Learning and teaching

Since 2005, a European network for forest pedagogy has been working to promote the importance of forest education in Europe. Forest education has gradually evolved in the course of this work to become “forest-based education for sustainable development (ESD)”. But is forest education still up-to-date and focused on current issues, methods and objectives, or are new approaches and concepts required?

The high Alpine valley of Avers offers an impressive illustration of just how climate change and changes in management can shape and alter the appearance of alpine landscapes.

Long forgotten today, the timber trade with the Netherlands was once a key segment in the German forestry industry. The demand was so significant for so long that the term “Holländer” continued to be used for strong roundwood timber even when timber was no longer being rafted to the Netherlands.

Have you always wanted to know what “non-native trees” are, what their risks and benefits are and how they relate to the forests and urban green space? The team of the ALPTREES project, which is co-financed by the European Union via the Interreg Alpine Space Programme, produced a free online course to give everyone the opportunity to deepen his or her knowledge about the sustainable use and management of non-native trees in the Alpine Space.

Outdoor sports, the great outdoors nature, a walk in the woods or simply being alone - for most people, the forest is somewhere to get away from their day-to-day life. The results of a survey show how the Bavarian population uses the forest for recreation.

The report is a comprehensive analysis of virgin and old-growth forests in Romania. Corruption and criminal activities in the forestry and timber sector are leading to large-scale loggings in protected areas. Romania will be a litmus test as to whether this will succeed.

Due to storm damage coverage, the forest and forestry receives a broad media response ("Only bad news is good news"). Ongoing media coverage of well chosen topics helps the public build a positive image of forest enterprises.

Crisis communication is not rocket science. Who goes into a crisis well prepared will come out of it more easily and rapidly. Learn about the principles of crisis communication in this article.

Crisis communication in the forest? Oh yes! So that the public and staff continue to trust and believe in an organisation after a storm event or accident, a transparent crisis communication is indispensible.

Maintaining public relations during a crisis is hard and unfamiliar work because the image of the enterprise is at stake. How does one prepare for such serious situations so that crisis communications run smoothly?

Forest and human health ? here forestry can provide much for people. Forestpedagogic activities around "Doctor Forest" are especially useful.

Near Würzburg in northern Bavaria, a barrier-free forest experience trail has been created. The trail can be negotiated independently by visitors both with and without disabilities, and that gives everyone something new to try out.