Solidaritree

The summer of 2022 has its work cut out for it. Historic heat waves across Europe have put forest managers in a tight spot.
This makes it all the more important to start thinking about the forests of the future now.

"Tortreega", our tree nursery and experimental site, is a stark contrast to the agricultural wasteland (hundreds of hectares of intensively cultivated cherry plantations) in the region. On the 5 hectares of land there is a small pine forest which is gradually being transformed into a natural oak forest society through targeted interventions in favour of the naturally grown oaks in the undergrowth. Part of the open area was planted with a mixture of different oaks (cork oak, pedunculate oak, Pyrenean oak, stone oak) as well as ash and alder (on wet sites). We are curious to see how the different tree species prove themselves in this area.

Through intensive observation of the growth success, we can get to know the "temperament" of the planted tree species better and improve our advisory services for local forest enthusiasts. In addition, the range of tree species is to be expanded to include various indigenous tree species. Only in this way can we ensure that we are optimally prepared for revitalisation projects.

The tree nursery recently received technical support in the form of growing trays, which will significantly reduce the amount of work needed to grow the oaks.