Photo calendar - Norway 2023 - A small contribution to the protection of our forests

Primeval beech forest in the Eifel - The landscape photo calendar Norway 2023 makes a small contribution

Many thanks to all supporters!

Beech forests are the dominant forest species in Central Europe. They prevail over other tree species over a very long period of time. Without human influence, 2/3 of Germany would still be covered with primeval beech forest. However, today there are only a few small islands of beech forests and even fewer with a real old growth character. There are some UNESCO World Heritage forests in Germany and a few others that deserve the title primeval forest. Once cut down, it takes hundreds of years for a new primeval beech forest to emerge. Young beeches have to grow up in the shade of other trees and grow very slowly in order to be able to grow old. They are therefore no pioneer plants and are not suitable for afforestation. Rather, they are the second generation of trees to colonize a forest. When exactly one can speak of a primeval forest is not clearly defined. However, anyone who has ever seen a primeval beech forest without human intervention - over centuries - immediately recognizes the difference. First of all, the beeches have to assert themselves against all other species. Once this has happened, at least one more generation cycle must be completed. Then one can speak without a doubt of a primeval beech forest. Since beeches can reach an age of 300 years and older, this cycle can take a long time. It is all the more important that the few old beech forests that are still present in Germany are protected.

This is where this year's landscape photo calendar - Norway 2023 - and YOU come into play. Every calendar sold contributes to the protection of 1 m2 of primeval beech forest this year. Some have also voluntarily given a little more to increase the protected area. Then I added a small amount as well. In total, the calendar sale was able to protect 46 m2 of primeval beech forest in the Eifel. "Wohllebens Waldakademie" offers various options here. The protected area is not bought but rather seen as a kind of sponsorship. This forest is now protected for the next 50 years. Hopefully this time will be enough to achieve a change of mind in forestry and nature conservation.

If you are interested in the topic, I recommend visiting the Wohllebens Waldakademie website.

I am pleased that we can make a small contribution to nature and forest conservation in Germany in this way.

This would not be possible without your support, so a special thank you to everyone who bought a calendar this year!

This gives my photography a new additional meaning and this is only possible thanks to you.