Search
FAQs
Beech Forests
How much beech forest is there in Germany?
By nature, the beech would be the predominant tree species throughout Germany. Of its original distribution area, only around 8% remains. Currently, beech accounts for around 15% of Germany’s forest area. Beech forests older than 160 years account for just 6%, however.
Where else in the world do beech forests occur?
There are two genera of beech: Fagus and Nothofagus. Whereas Nothofagus occurs in the southern hemisphere (specifically, in Patagonia, East Australia and New Zealand), the genus Fagus thrives in the northern hemisphere in temperate climatic zones and forms deciduous forests. There are 11 species of Fagus. Seven of them are native to East Asia, two to North America and two to Europe/Asia Minor (Fagus orientalis and Fagus silvatica). In fact, the various species are now virtually non-existent as forest in their distribution areas. The beech forests were cleared to make way for arable land and pasturage. Only Fagus silvatica, the red beech, still occupies larger areas of Central Europe, especially in Germany and Slovenia. The Caspian beech forests in Northern Iran are particularly significant and are unique in their function as a genetic resource. Here, Fagus orientalis, which is closely related to the European beech, is the dominant species.
What are planar beech forests?
These are lowland beech forests, found at altitudes below 400 m. In Germany, they occur in Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Brandenburg. They have come under particular pressure in recent centuries, as their relatively even topography made these areas particularly accessible for agriculture (arable and pasturage). The remnants of these forests are therefore in particular need of protection.
Why are ancient use-free beech forests so valuable?
In managed forests, beech is generally used, i.e. felled, at the age of 160 years. Its natural life span, however, is upwards of 400 years. It is only with increasing age that beech trees increase in girth, their trunks develop more cracks, branches break off and cavities develop. This provides a habitat for fungi and lichens, small mammals, insects and birds. Dead trees or parts of them are colonised by specialised species and are ultimately absorbed into the natural cycle through decay. If an old tree dies in an unmanaged beech forest, it creates space for new life. It is this close proximity of old and young forest components that makes these forests so diverse. For example, once a fungus which breaks down dead wood has finished work on one trunk, its spores will soon find a new host nearby. In a managed forest, there would be no suitable wood nearby, and so the spores would go to waste.
Why is the beech described as a “young” species?
The beech recolonised Central Europe after the last Ice Age, and was the latest of our present-day native tree species to do so. Its refuge areas are assumed to have lain beyond the Alps, in the Apennines, the southern Balkans and the Pyrenees. Recolonisation took place around 10,000 years ago from what is now Slovenia, via the Eastern Alps, the Danube valley and Bohemia into the North German Plain and from there via Denmark to southern Sweden. The migration of the beech is still ongoing and is likely to accelerate as a result of climate change.
What do we mean by “dominance of the beech”?
In beech forests, beech is the dominant tree species and may comprise more than 90% of the tree layer. Oak forests, for example, have a higher proportion of mixed tree species. In optimal site conditions (soil nutrients, moisture), beech barely tolerates any other species of tree alongside it; in other words, it is the winner in the competition for light. It is better able than most tree species to close gaps in the stand by swiftly replenishing its crown. It thus restores the density of the canopy, with the result that other tree species fail to thrive due to lack of light. Beech itself can tolerate a great deal of shade; this applies especially to juvenile trees, which remain in the shady lower tree layer for a very long time, shooting up rapidly when some form of disturbance lets in more light. Another reason why beech is so successful in terms of its distribution is that it can tolerate a broad range of sites, thriving on almost every type of soil other than highly acidic or very dry soils.
Nomination of Beech Forests as a Natural World Heritage Property
Who decides on inscription on the World Heritage List?
The decision on whether a nominated cultural or natural property is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List is taken by the World Heritage Committee at its annual session. The Committee consists of elected representatives from 21 of the States Parties to the Convention who, as far as possible, represent all continents and cultures. In order to be inscribed on the World Heritage List, the proposed sites must fulfil the criteria set out in the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention. To prepare the decision, the Advisory Bodies – the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) (Natural Heritage) and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) (Cultural Heritage) – provide the World Heritage Committee with a report containing the findings of the evaluation as to whether the properties proposed for inscription on the World Heritage List fulfil the relevant criteria.
What does the nomination cost?
No costs are levied for the submission to, and evaluation of, the nomination file by UNESCO. The costs of producing the scientifically sound and very detailed nomination file, together with the accompanying publicity work, will be borne by the four participating federal states (Bundesländer) jointly. In terms of the financing, one advantage is that the properties concerned form part of existing protected areas and are being proposed as part of a joint nomination by four federal states: this means, firstly, that some of the tasks to be fulfilled are identical, and secondly, that the costs can be shared among the federal states concerned, thereby saving on work and costs.
How can I get involved?
Through their programme of events and publicity work, the participating protected areas and federal states (Bundesländer) are offering a wealth of opportunities for people to learn more about beech forests, UNESCO World Heritage and the current nomination project. The participating federal states, with support from the Federal Environment Ministry (BMU) and the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), have launched a joint publicity campaign in order to involve local communities and the general public in the UNESCO World Heritage nomination. The “letter box” link on this website gives you the chance to air and share your views and questions. We want you to get involved!
Does the nomination involve additional restrictions/limits on use?
The nomination does not involve any further limits on use beyond those already in place. The sites earmarked for nomination are already protected as national parks or a core zone of a biosphere reserve and are therefore designated for non-use. To maintain the integrity and safeguard the long-term future of the sites, a management plan will be developed as part of the nomination process. This will include proposals for the further improvement of the properties as World Heritage sites. Various opportunities for visitors to get to know the sites are being planned as part of this process.
Does the nomination entail the designation of further protected areas?
No – the properties’ status as national parks or, in one case, the core zone of a biosphere reserve is sufficient to safeguard the future World Heritage sites in the long term.
As a local resident, should I expect any restrictions?
Not, not at all. Nomination and recognition as a World Heritage property will enhance the status of the properties, which will result in an increase in nature tourism. More and more visitors from Germany and abroad are keen to get to know a Natural World Heritage Property, and this may well increase the revenue of tourism businesses in the local area.