The mole and the truffle story in this months newsletter would make a lovely article for a newspaper, magazine or “…and finally” spot, so anyone wanting further information on any items in our newsletter or truffles generally, please do get in contact. Truffles have always been a media friendly subject and throughout the lifetime of Mycorrhizal Systems we’ve appeared in, and been featured on, numerous TV shows (from the Dragons Den, The One Show and What to Eat Now on the BBC to Market Kitchen, Taste and CNN

Throughout the United States and Canada, the American Truffle Company (ATC- our operation in North America) has been planting orchards in partnership. Thousands of oak and filbert seedlings have just been planted in our newest orchard in North Carolina, complete with a fantastic professionally-installed irrigation system. The scientific methodology, close care and diligence that went into growing and planting the seedlings is paying off – all are doing very well in their new environment.

Within the UK: this month the Forestry Commission officially open their grant applications for the establishment of native woodland (new woodland creation grant) which significantly off-sets the costs of establishing your truffle orchard. Most areas of the UK are suitable and through the partnership approach we help you every step of the way, including planting plans and grant applications.

We are delighted to announce that we’ve been joined by Isianne Neve. Issi is intrigued by truffle cultivation, has a strong interest in plants and ecology and will be helping manage our databases and pushing our research forward. Issi is also likely to be one of the first people you speak to when calling- office hours for telephone calls are 9am-1pm (GMT) Monday-Friday and the contact number is +44(0)1433 659167.