A new mixed forest and nature learning workshop in Oppach
Climate protection has taken root in Oppach: in the spring of 2026, we worked with two school classes and the German Forest Protection Association (SDW Saxony) to create a new, climate-resilient mixed forest on a former farmland site in the Görlitz district. What made this project special was its hands-on approach as local primary school students transformed the area into a green classroom by planting trees themselves and experiencing first-hand how a field can become a thriving ecological habitat.
About the Oppach afforestation 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 afforestation, a structurally rich forest composed of tree species suited to this former farmland is being created.
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 varieties and ecologically enhances the landscape. Among other things, the new forest improves the soil’s water balance, protects against erosion, and creates new habitats.
Planting was carried out entirely by hand and in close collaboration with SDW Saxony.
As the site was overgrowing with grass, we opted for larger, hardier seedlings. These were planted further apart than the seedlings on our other sites. Instead of the 7,600 trees we would otherwise have needed, only 6,000 were planted. The projected CO2 sequestration, however, remains the same. The sturdier plants have a higher chance of survival, which compensates for the lower number of trees planted.
Educational afforestation
In April 2026, the site in Oppach became a learning workshop. In collaboration with two primary schools from the region, we organised two separate educational afforestation events, during which pupils planted trees themselves and were thus actively involved in the creation of the new forest. On the 15th of April, a fourth-grade class from Beiersdorf Primary School planted trees on the site, and on the 21st of April, pupils from Oppach Primary School did the same. This allowed them to experience climate protection in a very hands-on way. At the same time, they learnt first-hand about the role forests play in the climate, the water cycle and biodiversity, and how afforestation can be part of the solution to the climate crisis.
These initiatives were supported by SDW Saxony, which is committed to forest conservation, environmental education and sustainable forestry projects across Germany.
The planting activities demonstrate just how effective environmental education can be when young people play an active role in shaping it themselves.
Our objectives for this site
- Environmental education through hands-on planting activities with school classes
- Improvement of climate, soil quality, and water balance
- Promotion of biodiversity
- Ecological and landscape enhancement of the region
- Measurable contribution to climate protection through long-term CO2 sequestration