Leipzig City Forest 2026: Sustainable Forestry in the Face of Climate Change

The Leipzig City Forest and Climate Adaptation

The Leipzig City Forest, an important regional nature conservation area and part of the Natura 2000 network, is not only a green lung for the city but also a significant climate store and biodiversity hotspot. In 2026, the city of Leipzig adopted a forestry plan for the city forest, designed as a response to climate change, pest infestations, and the pressures on natural ecosystems.

In the following, we analyze the central aspects of this plan and its implications for the environment, climate, and nature.

Forestry Strategy: Care Over Profit

The 2026 Forestry Plan emphasizes that forest management primarily pursues ecological goals: the preservation of biodiversity, the safeguarding of climate functions, and the stabilization of forest ecosystems under changing climatic conditions.

• Focus on Maintenance Measures: Unlike previous years, where timber utilization was the primary focus, the 2026 plan prioritizes the maintenance of existing stands and the regeneration of forests. Young stands are strengthened through selective thinning and young stand management.
• Promotion of Resilient Tree Species: The aim is to make the forest more resilient to dry summers. This includes promoting tree species such as pedunculate oak, bird cherry, and hornbeam, while reducing less suitable species like ash.
• Nature Conservation in the Foreground: Measures are carried out with due regard for the EU Habitats and Birds Directives, with forestry activities planned outside of the bird breeding season. A preliminary Habitats Directive assessment is conducted to protect species and structures of conservation value.

Climate Change: Challenge and Opportunity

Forest management in Leipzig is strongly influenced by the effects of climate change. Drought, pest fungi, and infestations such as ash dieback and maple anthracnose have heavily burdened the city forest in recent years.

• Damaged Timber and Traffic Safety: To eliminate acute hazards, sanitation cuts are conducted regardless of the economic plan. For example, in 2026, 1,932 solid cubic meters of wood were removed due to ash dieback, and 611 solid cubic meters due to drought stress.
• Deadwood as a Natural Component: At the same time, deadwood is actively integrated into the forest to create ecological niches and promote biodiversity. The deadwood content is over 50 solid cubic meters per hectare.
• Climate Protection through Carbon Storage: The management of the city forest directly contributes to CO₂ storage. Through sustainable management, the forest's carbon storage capacity is ensured in the long term.

Structural and Institutional Foundations

The implementation of the 2026 Forestry Plan is based on a long-term forestry development plan adopted in 2015 and valid until 2023. A new forestry development plan is already in the coordination phase, which will more strongly address the challenges of climate change.

• Certification and Monitoring: The Leipzig City Forest is certified both under PEFC and FSC®. These certifications guarantee sustainable forest management and continuous monitoring by nature conservation organizations.
• Volunteer and Scientific Support: An advisory committee composed of scientists, nature conservation organizations, and municipal staff supports planning and implementation. External experts also review the measures for ecological compatibility.
• Transparency and Public Participation: The Forestry Plan is published on the city's website and is accessible to all citizens. This promotes transparency and enables the public to be involved in forestry decisions.

Outlook: City Forest as a Model for Climate Adaptation

The 2026 Forestry Plan is more than just an annual economic plan – it is a milestone in adapting the city forest to climate change. Through targeted forestry measures that strengthen resilience and preserve ecological functions, Leipzig sets an example for other cities in Germany.

In the coming years, it will be particularly important to monitor the results of the measures and further refine the forestry development plan. Cooperation with science and civil society will play a central role in this process.