Forest functions (selection) Hamburg

In the topic “Forest Functions” information about selected functions of the forest areas in Hamburg is presented. The forest contributes particularly to the protection of natural livelihoods and to the recovery of the human being. Forest functions can be referred to as the effects and performance of the forest and forest management, insofar as they usually meet human needs or expectations. On the one hand, forest functions meet societal requirements and, on the other hand, contribute to the stabilisation of ecosystems. Depending on the purpose, forest functions can be summarised. A general distinction is made between the utility function, the protective functions (including natural and biotope protection), the recovery function and other special functions. Forest areas are depicted as far as they perform one or more functions beyond the normal level. The functions for which validated data or delimitable categories could be obtained are selected. For example, forest areas that are located in flooding or water conservation areas or in Natura 2000 sites and fulfil a corresponding protective function are not shown. The data were collected expertly in 2016 and partially supplemented and adapted as of 2019. The basis of the expert assessment is the federal “Guide for mapping the protective and recreational functions of the forest” of the Forest Experimental and Research Institute Baden-Württemberg, Freiburg 2015. Shown are forest areas that perform a function as 1. Recreation forests 2. Protection against erosion 3. regional climate protection forest and 4. Privacy protection forest. To 1. The forest areas are covered, which have been assessed as important for the recovery of humans in the context of forest function mapping. Only the forest that is actually available to the general public was selected. The categories “of very high importance” and “high importance” are distinguished. Criteria for designation include accessibility, attractiveness, availability of recreational facilities, low noise and immission loads and restrictions on the right of detention. Classification into the category “of very high importance” is regular when special forestry efforts and expenses are required to maintain the recreational function. To 2. In principle, the forest offers very good protection for the preservation of the soil and its natural development. Only the forest areas that have been assessed as important for the protection of the soil from erosion are shown in the context of a forest function mapping. Forest areas that have been selected for — wind erosion-prone soils in corresponding exposed layers with high humus, fine sand and loess content, — water erosion-prone soils with strong gradients and low bindiness; or — on artificially spilled soils it’s sticking. To 3. All forest areas fulfil a climate protection function. However, depending on the size and structure of the stocks as well as the topography, the effect on the adjacent cultivated or undeveloped areas varies. Shown are the forest areas that protect and improve the climate in compaction rooms through air exchange (regional climate protection forest). Regional climate protection forest is identified taking into account the size of the forest and the size and location of the compaction area, the relief and the main wind direction. A distinction is made between forest areas, which act extensively as a summer cold air source, and the forest areas, which, as a winter cold air brake, can protect especially lower-lying areas from late frosts. To 4. Privacy forest not only conceals objects perceived as disturbing, but also protects plants or plots from unwanted insights from the outside. These are the areas of forests which, in their horizontal extension, can fulfil the purpose of protection all year round and permanently. A distinction is made between forests that — protect against access to facilities and airports or — Provide visual protection for recreational or residential areas.