UrwaldProjekt FAQ

Here we answer your questions about the UrwaldProjekt

Booking

How does the Urwald subscription work?

You choose whether you want to protect a certain area monthly, quarterly or annually. In your profile you can cancel the subscription at any time.

How can I pay?

You can pay via prepayment, GiroPay, PayPal, credit card, direct debit, Apple Pay, Google Pay or Sofortüberweisung.

Do I receive a certificate?

Yes, you will receive a PDF certificate by mail directly after purchase. For a small surcharge we will also send you a certificate printed on 250 g recycled paper by mail.

Do I need a contract?

No, an additional contract is not necessary.

What is a Waldretter (forest saver) page?

There you can see your own piece of forest on an interactive map. You can also find your coordinates there.

Biology and ecology

Why old deciduous forests?

Ancient deciduous forests are the rainforests of Europe, which are in very poor condition. They have only a very small share of the land area left. We want to change that! They are enormously important for highly specialized animal and plant species.

Do you do research in the forest?

Yes, we have permanent measurements of temperature and humidity on the project area. Further small-scale research will follow in 2023, and we will report on this separately.

Does hunting take place there?

According to the hunting law, we cannot prohibit hunting on the land. However, no shooting lanes may be cut free on the area. This makes hunting in the project areas more difficult.

What happens in the forest during storms?

What falls on the path is pushed back into the surface. Everything else simply remains as it fell. This is part of the natural processes in a forest.

Which animal, tree and plant species benefit from the project?

All creatures that depend on our native ecosystems benefit from the project. Whether birds, plants, fungi, insects or soil organisms.

Does forest protection contribute to climate protection?

Oh yes, a very important one indeed! Per square meter, at least 70 KG of CO₂ are stored long-term and 50 more KG are expected to be sequestered over the next 50 years. In addition, the old forest has an enormous cooling capacity.

50 years of forest protection - and now?

Why only 50 years and not longer?

50 years is a period over which we can safely guarantee that the area will remain protected.

What happens after the 50 years?

There are two possibilities: such valuable forests will already be protected by law in 50 years, or we will seek an extension of the protection period.

Why should the forest be protected?

Because it is a very valuable, old forest that has suffered little forestry intervention in the last 20-30 years and thus has great potential. If we do not protect the forest together, however, timber would be harvested there again. We want to prevent this, especially because there are currently hardly any protected areas in Germany (only 0.6% of the land area are wilderness areas).

How much CO2 will be caputured per square meter in the 50 years?

Per square meter, at least 70 KG CO₂ will be stored long-term in the forest reserve. Over the next 50 years, a further 50 KG CO₂ per square meter is expected to be captured. However, in times of climate change, it is increasingly uncertain how fast the trees will grow. Therefore, the forest project is not intended to be a compensation project.

Is the forest really safe from encroachment?

Yes, definitely. This is secured by a notary in the land register. We also regularly visit the protected areas to keep an eye on things.

There are nature reserves after all - why then the forest conservation project?

A nature reserve is not the same as a forest reserve. This means that timber continues to be harvested in most nature reserves.

What happens if I don't protect the forest?

Then, as in most privately or municipally owned forests, logging is carried out there and trees are removed every year.

How will the forest owners be compensated?

The forest owners are financially compensated by us in such a way that they receive more money than they would earn from logging. Therefore, the project is definitely attractive for the forest owners.

What happens if there is no more land?

We are constantly on the lookout for more forests worth protecting, so more and more forest protection areas are being created.

Forest protection vs. afforestation

Why is forest protection good?

Protected forests already store CO₂ immediately and are already home to countless creatures. Studies show that closed deciduous forests in particular can withstand climate change particularly well.

Isn't it better to plant new trees?

Planting trees in the forest is certainly fun, but it does not add any value to the climate and nature. After all, forest owners are legally obligated to reforest anyway. Studies also show that young forests emit more CO₂ in the first few decades than they sequester. In any case, reforestation projects on agricultural land also make sense as a supplement to forest protection. This is how the forest area in Germany is growing.

Do you plant trees in the conservation project?

No, trees are not planted in the UrwaldProjekt. The idea of the project is: Let nature be nature. We don't have to intervene, the forest grows without our help - by the way, it has been doing so for 300 million years.

How many trees are there in one square meter?

This can be quite varied. Sometimes there can be 7-10 small trees (e.g. up to 30 cm) on one square meter, sometimes a 160 year old beech, sometimes no tree at all. But many insects, fungi and plants have their home there. In an ecosystem, every square meter is important.

Experiencing my forest

Are there hiking trails in the project?

Yes, there are hiking trails. Among others, the "Waldretter (forest savers) Trail" we created in Wershofen, which we can highly recommend.

Can I visit my forest?

You can visit your forest at any time. You can find the coordinates on your certificate and on your Waldretter page.

Are the paths also protected?

Trails are excluded from the project area because they must be kept clear.

How can I take part in a guided tour with you?

If you have a protected area of 75 m² or 95 m² (in one purchase) or more, you can take part in a two and a half hour guided tour of the project area. Feel free to write us an email or mention your desired date directly when placing your order.

Where can I find my coordinates?

You can find your coordinates on the certificate or on your Waldretter page. If you can't find them anymore, feel free to contact us.

Rights (and duties?)

Which duties do I have?

There are no obligations associated with your sponsorship.

What are the duties of the Waldakademie?

We control the area and ensure that the plants and trees are not harmed by human intervention. We carry out small research projects. We control the areas and paths after storms. We manage the project for the next 50 years.