Oppach

About the Oppach Reforestation Project

The site is located in Upper Lusatia and consists primarily of agricultural land. These soils generally provide good conditions for the development of a new mixed forest. Through reforestation, a structurally rich forest composed of tree species suited to the site is being created on the former farmland.

Different growth forms, crown structures, and flowering times ensure that a resilient and species-rich forest ecosystem can develop over the years. The diversity of species creates long-term stable habitats for numerous animal and plant species and enhances the landscape ecologically. Among other things, the new forest improves the soil’s water balance, protects against erosion, and creates new habitats.

Planting is done entirely by hand and in close collaboration with SDW Saxony.

Educational Reforestation

In April 2026, the site in Oppach became a learning center. Together with two elementary schools from the region, two educational reforestation events took place here, during which students planted trees themselves and were thus actively involved in the creation of the new forest. On April 15, a 4th-grade class from Beiersdorf Elementary School planted trees on the site, and on April 21, students from Oppach Elementary School did the same. This made climate protection a tangible, hands-on experience. The children learned firsthand on-site about the role forests play in the climate, water balance, and biodiversity, and how reforestation can be part of the solution to the climate crisis.

The activities were supported by SDW Saxony, which is committed to forest conservation, environmental education, and sustainable forestry projects nationwide.

The planting initiatives demonstrate how effective environmental education can be when young people not only learn about nature in the classroom but also actively help shape it themselves.