Waldbrand leaves the soot landscape: nature fights to return to the green

Waldbrand leaves the soot landscape: nature fights to return to the green

Gößelsdorf, Deutschland - On July 7, 2025, the situation in the areas affected by forest fires relaxed somewhat. According to mdr bring rain showers and an increased humidity a well-deserved relief. While the forest floor, which suffers from a layer of soot, turns into a muddy landscape, experts show optimism with regard to reforestation.

HORST SPROSTMANN from the State Forest Anstalt Thuringia emphasizes the natural reconquest of the affected areas. He notes that without human intervention, nature is able to become green again within a few years. The Nabu Thuringia nature conservation association underlines the regeneration ability of nature and the necessary plant growth, especially when there is water. However, a water deficit could lead to heath that develops rather than forests.

The importance of biodiversity

Unfortunately, the fire disaster also brings a downside: Many young animals of mammals and birds have not survived the inferno, while larger animals should have fled into neighboring forest areas. For rodents and insects, however, there could be a certain amount of protection in earth.

In a larger European context, numerous forest areas have been devastated by fires in recent years. According to reports from Deutschlandfunk Nova this concerned countries such as Croatia, Greece and the Czech Republic, where around 1060 hectares burned in the Bohemian Switzerland National Park alone. The estimate after ten years shows that the devastation may no longer be visible.

success factors for the relapse

In order to secure the recovery of the forests, it is crucial which tree species return from the fire. Pioneer tree species that grow quickly and make fewer requirements on the ground are of particular importance. According to forest scientist Alexander Held, the natural regeneration depends heavily on the survival rate of the seed trees and the damage to the soil. The next four years are considered critical of natural recovery.

A report on the effects of forest fires in Brandenburg, published by the FNR shows that a gentle handling of the fire and the promotion of natural succession Can increase resistance of the forests. Here it is emphasized that dead wood should not be removed, since it not only reduces the fire load, but also offers an important life base for numerous organisms.