Unidentified people devastate orchards in Werder – 100,000 euros in damage!

Unidentified people devastate orchards in Werder – 100,000 euros in damage!

In Werder an der Havel, 40 fruit trees along the panoramic path were vandalized or even destroyed last week. The perpetrators apparently used a certain amount of specialist knowledge: some of the trees were sawn and some were hit at the root hole, as the Brandenburg State Road Agency reports. The material damage amounts to over 100,000 euros and the nature of the destruction is such that it can seem like a natural break. This targeted approach raises questions and causes horror in the community.

What is particularly worrying is that only the trees planted by the state company are affected. The crimes indicate detailed knowledge of tree and forestry, which poses an additional challenge for the investigating authorities. It is feared that the damage caused by the deliberate vandalism could have not only economic but also ecological consequences.

A traditional festival in transition

Werder has just celebrated the 146th Tree Blossom Festival, which ended on May 5, 2025. The police gave an overall positive assessment of the festival. Despite 60 complaints, mostly in connection with physical injuries, the festival went smoothly overall. The city had previously revised the concept of the festival in order to reduce excessive alcohol abuse and crime. Mayor Manuela Saß (CDU) speaks of a successful change towards a traditional family celebration.

Compared to previous years, the numbers are already showing a positive development: While around 100 crimes were reported in 2023, there were at least 55 in 2024 before leveling off at 60 this year. The fair with a Ferris wheel and bumper cars opened after the opening weekend on April 30th and really got the folk festival atmosphere going on May 1st.

Difficult conditions for nature

However, the current situation in the forest around Werder shows that it is not just human actions that put a strain on nature. A report on the condition of Brandenburg's forests shows that almost a third of the trees were significantly damaged in 2024 - that's an alarming 32 percent, a doubling compared to the previous year. Deciduous trees are particularly badly affected: 64 percent of beech trees and 75 percent of oak trees show visible damage. These metrics are the highest ever observed.

The reasons for this tree decline are varied and range from late spring frosts to regional heat and dry periods. Agriculture and Environment Minister Hanka Mittelstädt plans to enter into a dialogue with hunters in order to counteract the problem of browsing damage to young trees. The declared goals are the conversion to more resilient mixed forests and sustainable forest regeneration.

Werder not only faces the challenge of combating vandalism on the fruit trees, but also has to protect nature during this difficult time. How the situation develops remains to be seen. The mix of nature, tradition and challenges remains exciting.

Further information can be found at Northern Courier, n-tv and rbb24.