The only way to enhance the forest is to give it the freedom to develop and change on its own.

Our Natural Forest Commitment

As a producer of wooden products, we make use of resources from the forest. That is why it is our aim to make a direct, positive contribution to the enhancement of the forests in our region. Each year, we acquire selected woodland areas, remove them from commercial use and leave them to natural development. In this way, small reserves are created, which in the long term can grow into larger, interconnected conservation forests – our contribution to the “primeval forest of tomorrow”.

What We Do in Practice

• Acquiring land: Annual purchase of suitable forest parcels in the region.
• Leaving nature undisturbed: No logging, no soil compaction through vehicle traffic.
• Allowing natural processes: The forest is allowed to grow old; deadwood remains as habitat.
• Gentle care only when necessary: Interventions solely for safety reasons or to protect neighbouring areas.
• Living transparency: We provide regular updates on new areas, goals and progress.

Why Natural Process Protection?

• Biodiversity: Different age and structural phases create niches for rare species.
• Climate resilience: Near-natural forests are more resistant to heat, drought and storms.
• Soil & water: Humus build-up, erosion control and improved water retention.
• CO₂ storage: Long-lasting wood biomass and soils sequester carbon.

How We Select Sites

• Location & connectivity: Proximity to existing protected areas, biotope networks or semi-natural zones.
• Natural dynamics: Potential for old-growth and deadwood structures as well as native tree species.
• Long-term perspective: Possibility of permanent protection and careful management.

Current Conservation Areas

Initial conservation areas are already located in: Happurg – Houbirg, Kainsbach, Schupf, Offenhausen, Hirschbach, Hersbruck, Alfalter and Hubmersberg.

Get Involved & Support

• Shop consciously: With every purchase, you support our natural forest programme.
• Provide suggestions: Do you know of suitable sites? We welcome tips and cooperation.
• Partnerships: Collaboration with municipalities, foundations and private landowners.

Our Promise

We work with wood – and at the same time invest in vibrant, resilient forests. Step by step, year by year, for the primeval forest of tomorrow in our home region.

Why We Protect Natural Forests

Germany was once covered by a lush landscape of beech forests, interspersed with oak, maple, ash, silver fir, elm, wild service tree and yew. Today, only tiny remnants remain: beech forests older than 180 years cover just 0.16 per cent of the country’s land area. Even these small areas are often still commercially managed.

Yet old, untouched forests are of inestimable value. They are more resilient to the effects of climate change – and at the same time help to mitigate it. That is why we are committed to preserving, protecting and restoring such forests.

What Defines Natural Forests

A natural forest is an unmanaged forest without human intervention. Deadwood remains in place, habitat trees are allowed to age, and natural processes create a unique living environment. Whether young or old, species-rich or species-poor – every natural forest develops in its own way into an ecologically valuable area.

• Habitat trees: Old trees with cavities, decay or fungal growth provide food and shelter for numerous species.
• Deadwood: Remains in the forest and forms the basis for humus, fungi, insects and many other organisms.
• Diversity of phases: From seedlings to ancient trees, all stages are represented.

The Importance for People & Nature

• CO₂ storage: One hectare of forest absorbs up to 13 tonnes of CO₂ annually. Old beeches and oaks are particularly valuable, as they can live for up to 900 years.
• Climate protection: Natural forests purify the air, filter fine dust and cool their surroundings during hot summers.
• Soil & water: Healthy forest soils absorb heavy rainfall, store water and secure the long-term supply of drinking water.
• Recreation: Wild forests offer peace, cooling and nature experiences in an increasingly urbanised world.
• Biodiversity: Natural forests provide habitats for countless plant, animal and insect species – including many that are endangered.

Political Goals & Reality

In 2007, the German government set the goal of taking 5 per cent of forests out of use and designating them as natural forests by 2020. Of these, 10 per cent of publicly owned forests were to be removed from commercial management. To this day, however, this goal has not been met: the share of genuine natural forests remains at under 3 per cent.

Our Goals with This Project

• Protect forests permanently: By purchasing regional forests, we remove them from commercial use. There, we do – nothing!
• Encourage deadwood: Only if wood remains in the forest can more humus form, the soil store water and additional CO₂ be bound.
• Allow natural ageing: Trees are allowed to reach their full lifespan and remain part of the forest afterwards – creating diverse habitats.
• Make wilderness tangible: Regional conservation areas should be accessible to people and provide opportunities to experience nature.
• Create habitats for endangered species: From the black woodpecker to the stag beetle – many animals and insects depend on old-growth forests.
• Link small reserves: Initially small areas should, in the long term, develop into interconnected wilderness areas.

Our Motivation

We believe that protecting natural forests is not only an ecological responsibility, but also a social and cultural one. By taking areas out of use, we create places left to themselves – making a vital contribution to the forests of the future.