Ehningen in focus: The forest as a treasure – opportunities and challenges!

Ehningen in focus: The forest as a treasure – opportunities and challenges!

In picturesque Ehningen, the foresters recently took the opportunity to explain the opportunities and challenges of the community forest to citizens and interested parties. At four different stations it was shown how a well-planned forest can be used. What was striking was that the options clearly predominated. Oaks and beeches play a central role and are the dominant tree species on the approximately 280 hectares of communal forest. In contrast, the spruce population, which is at high risk from bark beetles, only accounts for eleven percent and is showing a declining trend.

Jochen Müller, an experienced forester, presented visitors with a naturally rejuvenated area characterized, among other things, by cherries and birches. He explained that the goal is a stable, healthy mixed forest, with a focus on an “orderly mix” to achieve high quality valuable timber. Alexandra Radlinger emphasized the importance of these stocks for the future of the forest: “We want to produce valuable wood.”

Ecological importance of oaks

A central element of forest management is the targeted removal of individual trees. This is done to provide more light and space for the remaining plants. Müller also highlighted the value of tree species that cannot be used as sawn timber, which is particularly evident in older oak stands. Trees with a red “Z” remain standing, while trees marked orange must be removed. “People who saw have to think for themselves, we need them more than ever,” explained Radlinger and expressed her appreciation for the work of the forest workers.

A crucial concern of the foresters is the careful handling of the oak stands, which are often over 140 years old. Some of them are up to 300 years old and reach an impressive diameter of almost one meter. “No tree species embodies so much biotope,” said Müller and described the oak as the “jack of all trades in the forest”. These trees can bring in up to 1000 euros per cubic meter of wood. Nevertheless, the preservation of these populations remains a challenge, especially due to the oak jewel beetle, which has already been found in parts of the Böblingen district. “We are at attention,” warned Radlinger and appealed for the attention of everyone involved.

A special highlight of the event was the presentation of the Friedrich Kammerer School's forest and nature concept. Here, first and second grade students are encouraged to attend forest tours and plant trees themselves in order to learn how to deal with the topic of sustainability in practice. Mayor Lukas Rosengrün praised the “foresters with passion and heart and soul” who support this concept and contribute to the education of young people. The social gathering in the “Einmachenes Wäldle” forestry depot rounded off the event and promoted the exchange between the participants, who appreciated the importance of forest care and preservation.

The Ehninger Forest remains a showcase project in the region for strong trees and a healthy ecosystem, with the foresters' efforts to further promote the mixed forest in the coming years being crucial. The existing balance between preservation and use is essential for the sustainable development of the forest. More details on this topic can be found in a detailed report on www.krzbb.de.