Dec 20, 2021
New Project started: „Veteran trees = habitats: tree monuments as partners in climate change mitigation“
Veteran beech tree (Fagus sylvatica) in Geisingberg nature reservation
Together with our partner ‚Grüne Liga Osterzgebirge‘, works in the project ‘’Veteran trees = habitats“ have started in the natural district of the Eastern Ore mountains (‘Osterzgebirge‘, Saxony federal state). These studies focus on large and old trees, as they contribute to both climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation by long-term carbon sequestration and provision of habitat structures.
Additional to basic data (location, diameter at breast height, tree height) the sample trees are evaluated pertaining to their vitality and conservation status. Their wood mass is assessed by innovative terrestrial laserscanning (TLS). Furthermore, tree-related microhabitats like cavities and cracks, as well as epiphytic lichens and bryophytes are recorded. On a subset of trees, wood-inhabiting beetles as well as breeding birds and bats are investigated.
Environmental education for different target groups is also included in the project. Beyond the project period (ending Dec 2022) we are also looking for local, volunteer tree supervisors. These persons may have a regular look on selected veteran trees and document their wellbeing and conservation status. They may also communicate possible threats.
This project is partly funded by tax money based on the budget approved by the parliament of the federal state of Saxony.
Contact: Dr. Sebastian Dittrich (project staff TU Dresden) -
© Freistaat Sachsen
© Grüne Liga