Transform wasteland into
New Forest
This is a unique project of transforming spruce monocultures into a natural and colorful forest, which will one day become a new primeval forest.
Over 20 years of growth
Our forests are sick
In many places, they have fallen victim to wrong decisions in the past and the pursuit of profit today. Spruce or pine monocultures are a parody of a healthy forest, which often ends in disaster.
The New Forest, on the other hand, is a demonstration of how to restore diversity and stability to sick forests. The ecological organization Čmelák bought over 36 hectares of almost lifeless forest here, cut down part of it, and started planting native tree species in the free spaces.
Tree composition of the New Forest
At the beginning of the project, the tree composition was dominated by a spruce monoculture. Little by little, we are managing to turn this trend around in favor of diverse tree species, which we are gradually planting.
Why was the New Forest project created?
Our goal is to create the conditions for the gradual transformation of spruce monocultures into a colorful forest and, one day, a primeval forest. It is a long shot – the planned result will be achieved in 200-300 years at the earliest, when old and massive trees will grow here, which cannot be found in commercial forests today. But you can already see the positive changes. At the same time, it is a practical demonstration of how it is possible to change economic spruce forests into more diverse forests that will better withstand bark beetle and other calamities.
You can see the positive changes brought about by this project on site today or here in a short video:
What does the New Forest look like today?
Definitely better than when we were acquiring individual plots. The difference is noticeable when compared to some of the surrounding stands, where even today there are spruce monocultures. Tens of thousands of new firs, beeches, maples, elms and many other trees are already growing in the New Forest among the older spruces. Shrubs, herbs and other life return to the lighted areas. See for yourself.
More about the project:
Is this a no-intervention zone, managed only by nature?
No, we are actively intervening on site. In particular, we are gradually reducing the number of spruces and replanting the missing tree species. Some of the spruce trees are left to rot in place after felling, some are taken away and used as wood. This lightens the dark growth and creates space for planted seedlings. However, the number and scope of our interventions will gradually decrease. The goal is that one day this place will be managed by nature only.
There is also logging going on in some places, isn't that against the original idea?
It is not, although the sight of some post-mining sites may raise embarrassment and questions. However, only individual trees or their small groups are harvested, no clearings are created here. Without illumination of the vegetation, a forest of diverse age and species, and once even a primeval forest, could not have developed here. If we left the growth without interventions, the spruce tops would gradually close the whole space again and most of the planted seedlings would die from the lack of light.
Why are parts of the New Forest fenced off?
Fences mainly protect firs, but also deciduous trees from consumption by deer or mouflon. For them, planted seedlings are a tempting delicacy, all the more so because they cannot find anything similar in the surrounding monocultures. It will be possible to remove the fences when the overpopulation of animals falls to an acceptable level.
Our vision for the future
We want to gradually reduce the amount of our interventions, hand over the location to nature and enjoy the thrill of nature returning to the forest. One day, century-old firs, spruces and beeches should grow here and silently look down into the valley. The New Forest should be a place where nature comes first. A natural temple in the sea of surrounding commercial forests. You can visit the forest for a positive experience today.
Where can you find it?
You can visit the New Forest at any time by yourself, it is open to the public all year round. Our New Forest educational trail will guide you through the forest jungle. The trip can be conveniently combined with a visit to Ještěd, Chata Pláně or the lovely Podještědí – the Karolina Světlá region.
The location is fairly accessible by public transport:
- 3.5 km from the tram stop in Liberec - Horní Hanychov
- 4 km from the Pilínkov train station
- 4.6 km from the Na Výpřeži bus stop
You can also get closer to us by chairlift to Černý kopec, or by car which can be left in the parking lot under Ještěd or Na Výpreži.
