Storm ravages Tegeler and Spandauer Forest: week-long closure announced!

Storm ravages Tegeler and Spandauer Forest: week-long closure announced!

After the devastating storm damage last Thursday, the forests in Berlin are currently under high tension. Both the Tegel and Spandau forests have been closed since the storms, as the Senate Department for the Environment announced on Monday. Clean-up work on the edges of the forests is in full swing, while the risk of falling branches and falling treetops remains. A spokesman for Berliner Forsten makes it clear that the closures could last for weeks. The roads and paths in the Tegel Forest are particularly badly affected, as numerous trees were uprooted or snapped and some of the access roads first have to be cleared in order to gain a complete picture of the damage.

But that's not enough! In Niederneuendorfer Allee in Berlin-Spandau, a fallen tree even uncovered a World War II bomb that now has to be defused. This shows how complex the consequences of the storm are and what challenges await the clean-up teams. Forestry employees are only expecting a detailed overview of the damage in the Berlin forests next week, which will be a real effort because work inside the forests can only begin after the edge work has been completed.

The impact on the environment

The storm damage sheds light on the general problems in the forestry industry. As Greenpeace has shown, not only the storm is a risk for the forests, but also the monocultures that predominate in many German forests. Monocultures, especially with fast-growing conifers, make forests more susceptible to pests and droughts. These trees, such as spruces and pines, are often not naturally rooted in the region and show increased vulnerability. In addition, heavy machinery used to harvest wood poses great risks to the forest floor. The compaction of the soil caused by these machines makes it difficult to absorb water, which has fatal consequences, especially in periods of drought.

While most of the parks run by the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation in Brandenburg have reopened, general forest management leaves a bad aftertaste, as clear-cutting and the use of chemicals in forestry endanger biodiversity and the natural regeneration of forests.

The events in Berlin do not appear to be just one-off natural events, but also raise fundamental questions about the sustainable management of our forests. The understanding of the importance of biodiversity is being brought more to the fore these days - there is something to be done and it remains to be seen how those responsible will tackle the challenges.

The situation in the forests will continue to be monitored closely, as the dangers from storm damage and improper management are prevalent. A rethink in forestry may be necessary in order to focus on forests as ecosystems worth protecting.

For further information on the current situation in the Tegel and Spandau Forests, see also the reports from rbb24 and Daily Mirror. Provides insights into forestry Greenpeace.