Forests in Schleswig-Holstein: Easy recovery despite climate change risks!

Forests in Schleswig-Holstein: Easy recovery despite climate change risks!

The forest in Schleswig-Holstein is showing progress: The current Forest Condition Report 2025 underlines that the forests are more stable this year than last year. According to Forestry Minister Cornelia Schmachtenberg (CDU), the average crown lightening values ​​fell to 22 percent, which represents an improvement of one percentage point. The proportion of severely damaged trees has also decreased and is now 2.9 percent.

The positive weather conditions last year are particularly noteworthy. Although the rainfall of 730 mm was below the long-term average, sufficient rainfall, especially in July, ensured that nature responded. The beech trees in particular are showing a pleasing recovery: the crown thinning of this tree species was reduced by five percentage points to 26 percent, which is a clear indication of the vitality of the tree population.

Forest conversion and challenges

A central point in the statements about the future of forests is the ongoing trend of climate change. The proportion of forest in Schleswig-Holstein is around 11.5% of the state's area, and the state appears to be better able to adapt to climatic changes than many other regions. However, the situation remains uncertain: While forest damage is currently minimal, challenges are still emerging. Detlev von Bülow, owner of Gut Bossee, expects that some tree species, such as the horse chestnut, will no longer occur in the long term.

This makes diversity in the forest all the more important. Minister Schmachtenberg emphasizes the need for mixed forests in order to increase the stability of the forests. Scientists point out that there is no such thing as a “miracle tree”; A diverse tree composition is crucial for the adaptability and health robustness of forests. A project called “BaEm” has been set up to evaluate different tree species with regard to their resilience to weather influences such as drought stress or storm damage.

Political support and visions for the future

Politics plays an essential role in forest conversion. The SPD and SSW are calling for more financial resources for concrete measures and intensified cooperation between the ministries. The state government has set itself the goal of increasing the proportion of forest in Schleswig-Holstein to 12 percent in the long term in order to better meet the challenges of climate change. “We have to strengthen our trust in our local forests,” said the minister.

In addition, genetic studies show promising results: Ash stands that are more resistant to ash shoot dieback have been identified. Despite the stable values, the risk of insect and fungal damage remains, with a slight increase in bark beetles recently being noted. These findings are of great importance for the long-term health of forests.

The forest condition survey, which is carried out annually in Schleswig-Holstein, provides important data for assessing forest health. In 2025, 3,072 trees were examined in 32 permanent observation areas in order to detect changes at an early stage and to develop suitable measures to protect the forests and to effectively implement the goals for improving the condition of the forest.

Overall, the latest data shows a light at the end of the tunnel: Schleswig-Holstein has achieved a stable forest condition, even if the challenges posed by climate change should not be underestimated. The course has been set for robust forest management, and developments in the coming years will show whether Schleswig-Holstein can maintain its forest as a valuable habitat and CO2 store in the long term.