NEWS

Prof. Paul Thomas (our Managing Director) has appeared on several TV programmes, radio shows and in many written articles. Specific areas of expertise include the biology, cultivation, hunting and cooking methods of the wide range of truffle species. If you would like an interview or require information for an article then please use our contact form and we would be very happy to help.

Below, our most recent news articles are displayed and our back-catalogue is open for browsing.

July 26, 2024

White truffle trees (Tuber magnatum) – available now but very limited supply

We are incredibly excited to announce that we will have a small amount of Tuber magnatum inoculated trees for sale this season - reserve your order now to avoid disappointment!  
July 24, 2024

Mycorrhizal system’s truffle trees are now certified 

Having now been approved as a Plant Healthy Certified grower, our trees can be planted through grant schemes, such as the English Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) where only nurseries with this Plant Healthy certification can be used.
May 16, 2024

Our educational and event space, on the Isle of Bute, West coast of Scotland.

From orchard walks & truffle hunting to microscopic root analysis and talks from our expert team. We also provide a truffle inspired lunch and fizz. 
February 20, 2024

Research Associate Job: microbiology and mycoforestry

We seek a postdoctoral microbiologist with experience of in-field collection of isolates alongside maintaining, screening and developing fungi cultures. This role will focus on the collection and development of ectomycorrhizal (EMF) isolates, optimising in vitro growth conditions and the production of trees inoculated with different EMF species leading to field trials.
January 31, 2024

The Hairy Bikers visit The National Truffle Center

We were delighted to have been asked to be a part of the newest series of The Hairy Bikers, this series follows Dave & Si as they "Go West". The bikers joined Paul and Lyndsay, on the Isle of Bute, last summer, to film for the new series.
December 11, 2023

MSL spearheads new £800,000 R&D project 

With project partners at the University of Stirling (UoS), MSL is leading a new £800,000 mycorrhiza research project that sees the expansion of our DNA sequencing facilities and mycorrhiza culture labs.
August 23, 2023

Scottish & English truffles available now!

The season is in full flow with some incredible scented truffles coming from a number of our UK orchards.
July 3, 2023

New job vacancies: Postdoc and lab assistant

We seek a postdoctoral microbiologist with experience of in-field collection of isolates alongside maintaining, screening and developing fungi cultures. This two-year role will focus on the collection and development of ectomycorrhizal (EMF) isolates, optimising in vitro growth conditions and the production of trees inoculated with different EMF species leading to field trials. Applicants should have a PhD in a relevant area of biological sciences and be experienced in lab-based culturing techniques. Experience with mycorrhiza identification and DNA metabarcoding would be highly beneficial.
January 30, 2023

New UK truffle Centre to open in 2023/24

Exciting plans are afoot as we plan to open the first UK truffle centre in late 2023/24.
  • Samantha Ellis

    From guidance in orchard establishment, tree supply and management to our own truffle distribution network, we've got all angles covered

    Samantha Ellis
    Business Development
  • Dr Paul Thomas

    Thorough and scientific methodologies, attention to detail and having a committed partner at every step of the way, is the only reliable approach to truffle cultivation

    Dr Paul Thomas
    General Director
  • Daniel Paskin

    With our own genetics lab and research sites in 23 countries, we are truly world-leading in the field

    Daniel Paskin
    Nursery Manager
December 5, 2020

MSL Blog: climate change and the impact on truffles – December 2020

2020 has been a big news year and life has changed in ways that most of us never expected. At the start of the year record wildfires seemed like they could be the big news story of the year as huge blazes ravaged Australia. However, as we all know, it wasn’t just Australia and extreme climate events occurred across the globe. In this blog post Prof. Paul Thomas discusses the impact of climate change and the research he's working on in collaboration with colleagues from the Universities of Cambridge and Stirling around what these changes mean for truffle production.
August 8, 2019

National Geographic – New research confirms that truffle harvests are affected by rainfall patterns

The National Geographic have produced an excellent article focusing on a recent study into rainfall levels and how these effect truffle harvests; it’s particularly important as climate change is dramatically affecting the truffle industry. We’re often asked how important rainfall levels are for truffle cultivation and whether irrigation is required, both for the truffle trees and for the truffles themselves. We’ve had a good understanding of this for many years and know that both trees and truffles like a moderate amount of rainfall with a disbursement across the year. The climate in the UK, Ireland and across most of mid and eastern Europe is ideal for good tree and truffle growth and additional irrigation isn’t typically required on truffle plantations. However, new research published by Prof. Ulf Büntgen of Cambridge University is revealing that the timing of when rainfall occurs in a particular year is also a key factor in […]
June 27, 2019

CLA Summit 2019: Climate Change – Risk or Opportunity?

As part of our wider commitment to developing the UK’s agricultural and forestry sectors, Dr Thomas will be presenting at the CLA’s 2019 Summit, held on July 2nd 2019 at the Cavendish Conference Centre in London. The topic for discussion this year is ‘Climate Change – Risk or Opportunity’ and will be presented by business leaders, academics and industry experts. The aim of the summit is to arm landowners with the facts around climate change and to highlight how to adapt and build in resilience to existing business whilst exploring future opportunities. As part of the expert line up, Dr Thomas will be presenting an overview of his recent research into climate change, co-authored with Prof Büntgen of Cambridge University, and how this is expected to affect forestry both in the UK and globally.