Oak Forest A3
Oak Forest A3
An oakwood is a dense forest dominated by majestic and long-lived oaks. With their thick, sturdy trunks and broad, branching crowns, these trees provide shade under which a variety of vegetation grows. A forest with oak trees is often rich in biodiversity, with many species of birds, animals and insects. Today, oak forests all over the world are being rapidly cleared for quick profits, and many large, centuries-old oak trees have already been cut down, completely destroying a number of protected and rare oak tree species.
Protecting oak forests from logging is important to maintain the balance of the ecosystem and to combat climate change.
About the forest
About the forest
Coordinates - 56°15'34.01"N, 21°30'46.92"E
Age of trees - 106 y
Area - 1.04 ha
Distribution of Trees by Sections:
90% - Oaks
10% - Aspens
Habitat
Soil moisture - Normal
Soil Fertility - Very fertile
Soil Type - Heavy
Topography - Flat
About oak trees
About oak trees
Oak forests are important ecosystems and trees that play an important role in many countries' cultural heritage. There are few pure oak woodlands, and oaks grow mainly in association with other trees (spruce, birch, ash, aspen).
These forests can be found across diverse climates and geographical areas, including North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. Ancient oak woodlands, especially in Europe, are cherished for their historical and ecological importance. Oak trees are not only ecological powerhouses but also symbols of strength and endurance, featuring prominently in folklore and national symbols.
Our commitments
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.
Why is this important?
Stopping rampant deforestation of oak forests is important because of their ability to absorb carbon dioxide and reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, which directly contributes to halting climate change. The more oak forests we preserve, the more we contribute to reducing the greenhouse effect. It is also important to mention that the dense canopy and deep roots of oak trees create a microclimate that helps to retain moisture in the soil and protect it from erosion.
Forests with oak trees have become important habitats for many species of plants, animals and microorganisms. Maple, spruce and lime trees often grow alongside oak trees. By stopping the clearing of oak forests, we are contributing to the conservation of these species by maintaining conditions suitable for them to live in, as well as preserving the balance of the ecosystem and endangered species.
Continued rapid deforestation of oak forests could damage these ecosystems, cause animals to lose their habitats and cause many of them to disappear. The removal of these trees not only reduces biodiversity but also increases the risk of soil erosion, as oak forests play an important role in the water cycle and its regulation.
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Impacts on deforestation
Oak forests have been intensively deforested in recent decades. Oak forests are difficult to restore because these trees are slow-growing and require specific conditions. As a result, the regeneration of lost areas is very slow, and in some places they may never return to their original state.
Impact on CO2 change
Oaks are long-lived trees that store large amounts of carbon dioxide over their lifetime, helping to stop climate change. Every oak tree that is felled increases the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.
Impact on biodiversity
Forests with oak trees are unique habitats for a wide variety of species of flora and fauna. Oak forest ecosystems are closely associated with specific species such as some rare beetles, fungi and birds, and the clearing of oak forests is causing these species to lose their natural habitat, which is contributing to an increase in the number of endangered species.
Impact on the water cycle
Oak trees play a crucial role in regulating the water cycle. They help manage water flow by absorbing and storing large amounts of rainwater, which reduces the risk of floods. The extensive root systems of oak trees also help prevent soil erosion, ensuring that the soil remains stable and water bodies retain their quality.
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.
Oaks make up about 2% of Lithuania's forest area. Oaks are most often found growing alongside other trees such as spruce, ash, aspen and birch. In Lithuania, oak felling began in the Middle Ages and has increased steadily since then.
Oaks are important not only for the flora and fauna of the forest, but also for the climate. One hectare of mature oak forests can absorb up to 15 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, making a significant contribution to reducing the greenhouse effect. In addition, oak trees, as long-lived trees, release large amounts of oxygen during their lifetime, improving air quality.
Over the last 10 years, oak felling in Lithuania has increased for several reasons. They are being felled rapidly in Lithuania for furniture production, construction, interior decoration and other uses, as well as rampant felling to expand urban infrastructure and other commercial activities.
The area of oak forests has continued to decline over the last decade, and the rate of replanting has not kept pace with the extent of clearing.