Future trees for Remscheid: Förster Barrkungi fights against climate change

Future trees for Remscheid: Förster Barrkungi fights against climate change

Remscheid. A dramatic change in the Lenneper Stadtwald is imminent! The new district forester Karim Barkenkuni has the mission to secure the vitality of the forests in Remscheid. "The crown of this beech is much more lavish than that of the oak next door," explains Barkouni while inspecting the trees. The oak is marked with a red strip and has to give way while the beech is chosen as a future tree. A brave step to make the forests fit for climate change!

But what are future trees? These trees have the potential to withstand the challenges of climate change and are specifically promoted. Barrkuni and his team from the forestry office rely on diversity: "At least four tree species should grow on one area," emphasizes the 32-year-old. Monocultures, such as the once popular spruces, have no future, as the devastating effects of the bark beetle show. "Going in there is not harmless," warns Barkouni, while looking at the bare areas that were once dominated by conifers.

A permanent forest should arise

The goal? A permanent forest that adapts to the challenges of climate change! Barrkuni explains that such a forest needs a mixture of young, old, large and small trees. A single -layer inventory is currently dominated, but natural rejuvenation is to create new layers. "We can't stop in 20 years, we have to keep going," says Barkoi.

Now in autumn is the best time for the upcoming work in the forest. The fallen leaves facilitate the view of nests and the tree trunks are in a resting phase, which makes falling safer. "The machines only cause a minimum of damage," explains Lukas Sieberth, head of the green spaces, cemeteries and forestry. The future of the Remscheider forests is located in the hands of Barkenzi and his team - a generation task that is addressed with passion!