Success for capercaillie protection in the Wiegen municipal forest

The challenge: Capercaillie habitat under pressure

The capercaillie, a protected and rare bird species, is dependent on certain habitats in order to survive. The bilberry is particularly important for it - a plant that not only provides food but also helps to shape the forest structure. But it is precisely this bilberry that is coming under increasing pressure: competing plants such as raspberries are crowding it out, and shady trees such as beeches and rowan berries are depriving it of the light it needs.

The solution: Targeted measures for more habitat

A comprehensive conservation project has been launched in the Wiegen community forest in the district of Lörrach to specifically improve the habitat of the capercaillie. The project was made possible by the DeutschlandPlus funding program, which provides funds for nature conservation projects that could not be financed from the local resources.

What was actually done?

1. Promotion of the blueberry:
   • Plants such as raspberries, which compete with bilberries, have been pushed back.
   • Small beech trees and other shady shrubs were removed to allow more sunlight to reach the ground - essential for the growth of blueberries.
2. Targeted removal of tree species:
   • Rowan berries and other tree species that we usually promote were reduced. At the same time, important protective trees such as spruces were preserved, as they provide hiding places for capercaillie chicks. The aim here is also to allow more light into the system.
3. Creation of open spaces:
   • The targeted cutting back of woody plants created sunny clearings - ideal conditions for the capercaillie, a light-loving species.

Why is this important?

The capercaillie is an impressive bird species that is closely associated with the Black Forest, but is unfortunately threatened with extinction in Germany. It shows us how healthy a forest is: where the capercaillie lives, there is a species-rich and well-structured forest, which also benefits many other animals and plants.

Blueberries are particularly important for the capercaillie. It stabilizes the ecosystem and serves as an important source of food. In order to protect the capercaillie, its habitat must be specifically promoted.

A varied forest floor with blueberries and young spruce plays a major role in this. The blueberries provide the capercaillie with food in summer, while the needles of the spruce trees are important in winter. These plants also provide good hiding places. Anyone who wants to protect the capercaillie is also protecting a healthy and diverse forest.

Added value for the forest and the region

The project shows how nature conservation and sustainable forest management can be combined. The aim is not only to protect the capercaillie, but also to stabilize forest ecosystems in the long term. The project thus makes an important contribution to preserving biodiversity and promoting near-natural forests - a benefit for nature and people.

Looking ahead: In the coming years, the success of the project will be regularly reviewed to ensure that the measures are taking effect. This example from the Wiegen community forest shows how clever promotion can support endangered species and at the same time strengthen the diversity of our forests.