Initial state

The project area is a non-natural forest area with a poplar stand that is on average around 50 years old and comprises around 105 poplars per hectare. Below this, there is a second tree layer in the intermediate and understorey, which is characterised by tree species such as black alder and ash, but also occasionally by birch, cherry, rowan, willow and sycamore. There is also a shrub layer consisting of various shrub species.

Target state

The aim of the project is to create a near-natural mixed deciduous forest on a damp to wet site close to a stream. The forest should correspond as closely as possible to the natural deciduous forest community typical of this location. This primarily includes the tree species alder and ash, but also shrub species such as hazel or hawthorn. In addition to enhancing the natural habitat, which benefits the biodiversity and resilience of the forest, the conversion also offers land-saving compensation for forest and woodland-related interventions.

Measures

Clearing the poplar stand

The first step is to remove and ring the poplar stand in the project area, while at the same time preserving existing, site-appropriate companion tree species.

‍What is ring-felling?
Ringing is a method of causing trees to die in a gentle and nature-friendly manner. To do this, the bark of a tree is cut off all round at human belly to chest height in order to sever the water and sap supply to the roots. Depending on the thickness of the tree, it dies standing within a few to several years, while its deadwood can be used as a food source and habitat by various insects and birds. In addition, the ringing improves the deadwood population over the entire area.

Exemption and planting

Subsequently, existing alders and ash trees will be selectively cleared to promote the diameter growth of the trees. In addition to the existing trees, further alder saplings will be planted to close or reduce gaps in the tree population.

Maintenance of planting areas and preservation of complex ecosystems

This is followed by continuous maintenance of the planting areas within the project. Particular care is taken to protect the moist soils. As the wet depressions represent an ecologically valuable special structure and should not be damaged, they were specifically excluded from the afforestation.