What is a natural forest?
We protect special biotopes, species, and communities primarily through the LÖWE forest conservation area concept.
The first "natural forests" were designated in Lower Saxony as early as the 1970s. In these areas, all timber harvesting and maintenance measures were subsequently discontinued, and the forests were left to natural development. Today, these "primeval forests of tomorrow" cover 32,950 hectares, representing 10% of our property. They are found in all major forested areas. The largest contiguous areas are located in the Harz National Park (14,900 hectares), in the Süntel near Hessisch Oldendorf (1,300 hectares), in the Elbe River Valley Biosphere Reserve (approx. 700 hectares), and in the Drömling (approx. 500 hectares).
The development of these primeval forests of tomorrow is scientifically monitored by the Forest Research Institute in Göttingen. We use the insights gained from this monitoring to further improve the near-natural management of the remaining forests.
Furthermore, they are an essential component of the National Biodiversity Strategy (NBS). In these forests, we protect the part of biodiversity that depends on old-growth-like structures. In managed forests, trees are usually harvested before they reach their natural maximum age or die naturally. In natural forests, on the other hand, the natural aging and decay phases are allowed to proceed undisturbed, thus providing special protection for the animal and plant species that depend on such forest structures.
There is also considerable public interest in the interconnectedness of natural forests. Through environmental education and public outreach, we bring these forests closer to a broad audience.
Visit the NLF website: https://www.landesforsten.de/
Latest news and updates: https://www.landesforsten.de/aktuelle...
Want to become a forester? https://www.landesforsten.de/wir/karr...
If you'd like to get a chainsaw operator's license, visit your local forestry office for more information: https://www.landesforsten.de/forstaem...
Location of the State Forests online:
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