DeutschlandPlus Werdohl

The Sauerland region, particularly the Werdohl municipal forest and the Arnsberg forest, was one of the regions in Germany worst affected by the “Kyrill” storm. On January 18, 2007, the storm caused extensive damage, which was exacerbated by subsequent storms and bark beetle infestation due to the long periods of heat. Many forest areas were completely destroyed.

As part of the reforestation, climate-adapted, native deciduous trees such as copper beech, service tree and sycamore were planted on these storm-damaged areas. Thermophilic species such as cherry and service tree were planted on the dry upper slope, while sycamore maple was planted in the lower, fresher valley areas. These trees were planted in groups and natural regeneration by species such as birch, rowan and willow was integrated.

Other measures in this region included

• Group planting on storm areas
• Forest management and young stand maintenance
• Targeted promotion of sustainable tree species through manual felling of crowding trees

This work helped to create a stable, near-natural mixed forest for future generations.