RDP project database

Afforestation measures were implemented on a total of 17.82 hectare of private property, initiated by the local forester. A foundation was launched by the proprietor to facilitate implementation of afforestation and local wood species were used.

The proprietor Heinz Wieker bought a farmyard near the community of Wildeshausen some 30 years ago. During the development of several projects the idea of afforesting the edge of the woods around his farmyard arose. Following his objective to 'do something good' for the environment, he set up a foundation to facilitate the implementation of the afforestation project.

The objective was to create and maintain a new forest on a private property. There was no economic imperative to the project, which involved afforested species consisting of forest oak, hornbeam and wild cherry. Large parts of the afforested sites border the woods and maintain demanding species such as privet, rowan tree, cornus, etc.

Following an initial site appraisal, specific activities were planned and implemented including the roll-out of compensatory measures. Site treatments included an application of roundup in winter followed by tilling and planting of oaks. In the first year a herbicide treatment was conducted. All activities were aligned within the framework of officially approved procedures for new afforestation projects.

All in all 17.82 hectares have been reforested on three plots, bordering woods along a total length of 1800m. The alternative land use in this area would have been corn growing. The project increased the forested areas in the community and administrative district (which is under 10%). Measures such as not mowing the afforestation area are a good protection against the oak roller moth.

Sharing expertise between forestry experts and the managing agency was highly important for the success of all activities conducted. Similarly important was the inclusion of expert opinion as a basis for planning the activities.

Wildeshausen: The community of Wildeshausen is located in the nature park Wildeshausener Geest.

Niedersachsen-Bremen

Lower Saxony and Bremen

208 745

154 626

Heinz-Wieker-Stiftung, Pfennigstedter Weg, 27801 Dötlingen

+ 49 422160010

German