"From industrial wasteland to habitat: we actively promote the return of nature on recultivated land."
Location & History
The project is located in Saxony-Anhalt near Sandersdorf-Brehna, in the former Central German lignite mining region. The areas were created through recultivation following the cessation of open-cast mining. These "spoil heap areas" have growing ecological potential but pose particular challenges due to their heterogeneous soil structure.
- Soil: Loose, low-humus spoil soil; partly stony to sandy-loamy with limited water-holding capacity.
- Climate: Subcontinental with maritime influences. Warm, dry summers and moderately cold winters (approx. 550–600 mm of precipitation).
- Forest stand: Predominantly young stands (<30 years), characterized by poplar overstorey trees and natural regeneration of maple.
A primeval forest of tomorrow
The strategy focuses on converting existing poplar stands into a stable mixed deciduous forest (primarily Norway maple and sycamore maple). Poplars are gradually removed to provide light for the climatically valuable understory. A key element is deadwood: fallen and standing trunks are deliberately left on site to increase structural diversity. In selected sub-areas, we completely refrain from forestry use in order to create pure refuges for species.
Permanent Satellite Monitoring
In cooperation with Remote Sensing Solutions GmbH (RSS), we monitor all our forests permanently. If a forest fire or deforestation is detected, tokens are immediately locked.
Your Project, Your Questions
Everything worth knowing about methodology and participation.