Project Introduction

The Saprotrophic Observatory is located in the central-western region of the Great Wytham Woods. The ancient semi-natural woodlands is a protected ecological research site: “an archive of information”. The Observatory harnesses the fungal powers of decay and nutrient recycling to create a space for research and experimentation, in order to observe and utilise saprotrophic transformation. The by products of experiementation are mycelium materials, essentially functioning as a circular economy mushroom “farm” . The research facility, or mushroom farm, is nestled on the sloping 1900s plantation of beech, oak, and conifer trees.

The Wytham Woods is under the management of Oxford University and their Ecological Research Department. The Saprotrophic Observatory’s main ethos is to amplify the power of saprotrophy in order to speed up the nutrient recycling process and carbon sequestration for the health of the woodlands ecosystem.

Concept and Research

The project explored the phenomenon of transformation within the ancient woodlands of the Great Wytham Woods. At the macroscopic level, the entire site is composed of multiple bodies of diverse woodlands of various ages that over time joined up as one whole forest. A crucial element within all ages of woodlands is the presence of decaying wood, the remains of trees once they have “completed” their lifecycle.

Film Observations Trajectories and Cycles

Observing the movements and flows, following the interest in the different levels, heirarchies, and interrlationships of various organisms.

Saprotrophic Transformation

At the microscopic level, mycelium networks of a fungus, which are made up of strands of hyphae, break down the dead wood into its constituent parts returning nutrients back into the soil. Therefore, the presence and quantity of decaying wood indicates the richness of nutrients within the ecosystem and the rate of regenerative development.

At the human scale, we can observe the process of decomposition evident by the presence of detritus. Focusing specifically on fallen decaying wood, and its relationship between the fruiting body of the fungus: the mushroom.

Types of Deadwood