45 members of the Czech branch office of Pro Silva Europa – Pro Silva Bohemica visited Switzerland to see the best practice of selection forests. In between August 27th and 31th they went to Couvet and Emmental (Toppwald) on a study trip.

Selection forests and climatic change
The topic of this study trip was a history, a present and a future of selection forests in its real home. Czech foresters who support close to nature forest management based on Pro Silva principals had a chance to see forests stands where Henry Biolley and Walter Ammon worked and their followers continue and face to face the hard influence of climatic change. Selection forests are still alive but climatic, economic and social changes hit hardly this tradition concept of the close to nature forest management.

Conversion to „Dauerwald“
Aplication of selection principles and following of the nature is the only sustainable way for foresters in Grenchen and Selzach too (Swiss Jura). They decided to change their mind and management system 25 year ago to prepare forest for the future. Members of Pro Silva Bohemica saw clearly examples of conversion of clear cutting system to the „Dauerwald“.

The winner will be Oak
Swiss foresters estimate that the winner of the climatic change in Switzerland is going to be Oak. Nature shows the way and foresters have to follow it and accompany the forest softly into the future by application of selection principles.

Jan Kozel Pro Silva Bohemica