In Friesland, we are planting new forest in nature reserve Ketliker Skar. Together with our partner It Fryske Gea, we are planting a total of 15,984 trees. This way, we ensure a future-proof forest and contribute to more biodiversity in Frisia.
trees and shrubs planted
different species
hectares
planting period
In the late 19th century, beech and oak avenues, coppice groves and spruce trees were planted in the Ketliker Skar. Many of these spruce trees were for timber production. Fallow deer also used to be hunted in the area.
Now Ketliker Skar is a peaceful hiking area, but the monotonous spruce forests are very vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The European spruce and other tree species are affected by the European spruce bark beetle. These beetles crawl under the bark and gnaw the trees from within. As a result, the trees eventually die.
This is why It Fryske Gea is transforming the old production forests into more natural forests with great diversity. By planting different tree species, the forest is a lot more climate resistant than forests consisting of only one or a few species. Is a tree species struggling? Then the remaining tree species will maintain the forest.
Mixed deciduous forest is also less susceptible to forest fires, it holds (ground) water better and enriches the soil. As Trees for All, we are happy to help plant the new, future-proof forest!
Adjacent to the Ketliker Skar, we are planting 6.5 hectares of new forest on former agricultural land. This way, we expand the existing forest and provide more habitat for typical forest inhabitants such as the raven, wolf, badger and the tawny owl. We are also converting three grasslands within the existing nature reserve into woodland.
In total, we plant 15,984 trees and shrubs. We will plant more than 25 different species: from black alder, hornbeam, small-leaved linden and sweet cherry to blackthorn, spruce, holly and wild apple.
Since there is no other forest in the area, it is difficult for new tree species to enter this woodland. By bringing in other species manually, we will give nature a helping hand. This way, we contribute to more biodiversity in Frisia and create a forest for the future.
The new, varied forest provides more habitat for animals such as the golden oriole, black woodpecker, pine marten and badger
The trees and shrubs will be planted on four different plots in and around the Ketliker Skar nature reserve in Frisia. Many walking routes run through the nature reserve.
In this project, we cooperate with It Fryske Gea. This is a provincial association for nature protection in Fryslân and has existed since 1930. They aim to protect, preserve and develop nature, landscape and cultural heritage. They currently manage more than 60 different nature reserves with a total area of some 21,000 hectares.
Do you think it is important that Trees for All can continue to support projects like this? Then you can support us with a donation. For every tree in the Netherlands, we also plant one abroad.
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