Why a forest pasture in the Black Forest?

Today, this form of management has almost disappeared in Germany. Our project in the municipal forest of Utzenfeld aims to revive wood pasture - for a diverse and near-natural forest landscape. An old willow beech on the site is a silent witness to this past and is now to become the heart of a living, semi-open forest ecosystem once again.

The aim: with goats and targeted care, we are creating a sparse forest that is valuable for nature and the climate - and at the same time preserving a piece of cultural landscape.

What happens on the area?

To bring the old forest pasture back to life, we are relying on a combination of goats and forest management. The plan involves two main steps:

1. The goats are off

In the first step, the area is fenced off so that controlled grazing can take place. The goats graze to their heart's content, eating mainly brambles and small trees that would otherwise overgrow the forest.

The result: more light reaches the forest floor and grasses and herbs can grow - an ideal basis for species-rich flora and fauna. The use of animals also reduces the amount of machinery required, protects the soil and promotes natural processes in the forest.

1. The "willow beeches" get more space

Another aim is to clear some particularly impressive beech trees. This means that plants in their immediate vicinity are removed so that the trees have more light and space to grow.

These "willow beeches" with their imposing crowns and strong branches give the forest structure and stability. They are essential for biodiversity, as they provide a habitat for numerous animals and plants that depend on old trees with deadwood and microhabitats.

These trees are vital for the survival of animal species that have become rare and can hardly find any habitats in intensively managed commercial forests. Tree hollows serve as nesting sites, dead wood as shelter and winter protection. This creates a diverse ecosystem that has positive effects far beyond the forest pasture area.

What are the benefits for nature and the environment?

The restoration of wood pasture offers benefits for biodiversity - and for the climate:

• More biodiversity - Open forest structures with old trees provide habitats for insects, birds and wildflowers that have little chance in dense commercial forests.
• Better climate adaptation - A diverse, stable forest is more resistant to storms, heat and disease. Free-standing trees and open areas promote a healthy forest structure.
• Preservation of a cultural heritage - Forest pastures have shaped the Black Forest for centuries. Their return preserves a piece of history and brings the landscape back to life.

Timetable - What's next?

Mid-2025: The first goat deployment begins.
Fall 2025: Further maintenance measures follow.
Regular monitoring: The area will be maintained in the long term to preserve the open structures.

Funding is provided through our DeutschlandPlus projects so that the wood pasture can be maintained sustainably.

Why the restoration of wood pasture is worthwhile

Our project in the Black Forest shows how tradition and modern nature conservation can go hand in hand. With goats as "natural landscape managers", we are creating an open, species-rich forest landscape that also has climatic benefits.

Thanks to the support of our DeutschlandPlus customers, we are not only preserving a valuable piece of cultural landscape, but also making our forests more resilient to climate change.

Join in & protect nature!

Do you want to actively contribute to climate protection? With our DeutschlandPlus projects, you can support sustainable forest management and the preservation of valuable habitats. Get started now.