Can you hear the sounds of the forest?
Be very still and listen!
(i) In this section, you must be completely still. Along the way, you’ll find three listening stations that amplify sounds.
Can you hear the rustling of the leaves?
Can you hear the murmur of the Suone?
Can you hear the birdsong in the forest?

Did you know that, in spring, if you listen to a tree trunk with a stethoscope, you can hear water moving inside the tree? Scientists are still not sure how to explain this phenomenon.
Just like you, a tree needs water to survive
It collects some rainwater on its leaves, but this evaporates quickly in the sun. Luckily, the tree is also able to absorb water from the ground. This water travels through the roots, rises up the trunk and is carried right to the topmost leaves.
The spruce acts like an umbrella
Its branches, which slope towards the ground, and its dense rows of needles ensure that no more than 15 per cent of rainwater reaches its trunk.
The forest acts like a sponge
The trees and the soil store rainwater. This water is either ‘drunk’ directly by the trees’ roots or filters slowly down into pure freshwater springs.

Do you know how to listen to the sounds of the forest?
Be quiet and listen!
(i) This section should be walked in silence. Along the way, you will find three listening cones that amplify the sounds.
Can you hear the rustling of the leaves?
Can you hear the trickling of the water in the stream?
Can you hear the birds singing in the forest?