New forest replaces grassland
With this site in Schleswig-Holstein, we are promoting active forest development in a region where climate-resilient mixed forests are urgently needed. The total area of approximately 14 hectares was purchased by Schleswig-Holstein Landesforsten (AöR) in 2022 and had previously been used intensively as grassland. A new, ecologically valuable mixed deciduous forest is now being created here, which will withstand climate change and at the same time create new habitats for flora and fauna.
As part of this afforestation, ForTomorrow is planting trees on 4.6 hectares of the 14-hectare area. On another sub-area, Drelsdorf 2, we are creating an additional 7 hectares of mixed forest.
Before the first young trees were planted, the site was carefully prepared for reforestation: experts mapped the area, planned the future forest, interrupted old drainage lines, and set up an 800-meter wildlife protection fence.
Now, around 18 000 trees are growing on the 4.6-hectare site. All of them come from native, site-appropriate sources, with many belonging to the region’s natural forest communities. Step by step, a diverse and climate-resilient mixed forest is taking shape here – one that not only withstands the challenges of climate change, but also creates valuable habitats for countless animal and plant species.
Our objectives for this site
- Long-term climate protection through durable wood products and CO2 sequestration
- New forest formation on former grassland areas: climate-resilient, close to nature, and high-performing
- Promotion of biodiversity through structurally rich mixed forests instead of monocultures
- Water retention by removing old drainage systems and developing bog forest-like areas
- Forest education and recreation: long-term space for people to experience nature