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FOREST CONSERVATION

Birch Forest B2

Birch Forest B2

A birch woodland is a forest ecosystem dominated by birch trees, most commonly silver birch (Betula pendula) or hairy birch (Betula pubescens). These forests are rich in a wide variety of plant and fungi species, and their open structure provides a suitable environment for many animals such as birds, small mammals and insects. Today, birch forests globally are under significant threat due to extensive logging activities aimed at meeting the demand for birch wood products. This has led to the destruction of vast areas of mature birch habitats, critically endangering various species that rely on these ecosystems for survival.

About the forest

Coordinates - 55°56'48.61"N, 25°23'10.02"E
Age of trees 
- 25 m
Area - 0.8 ha


Distribution of Trees by Sections:
100% - Birches

Habitat
Soil moisture - Wet
Soil Fertility - Very fertile
Soil Type - Heavy
Topography - Sloped

About birch trees


These forests are rich in a wide variety of plant and fungi species, and their open structure provides a suitable environment for many animals such as birds, small mammals and insects. Birch forests also have cultural significance, as the birch tree is considered a symbolic tree in many countries and is often used in folk medicine and crafts.

Birch forests have a light and open structure allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor easily. Birch trees are medium-sized trees, growing up to 20-30 meters tall, with a white trunk, sometimes black-patterned, which is one of their distinctive features.

Our commitments


1. We put up a sign with the contact details of the person who protects the forest

One of our first steps is to make sure that every forest we are committed to protecting has a guardian. We will place information boards at the entrance to the forest with the contact details of this person. This will not only raise awareness among visitors, but also encourage the local community to get involved in protecting the forest.

2. No economic activity will be carried out in this forest that would harm the ecosystem

Our main commitment is to protect the forest from any economic activity that could harm its ecosystem. This means that no logging, agricultural development or other activities that could disturb the normal life of the forest will be allowed. We aim to preserve the natural beauty and ecological balance of the forest by providing a safe and stable habitat for plants and animals. The forest will be used for educational and recreational purposes only, which will not disturb the natural environment. This will ensure that the forest will be able to thrive both now and in the future.

3. Twice-yearly reports on the state of the forest

To ensure transparency and accountability, we commit to producing detailed reports twice a year describing the state and evolution of the forest. These reports will be publicly available and will provide information on the conservation actions carried out, the problems observed and the solutions proposed. This will not only help to monitor changes in the flora and fauna of the forest, but also to raise public awareness of the importance of forests, encouraging them to play a more active role in their conservation. Regular reporting will allow us to respond in time to any challenges that arise and ensure that the forest grows healthy and vibrant.

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Why is this important?

Birch forests are also important for carbon sequestration, although their contribution is not as large as that of coniferous forests. However, as fast-growing trees, birch trees can store CO2 efficiently during their shorter life cycle, and their ability to grow in a wide range of conditions contributes to reducing atmospheric pollution. The more birch forests we preserve, the greater their contribution to halting climate change. In addition, the leaves of birch trees create the right microclimate to maintain soil moisture and prevent erosion.

Birch forests provide habitat for many species of plants, fungi and animals that are adapted to the light, open conditions of these forests. These ecosystems are home to a wide range of birds, insects and small mammals that need such an environment. By conserving birch forests, we maintain the biodiversity of these species and ensure that they have the right conditions to survive, contributing to ecosystem stability and the protection of threatened species.

Uncontrolled deforestation of birch forests can lead to irreversible changes in ecosystems, affecting not only the forests themselves but also the surrounding landscape. In addition, birch forest logging contributes to soil erosion and disturbances in the water cycle, as birch woods help to regulate soil moisture levels and maintain soil structure.

Conserving birch forests is not only essential for protecting biodiversity, but also important for preventing soil erosion and maintaining a stable water cycle. A reduction in birch forests would have a negative impact on the ecological balance of the region and reduce their capacity to absorb carbon dioxide, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

Save

Trees

You could save up to 1080 trees

CO2

You could prevent the release of 810 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere

Species

You could save about 150 species across different taxonomic groups

Trees

You could save up to 1080 trees

CO2

You could prevent the release of 810 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere

Species

You could save about 150 species across different taxonomic groups

Impact on the water cycle

Birch trees help regulate water flow and help retain moisture in the soil, while their foliage slows evaporation. Deforestation of birch forests can lead to soil erosion and negatively affect water quality, especially in rivers and lakes, where forest ecosystems are an important factor in water purification and moisture regulation.

Impact on CO2 change

Like other forests, birch forests absorb carbon dioxide, helping to reduce greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. Every birch that is cut down contributes to climate warming, so it is important to preserve as many of these forests as possible.

Impact on biodiversity

Birch forests are an important habitat for many species of plants, animals and microorganisms. Bright and open birch forests provide a suitable habitat for a variety of birds, insects and small mammals. Deforestation of these forests poses a serious threat to these species, which are dependent on the specific conditions of these forests.

Impacts on deforestation

Intensive logging leaves degraded forest areas where vegetation and biodiversity struggle to recover. As forest regeneration takes decades and sometimes longer after clearing, it is essential to halt deforestation of birch forests in order to preserve the vitality of ecosystems.

How it works?

FOREST SELECTION

Choose a forest area that you want to protect from logging.

ACCOMMODATION

You have the opportunity to visit and stay in your forest at any time.

REPORTS

Every 6 months, you receive detailed reports describing the condition and development of the forest.

RENTAL PERIOD

Choose the desired forest rental period. You can select from 1 month to 5 years.

DOCUMENTS

You receive official documents confirming that you are the tenant of this forest.

NAME PLATE

A sign with your name is placed in the forest, encouraging others to act responsibly.

FOREST SELECTION

Choose a forest area that you want to protect from logging.

ACCOMMODATION

You have the opportunity to visit and stay in your forest at any time.

REPORTS

Every 6 months, you receive detailed reports describing the condition and development of the forest.

RENTAL PERIOD

Choose the desired forest rental period. You can select from 1 month to 5 years.

DOCUMENTS

You receive official documents confirming that you are the tenant of this forest.

NAME PLATE

A sign with your name is placed in the forest, encouraging others to act responsibly.

In Lithuania, birch forests are an important part of the forest ecosystem, accounting for around 16% of the country's forest area. Birch trees are one of the most common deciduous trees in Lithuania, growing both in pure birch forests and in mixed forests with other deciduous and coniferous trees.

Many birch forests have mature trees with trunks up to 80 cm in diameter. As well as enriching the landscape, these forests have important ecological functions, such as protecting the soil from erosion, maintaining biodiversity and reducing climate change.

Official data show that birch deforestation in Lithuania has increased by around 20% over a 10-year period. As the demand for timber and the economic value of timber on the market has increased, not only mature but also younger birch forests have been intensively harvested, so that every hectare of birch forests preserved today is important.