One of the foresters' hopes with regard to climate change rests on the oak, as its drought resistance and deep taproot system will enable it to survive the expected dry summers of the future better than many other tree species. Last year, natural oak regeneration was able to establish itself on an area of around five hectares at Heiligenbergsee - the equivalent of around seven soccer pitches. Some of the existing old trees - partly due to their advanced age - did not cope well with the hot and dry summers of 2018 and 2019. They dried out or were so weakened that they were attacked by pathogens and insects. Once these trees have been felled, the next forest generation can take over and the future mixed oak forest at Heiligenbergsee can emerge.
However, the young oak forests need plenty of light to promote the next generation of oaks. The fact that the oak is so common in our region is mainly due to the preferential treatment of this tree species by previous generations of foresters, forest workers and forest owners. To ensure that it is also preserved in future forests, the forestry department is taking action above the Heiligenbergsee. Only a few old trees remain above the small trees. This approach has been tried and tested by generations of foresters. Even today's old oak forests were once established in such thinned young forests. Old trees with special habitat characteristics for birds, bats and insects naturally remain untouched by use. "However, the forest landscape will change significantly in the short and medium term," explains Theo Wöhr, the head of the forest district.
The forestry department asks for your understanding for any obstructions during the tree felling work. Marked path barriers should always be observed to avoid putting your life in danger.
