A forest needs space and time

As silviculturists, we feel duty bound to be creative and to respect the contract between the generations. For us humans, trees need an unimaginably long time to grow. That is why we have to think and act across generations. Sustainability means that what is inherited from one’s ancestors will, at the very least, remain undiminished when it is placed in the hands of the next generation.

The practical knowledge that goes into our management of the permanent forest, together with a diverse mixture of tree species and structures, has proven to be ecologically, economically and socially sustainable. This type of management, in harmony with nature, provides numerous habitats where species of flora and fauna can live in the wild. A permanent forest guarantees that biodiversity is maintained..

The management of a permanent forest means no clearfelling. Instead, individual trees are removed to improve the quality and stability of the forest. In so doing we bear in mind the various growth characteristics of the trees. The focus of the operation is the individual tree within the overall structure of the wood. Careful selection is required. Timber harvesting is carried out only when a tree is ready – that is to say, it is no longer improving in quality – or if it is restricting the development of a better tree. Timber harvesting, forest maintenance and natural regeneration are effected in a single operation. Careful harvesting methods prevent damage to the timber and the woodland, and safeguard the forest floor. We are PEFC certified.

For the local community we provide free eco-services such as purifying surface- and ground-water, with water storage, purifying the air, protection from erosion and noise, carbon sequestration, nearby recreation areas with well kept hiking trails and attractive forest views, landscape care and maintenance, and nature conservation. At the same time, we and our forests stand defenceless in the face of ever increasing burdens. Keywords: forest dieback due to air pollution, and climate change.

Ecological services are largely perceived by business and society as public assets and markets that come without a price attached – they are not assigned any value. This leads to an increasing loss of biodiversity worldwide. Our well-being depends on developing and implemeting future-proof ‘business models’ that foster a sustainable economy without the loss of biodiversity. One such model is a forest that is managed in harmony with nature.