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Major reforestation in the Harz: 130 million for a green future!
The administrative board of the Lower Saxony State Forests decided on a 130 million euro project to reforest 270 km² in the Harz Mountains.
Major reforestation in the Harz: 130 million for a green future!
On July 14, 2025, important decisions for the forests in the Harz came into force. The administrative board of the Lower Saxony State Forests (NLF) decided on the comprehensive “Program for reforestation and forest development in the Harz” (WBP Harz). This project is one of the largest nature restoration projects in Lower Saxony and is supported by the state government with a total of 130 million euros. The goal? Over 270 square kilometers of dead spruce monocultures are to be sustainably reforested, which corresponds to more than half of the Lower Saxony state forest in the Harz.
NABU Lower Saxony and numerous other actors support the ambitious program to restore the Harz forest. A key aspect of the WBP Harz is the increase in the proportion of deciduous forest to 58 percent and the deciduous trees to around two thirds of the total. In the mountain forests of the Harz, beech is expected to become the most important tree species, while spruce will continue to be preserved in around 28 percent of the coniferous forest at high altitudes.
Strengthen natural diversity and resilience
As part of the reforestation, those responsible are relying on a varied vegetation mosaic. Pioneer tree species such as rowan, birch, willow and aspen are being integrated to promote biodiversity. Mixed tree species such as sycamore maple and sessile oak should be promoted in order to strengthen the resilience of the forests to climate change and to keep the Harz attractive not only ecologically but also touristically.
The program plans to develop over 20 percent of the reforestation areas through natural succession. The premiere of the “drought stand concept” plays a central role here, promoting structure and dead wood. With the help of measures to improve natural soil fertility, especially humus, future challenges can be better mastered.
Forest conversion and climate adaptation
Another important point is the conversion of forests from income and monocultures to species-rich mixed forests. This strategy aims to help increase the resilience and adaptability of our forests. Like that Federal Environment Agency explains, the water balance plays a crucial role, especially in times of drought and heat waves. Measures such as rewetting in floodplain forests can help to stabilize the water balance.
In order to further advance the program, the choice of tree species and their mixtures is of essential importance. Scientist on Fraunhofer WKI simulate forest development in the Harz for the next 40 years. The medium and long-term effects on wildlife, forestry operations, wood use, tourism and society play a major role. The focus is also on the use of hardwood species for industrial production, for example to optimize the quality of wood materials such as OSB and LVL.
These comprehensive plans underscore the commitment to forest conversion and adaptation of forest ecosystems to climate change. The increasing resilience and the preservation of the diverse use, protection and recreational functions are of great importance for the future of our forests.