Primeval Forest Conservation

Forest Conversation in Germany

A Forest Conservation Project in Germany: The UrwaldProjekt

Old trees have always fascinated me. This passion, coupled with the desire to actively protect them, runs like a common thread through my life. I have planted trees and supported several reforestation programs, but was often confronted with a lack of transparency. The absence of clear statements on efficiency and sustainability had me doubt some of these programs, making them look like mere greenwashing without any real benefit. 

It was not until I learned about the UrwaldProjekt that I was truly convinced by a protection concept. I had been very inspired by Peter Wohlleben's book, The Hidden Life of Trees, and became a regular visitor at his forest academy, attending seminars and guided forest tours. It was there I learned about the UrwaldProjekt, which, unlike many other nature conservation projects, is transparent and locally accessible—right here in Germany, almost in my backyard!

Managed by forest experts and constantly supervised by renowned scientists, it has not only been recommended by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment and Nature Conservation, but has also been recognized by the United Nations as a top-tier project for forest restoration. By now, a portion of my revenue is regularly donated to the UrwaldProjekt via a forest protection subscription. By shopping at LillianRaphaela, with every purchase you automatically contribute to forest conservation in Germany and help create new primeval forests—future old-growth forests where trees can grow unhindered and age in peace and dignity. 

If you want to find out where exactly the areas are that you helped protect by buying from my shop, here is an Overview of Primeval Forest Patches currently protected by LillianRaphaela… 

What is the »UrwaldProjekt« about?

Without human intervention, Germany's forests would be self-regulating ecosystems that would make up more than 90% of our landscape. A natural forest would be able to handle damage from storms or fires all on its own. In fact, countless animal and plant species depend on these primeval forests with their diverse habitats and high proportion of deadwood. Today, however, we have virtually no dense, naturally grown old-growth forests left in Germany. Forests are intensively managed, and logging is even permitted in nature reserves. The result: the already tiny proportion of old-growth forests is shrinking, and with it, biodiversity.

Only forests that are no longer commercially used can develop into regenerative, high-quality, and species-rich habitats, which are indispensable for protecting biodiversity and the climate. This is precisely why the UrwaldProjekt from Wohlleben's Forest Academy protects native deciduous forests from commercial use for the next 50 years. Since timber is the main source of income for many forest owners, the UrwaldProjekt offers them a reliable alternative through planned support. This allows them to forgo their usage rights and let old forests grow undisturbed again. With every square meter that is sponsored via a subscription, this notarized conservation area grows. The area is regularly monitored and supervised through research projects by the Forest Academy team. This is how valuable forest conservation areas are created, providing a vital home for animal and plant species.
 

Old-Growth Forest with Moss and Spots of Sunlight

Sunlit old-growth forest with moss cushions and deadwood 

How the »UrwaldProjekt« (Primeval Forest Project) Works

  1. Area Lease and Protection: Wohlleben’s Forest Academy leases forest areas in Germany that are particularly worthy of protection for a period of 50 years.
  2. Renunciation and Compensation: Forest owners agree not to use their land during this time and are financially compensated for the profit lost from timber management.
  3. Support and Sponsorship: Through a subscription, individuals and companies can lease and protect areas by the square meter, thus supporting the project.

Forest areas you've already helped protect with your purchases:

»The Young and Wild« in Nohn

Plot #8fe9e341  |  50 qm protected October 5th, 2024

Primeval Forest Protected Area 1

»Beech Giants« in Kammerberg 1

Plot #e2564b42  |  5 qm protected March 12, 2024

Primeval Forest Protected Area 2

»Beech Giants« in Kammerberg 2

Plot #38516b15  |  3 qm protected December 12, 2023

Primeval Forest Protected Area 3

»Beech Giants« in Wershofen

Plot #9fb66baf  |  3 qm protected September 12, 2023

Primeval Forest Protected Area 4

»Giant Oak Trees« in Nohn

Plot #e0b135d0  |  3 qm protected June 12, 2023

Primeval Forest Protected Area 5

»Giant Oak Trees« in Nohn

Plot #4de45ecd  |  3 qm protected March 12, 2023

Primeval Forest Protected Area 6

Why are Old-Growth Forests Important?

Old-growth deciduous forests store and sequester large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) in wood and soil, effectively helping to reduce greenhouse gases. Additionally, through photosynthesis, they produce the oxygen vital for our survival and are enormously important for the Earth’s water cycle. The soil of a deciduous forest, with its pronounced humus layer, acts like a sponge, absorbing and filtering rainwater to create clean and oxygen-rich groundwater. Through evaporation and the reflection of sunlight, deciduous forests function as gigantic air conditioning systems, with the ability to lower temperatures and mitigate the effects of heat waves on people and the landscape. Forests are also essential for preserving biodiversity as complex ecosystems, contributing to the genetic variety of species.
 

Want to do more than just support the project with your purchase?

Learn more about Peter Wohlleben's forest conservation project in Germany (UrwaldProjekt) and help create old-growth forests. Take over a sponsorship and protect your own patch of forest for 50 years with a primeval forest subscription – or give a truly valuable gift to a loved one (and to nature!) with a gift subscription! By the way: This is also a wonderful gift idea in the spirit of »Slow Giving«!