Kickoff for our FERI Corporate Forest: employees take part in tree-planting initiative

In cooperation with Planted and the Bad Homburg Forestry Department, our FERI Corporate Forest officially launched this spring.

Equipped with spades and work gloves, we headed towards the Taunus region. Upon arrival, we were presented with an impressive sight: forest areas visibly affected by the consequences of climate change. At the same time, it became clear what role reforestation measures can play in the long-term development and stabilisation of forest areas.

To kick things off, forester and district manager Johannes Kreß (Bad Homburg Forestry) and climate forester Leonhard Molitor (Planted) introduced us to the specific characteristics of the site. They explained the importance of site-appropriate and climate-resilient tree species and demonstrated the proper planting of young saplings step by step. Following an introduction to planting techniques and soil science, the practical work began: in just under two hours, 210* new sessile oaks were planted in four to five rows, spaced one metre apart to provide suitable growing conditions.

Why participate in a reforestation initiative

Forests fulfil important ecological functions and provide habitats for numerous animal and plant species. At the same time, many forest areas are coming under increasing pressure due to rising temperatures, prolonged periods of drought, storms and pest infestations. Reforestation measures can help support the development of diverse and resilient forest stands.

With the FERI Corporate Forest, we are participating  in a long-term reforestation initiative together with our project partners. By planting new trees, we support the development of a forest area that may in future fulfil various ecological functions.* These may include:

• the long-term development of a forest stand that can contribute to carbon storage,
• the support of natural water and soil functions,
• the possible filtering of particulate matter,
• the support of the development of habitats for various animal and plant species, and
• the promotion of diverse forest structures as part of a site-appropriate mixed-forest concept.

From monoculture to a climate-resilient mixed forest

Over the next year, a total of 5,000^* new saplings will be planted as part of the FERI corporate forest project. On an area of approximately one hectare, the existing stock of beech, pine and larch trees will be selectively supplemented. The focus is on one-year-old sessile oaks, which are particularly well suited to periodically moist through to drier locations. The objective of the project is to support the development of an ecologically diverse and resilient mixed forest. Through the selection of site-appropriate tree species, the structural diversity of the forest stand is intended to be strengthened and the conditions for long-term stable forest development improved.

Thanks to their deep-reaching root systems, sessile oaks can make an important contribution to soil stabilisation and support the development of a species-rich mixed forest. Mixed forests are generally regarded as being more resilient to drought periods, pest infestations and other stresses than stands consisting of only a few tree species. In addition, diverse forest structures can provide significantly more ecological niches for insects, birds and other forest species.

To protect the young saplings during their growth phase, the planting area was enclosed with a forestry fence. This is intended to reduce browsing damage by wildlife and support the successful establishment of the young trees.

We will be posting regular updates on the progress of our FERI Corporate Forest here and invite you to check back.

Our sincere thanks go to all FERI employees who actively participated in the planting initiative, as well as to Johannes Kreß and Leonhard Molitor for their professional guidance and support.

*The planting figures describe the scope of the measures carried out. 

The actual development of the forest area and its ecological functions depends on long-term maintenance, 

site conditions and natural influences.