Wild forest in Wilhelmsburg: BUND fights against clearing plans!

Wild forest in Wilhelmsburg: BUND fights against clearing plans!

An alarming development is looming in the heart of Wilhelmsburg, which is met with widespread criticism. The BUND Hamburg has decidedly spoken out against the planned clearing of 790 square meters of forest area in the so-called “Wild Forest”. This clearing is intended to expand a company at the Spree harbor, but many residents and conservationists are horrified by this measure.

The approval for the clearing is based on a 57-year-old development plan from 1968, which has never actually been implemented since it was drawn up. “There is something there,” says BUND chairwoman Sabine Sommer and criticizes the authority for now ignoring contemporary environmental standards with this old regulation. The Hamburg-Mitte district sees no connection to the controversial Wilhelmsburg 102 development plan, which affects the entire forest area at the Spree harbor.

The dangers for the “Wild Forest”

The “Wild Forest” has increased in importance since the storm surge in 1962 and has been classified as “highly valuable”. It is not only a habitat for protected amphibians, but also an important green lung for the people of Wilhelmsburg. “Forests need protection, especially in times of climate crisis and species extinction,” emphasizes the BUND. According to critics, the planned clearing could be a further step in a “salami tactic” that is gradually losing valuable natural areas. Süderelbe24 reports that the authority is using a loophole to attack an important natural area.

The planned clearing of land would be compensated for in accordance with the state forest law in Schleswig-Holstein, which is viewed by many as completely inadequate. After all, most of the suitable areas in Hamburg have already been developed or are no longer suitable as compensation areas. Critics argue that this relocation does not benefit local citizens and nature.

Forest protection is important

The condition of the forests in Germany is worrying. According to a current forest condition report, only ten to twenty percent of the trees are healthy, and almost 90 percent of the forests are in poor conservation condition, which underlines the need to protect existing forests like the one in Wilhelmsburg more than ever. The environmental responsibility could not be clearer: “There is a need for more natural management and more protected areas without the use of wood,” emphasizes Greenpeace out.

The decision to sacrifice forest areas for economic interests cannot be combined with responsible environmental protection. The BUND Hamburg and the AG Nature Conservation have made clear statements on this, and the voices from the population are becoming louder. After all, green spaces are of great importance not only for wildlife, but also for the quality of life of Hamburg residents. The demand remains: more green spaces in Hamburg, not less.