Our forest has an almost magical attraction for us. The high trees surrounding us suddenly make ourselves and our problems seem tiny. We realize that we are only guests in this unique ecosystem.

Our forest as habitat

There are thousands of different animal and plant species in our European forests. If we take a look at the rainforests in the tropics, the number increases dramatically: More than half of all known species live in the tropical rainforests of our earth.

Did you know?

Most of them, both in the temperate zone and in the rainforest, belong to the group of insects.

Animals, plants, and mushrooms in the forest create a biogenesis that influences each other. The balance is however sensitive and can quickly be upset by external influences and extremes. These include not only deforestation but climate change and the consequences that go with it, such as an increased infestation of pests and forest fires.

Problem I: Drought and pests

Over the past few years, at the latest, it has been obvious even to laymen: Our woods and forests are in a bad state here in Germany. You can see brown, dry patches everywhere in the dense greenery. The recent, extreme hot summers have parched the ground deep down, and this makes the trees vulnerable to insect pests such as bark beetles. These use their proboscises to pierce the wood under the bark and finish off the already weakened tree.

In addition, many of the forests we live in are monocultures. Not only do these leach the soil, they are also hardly resistant to pests and drought.

Problem II: Forest fires

Drought, which reaches down into the soil, also means that forest fires are more easily started and spread faster and further. Recently, a forest area of over 250 hectares in Saxony and Brandenburg burned. There have also been repeated forest fires in previous years, in which several hundred hectares of forest were lost.

These wildfires are not comparable to natural forest fires. Natural forest fires have always existed and formed an important part of the forest cycle, as they burned the surface of the forest floor and the ash acted as fertilizer. The roots of the trees were not destroyed in the process, however, unlike, for example, during the large fires in Brandenburg in 2018.

Problem III: Deforestation and clearing

Each year, we lose 9 million acres of tropical rainforest. Not through pests or forest fires, but by our hand. For even if you and we don’t have the axe in our hands, we also use products resulting from the fact that the rainforest is being cleared. Whether for huge palm oil plantations, soy fields, cattle pastures or the mining of mineral resources.

Let’s save our forests!

One initial step we can all take is to live in a more climate-friendly way and to actively engage in climate protection. For example, this includes avoiding animal products, taking the bicycle instead of the car, and shopping as plastic-free and mindful as possible. This helps the forests all over the world.

But short-term measures also exist: the monocultures over here in Germany are slowly diversifying, e.g., through planting campaigns. There are now also trained sniffer dogs that can sniff out a bark beetle infestation before it is too late. That way, the infected tree can be removed, and the others remain healthy.

What also helps: protect and strengthen existing forests and educate yourself and others. When you visit the forest, be sure to take back your trash and preferably that of others as well. Fireplaces in the forest (even in the form of cigarettes!) are absolutely forbidden, particularly in summer. In addition, you should always keep in mind that you are only a guest. Therefore, do not disturb the inhabitants of the forest by loud music and shouting and stay on the paths if possible. The animals and plants will thank you.

Experience the forest while traveling

Nature reserves in the Rhön

The heart of the Rhön in Germany is a Biosphere Reserve and comprises numerous nature reserves and many forests. They are left alone by man (you remember: just be a guest) and can develop naturally.

For example, just a few kilometers from Biohotel Sturm you’ll find the Lange Rhön Nature Reserve, the largest German nature reserve outside the Alps. The vast deciduous forests there will give you an idea of how it might have looked in the past in many other places: tall trees, rustling leaves and lots of life.

Trails crisscross the area, allowing you to explore at your pace. Whether short or long, take the moment surrounded by the ancient trees and sometimes endangered plant species to take a breath. Stop for a moment, listen to nature and consciously take in the sounds and smells. A little forest bathing like this makes the hike a special experience.

If you would like to connect even more with nature and the forest, take off your shoes and feel the woodland floor beneath you. If you would rather not do this in the forest, you can also use the barefoot path at the Biohotel Sturm. The different surfaces will make you more aware of your surroundings and train your perception of small things.

Fairy tale forest on Korcula

Close to the Eco Aparthotel The Dreamers Club there is an almost enchanted forest. The Kocje Nature Park amazes with mossy rock formations, caves and magnificent views. An insider tip, which is visited by both locals and tourists. It invites you to fantasize and let your mind wander. The different rocks stimulate your imagination, and the all-encompassing green has a calming effect.

On your way from the hotel, you will also be rewarded with beautiful views over the sea, making the trip there an experience in itself. In the evening, you can discuss the experience over a drink on the veranda at the Dreamers Club. Maybe you will enjoy the memories of this special forest in Croatia in silence. Kocje does something different with everyone. 🙂

Clean air in the Black Forest

In the southwest of Germany, you can find the largest and highest low mountain range in Germany and beautiful interconnected forests at the same time. The Black Forest is a popular tourist destination today. However, in Roman times it was feared. Afraid of the deep forests, which looked like a black hole, they called the area Silva Nigra, black forest.

Today, what scared the Romans is the reason many of us are drawn there: pristine, deep forests, innumerable hiking trails beneath the ancient trees, one of Germany’s highest waterfalls, and clean, fresh air. Trees filter the air, making the Black Forest almost free of particulate matter and ozone. It is not by chance that many places are recognized air health resorts. Bad Herrenalb is among them, and at the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA you can enjoy this good air. On a hike by yourself, on one of the e-bikes that you can rent at the hotel, or during a guided “Black Forest Bathing”. Selfness instructor Petra Himmel leads you through mindfulness and relaxation exercises that sharpen your senses for nature.

You want to know more abour Forest Bathing? Then read the interview with instructor Lara, where she talks about forest bathing and how it benefits you.

Thailand’s tropical forests

When you think of Thailand, white beaches and turquoise seas probably come to mind first, don’t they? Yet forest covers about 40 percent of the country. By comparison, in Germany it’s about a third.  

Thus, you will also find lush rainforest around the Green Pearls Zeavola, Keemala and The Thongsai Bay, which extends over the hills inland. The three luxury resorts blend almost seamlessly into the forest. You can sense the special atmosphere of the tropical forest with its scents, bird calls and insect chirping as soon as you take a walk through the hotel grounds.

During a guided tour through the jungle, you will learn a lot about the life that is visibly and invisibly bustling before your eyes. But this is not the only reason why we recommend to take a guided tour. Thailand is a tropical country and accordingly there are all kinds of poisonous animals, including snakes and scorpions, which can also be harmful to humans. 

Another forest highlight in Thailand is best experienced from the water. However, you can explore some mangrove forests on foot, e.g. in Koh Chang. Mangroves are a plant community of various tree and shrub species that thrive in salty water. The stilt-like roots anchor the plants in the muddy or sandy bottom and provide hiding places and shelter for numerous animals and especially their young.

Mangroves are highly endangered, especially due to deforestation in favor of ports, hotels or pipelines. By visiting and touring with local operators, you will show that, if not deforested, mangroves can provide a sustainable economic benefit to the region: Tourists interested in this unique forest.

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