Beneath each island lies an invisible network. Mycelium connects roots, shares nutrients and accelerates native species growth. Without it, the Miyawaki method doesn't work.
What mycelium is
Mycelium is the vegetative part of fungi — a network of microscopic filaments that spreads through the soil and associates with plant roots in symbiotic relationships called mycorrhizae.
This network shares water, phosphorus and other nutrients between plants of different species. It is, literally, the internet of the forest.
Its role in the Miyawaki method
One of the reasons the Miyawaki method produces forests that grow 10 times faster is the intensive soil preparation — which includes adding organic matter and creating conditions for mycelium to develop from day one.
On our islands, we regularly observe fungal growth near the roots — a sign that the network is active and working.
Science you can see
During maintenance sessions, we show students and volunteers the visible mycelium in the soil — white threads between the roots. It's one of the most memorable moments: realising that what looks like dead soil is full of life.
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