A varied habitat
WSL describes deadwood as a habitat with cavities, food and shelter. Fungi and bacteria help break it down; insects and birds use different structures. “Dead” describes the wood, not everything living in it.
Evidence / further reading: WSL · Totholz als vielfältiger Lebensraum ↗
Discover without breaking it open
The Woodland Trust highlights the importance of different forms and stages of deadwood. Leave bark and pieces in place. Observe from a safe path; this is no invitation to climb unstable trunks or enter closed areas.
Evidence / further reading: Woodland Trust · Deadwood ↗
Sources & further reading
Facts and basic guidance draw on the sources below. Observation exercises and reflections are our own invitations.
