In all interventions, the forestry experts in the district pursue the clear goal of adapting the forest to changing climatic conditions while preserving its ecological, economic and social functions.
Dead and severely damaged trees that have died due to drought, storms or insect infestation are removed in a targeted manner - particularly near roads, paths and recreational facilities in order to restore road safety. At the same time, space is created in these areas for young, vital and climate-stable trees. These promote the necessary generational change in the forest and enable a targeted mixture of tree species - a mixture with native tree species, for example pedunculate and sessile oak, which should be better adapted to future climatic conditions.
Stable forests through maintenance and thinning
During so-called thinning work, individual trees are removed in order to provide the remaining trees with more light, water and nutrients. This allows them to develop stronger crowns and roots - an important prerequisite for stable and resilient stands.
As the climate and growing conditions are constantly changing, forests must also adapt to these challenges. However, natural adaptation processes are very slow. In special protected areas such as forest refuges and protected forests, nature is left to its own devices - where "nature is allowed to be nature". On large areas, however, active action is necessary to ensure the long-term stability and diversity of the forests. The maintenance work is therefore an essential contribution to preserving the forests as a living, recreational and usable space for future generations.
Valuable raw material from sustainable use
The harvested wood is used in a variety of ways - from the production of high-quality construction and furniture timber to the provision of paper or firewood for the local market. Especially in the cold winter months, firewood from local sources contributes to the regional energy supply.
Wood is a renewable, regional and climate-friendly raw material that has a significantly better carbon footprint than concrete or steel. If wood is used in durable products, the carbon bound in the tree remains stored for decades - a valuable contribution to climate protection and long-term CO₂ binding.
Only as much wood as grows back
Wood is always used in the Ludwigsburg district in accordance with the principles of sustainability. Only as much wood is harvested as will grow back in the same period. This is based on the ten-year forest management plans, which take equal account of all forest functions - protection, use and recreation.
In addition, sustainable forest management is regularly checked and confirmed by recognized sustainability seals such as PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification). These guarantee that strict ecological, social and economic standards are adhered to during timber harvesting.
In the area of species protection, for example, old, biologically valuable trees and deadwood are deliberately left standing in order to preserve habitats for birds, insects and bats. This structural diversity makes the forest more resilient and ecologically valuable.
Consideration during the timber harvest
During the logging season, there may be closures in individual areas of the forest. These are for the personal protection of forest visitors, as machines and falling trees pose considerable dangers during the timber harvest.
Closed areas are also unsafe at night and on Sundays and public holidays as, for example, branches or parts of crowns that have become stuck can sometimes come loose much later and fall unpredictably. The closures should therefore be observed and respected.
Where necessary, detours and alternative routes will be signposted. Once the work has been completed, the paths will be cleaned and - if necessary - repaired in a timely manner.
With the sustainable management of their forests, the foresters in the Ludwigsburg district are not only securing the wood supply of today, but are also actively shaping the climate-stable forest of tomorrow.
