We plant a mixed forest
Last weekend, the pro.earth team planted young deciduous trees together with the company AT.INTERMODAL in the Carinthian Lavant Valley. In doing so, we made a contribution to the creation of a climate-adapted, healthy mixed forest. The "KlimafitWald" project is converting an existing commercial forest consisting mainly of spruce into a climate-friendly, sustainably managed forest of the future.
On Friday, the motley crew met in pouring rain and temperatures just above freezing in the estate's cozy fishery Lichtengraben Castle in Lavanttal, where the team also spent the night. There they were served some of the house delicacies, such as smoked trout and char, as well as apple juice and cider. Andreas Rittler, the owner of the castle, breeds the fish himself in large fish ponds romantically situated around an old castle ruin.
The cider comes from the over 100-year-old cider apple trees in the castle's own orchards nearby. The team learned a lot from the lord of the castle about the importance of the ancient orchards and the fruit trees that have provided many generations with delicious fruit. He then explained the process of natural fermentation of the apple juice in large barrels behind the old castle walls.
The following day, the group gathered in dry weather to plant the young deciduous trees together at 1,000 meters above sea level. The young plants come directly from the Lavanttal. A wide variety of deciduous species adapted to the altitude and climatic conditions, such as sycamore maple, ash, rowan, lime and birch, as well as oak species, wych elm, walnut trees and sweet chestnut, among others, are planted in the KlimafitWald. The greater the variety, the better. This improves the soil quality, the water storage capacity of the soil improves and the biodiversity of animals and plants increases. Not only do the plants themselves store CO2, but it is also bound in the soil.
The team learned how to properly plant a young tree and then everyone set about putting this knowledge into practice. For some, this was their first experience of this kind.
An exhilarating feeling in the company of others in the fresh air!
