Forests of Tegel and Spandau will reopen for public access starting from Tuesday - Forests of Tegel and Spandau will reopen for public access starting Tuesday.
The Tegeler and Spandauer forests in Berlin, Germany, have been battling the aftermath of severe storms over the past few years, with notable events such as Storm Friederike in January 2018 leaving a lasting impact. These forests are currently undergoing a multi-decade recovery process, with significant progress made in cleaning up storm debris and promoting early-stage regeneration.
Current Status
Large sections of the forests have experienced extensive tree fall and breakage. Forestry authorities and the Berlin Senate Department for Environment have been working diligently to clear dangerous deadwood, not only to reduce fire risk but also to improve accessibility for visitors. In many parts of the forests, natural regeneration is underway, with young trees sprouting from remaining seed sources. In areas with severe destruction, targeted replanting programs have been initiated, using native species adapted to the local climate.
To protect visitors, hazardous zones with unstable trees or branches remain cordoned off or closed. Signage is actively maintained to inform about ongoing risks, and forest rangers regularly monitor the conditions.
Growth Timelines
The recovery process is expected to span over several decades, with immediate cleanup and clearing of dangerous trees to stabilize the areas, allowing some native seedlings to establish. Young trees from natural regeneration and planting efforts will begin to create measurable canopy cover in the medium-term (5-10 years), though full recovery of mature forest characteristics takes longer.
The long-term goal is the restoration of mature forest structure, biodiversity, and resilience equivalent to pre-storm conditions. Given the slow growth rates of many native trees like oaks and beeches, full ecological recovery will take multiple decades.
Ongoing Challenges and Measures
Safety precautions remain in place to protect forest visitors, with continued closure or limited access in high-risk sections during and after storm seasons. Balancing intervention (replanting, pest control) with natural processes to promote long-term ecosystem health is a key focus in forest management.
Ongoing scientific monitoring of forest health and growth rates is essential to inform adaptive management. Visitor safety is also a priority, with individual forest paths temporarily closed for safety reasons in the coming weeks and months.
Despite the challenges, progress continues to be made, with the Berlin Forests reopening recreational hotspots and main paths. The Tegeler and Spandauer forests are set to reopen to hikers and cyclists on Tuesday. However, caution is still advised due to potential hazards, and some forest paths may still be impassable.
Approximately 35,000 cubic meters of wood was uprooted or broken in the Tegel forestry district alone, highlighting the extent of the damage. The storms in July have further complicated the process of reopening the Spandauer and Tegeler forests to the public, with the storm-damaged areas still under assessment. The storm damage in the Spandauer and Tegeler forests is significant, with some areas remaining inaccessible.
The Berlin Forests estimate that it will take 50, 80, or 100 years for a forest of equal value to grow back in the Tegeler and Spandauer forests, underscoring the long road to full recovery. The storm "Ziros" and subsequent storms and heavy rain in July caused severe damage in the Spandauer and Tegeler forests, with the July storms exacerbating the damage caused by "Ziros".
Roads and settlement edges in the Tegeler and Spandauer forests have been secured, but the recovery process is far from over. As the forests continue to heal, visitors are encouraged to respect the ongoing safety measures and enjoy the beauty of these natural spaces as they gradually return to their former glory.
- The science of environmental-science plays a crucial role in the management of the Tegeler and Spandau forests, helping to monitor their recovery and guide the adaptation strategies to restore biodiversity and resilience, ultimately aiming for the maturity equivalent to pre-storm conditions.
- The community policy regarding these forests includes the implementation of safety precautions, such as closing or limiting access to high-risk sections during and after storm seasons, in order to protect visitors while promoting the long-term health of the ecosystem.