Newly created map indicates openings in the European forest canopy

Satellite images display changes in the condition of European forests

The novel map the team has created also makes it possible to describe changes in forest conditions. The researchers have found, for example, that throughout Europe forests have become more open and the frequency of forests being interrupted by open spaces has increased. In addition, the openings themselves on average have increased in size primarily due to wind storms and forest fires in recent years.

In such areas, however, the tendency is that more trees are surviving due to the availability of seed material. This, in turn, promotes the recovery of forests after a disturbance and can be seen as an indication of the increase in low-intensity forestry in Europe, where only single trees or crops of trees are taken rather than clear cutting large areas.

Therefore, despite the major changes in Europe’s forests, the researchers see positive developments. As Cornelius Senf has said, “In most cases, new, young trees grow up after a loss of the old stand.” However, he goes on to say: “To understand where forests may be at risk of irreversible damage, we need a baseline as a reference. This is provided by the newly created map.”

Professor Rupert Seidl adds: “The new maps help us to understand how Europe’s forests are changing. After all, increasing opening in the canopy pose a risk to the forest, but also other opportunities for new generations of trees that are better adapted to climate change to establish themselves. Among other things, the maps can help to identify areas where regeneration needs to be promoted through targeted planting or where the forests can rejuvenate themselves. In this way, the forest can be made fit for climate change – a task that, especially in the last two years, has gained in urgency.“