A hill full of meadows and fields
The primeval forests on the site of the New Forest were already cut down in the time of Maria Theresa, to make way for fields, meadows and artificial forest stands. After changes in management in the mid-20th century, these meadows were reforested – unfortunately more than 90 % with spruce.
We couldn't leave it like that.
We plant native tree species
Spruce is our native tree and occurs naturally in Czech forests. But spruce monocultures are a problem. We cut down part of these stands and, in the lightened up places, started to plant other species – firs, beeches, maples, elms, yews, hornbeams, oaks.
Our efforts have been fruitful…
Nature is slowly recovering
Life is slowly coming back to the forest – where before you would only find spruce needles and moss, today you will meet a diverse range of plants and animals. The New Forest is home to several species of bats and amphibians, foxes and badgers roam here, and owls and squirrels have settled here.
What's next?
Space for giants
One day, we want there to be a forest, which cannot be recognized at first glance as having been touched by human hands - in other words, a primeval forest. We want to see tree giants looking quietly down on the valley once more.
We will not get to personally experience this vision, but we can lay the foundations for the creation of a place where nature and our children will prosper.