Forest functions (selection) Hamburg

In the topic area “Forest Functions” extensive 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 humans. Forest functions can be defined as the effects and performance of forests and forest management, as far 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 distinction is generally made between the utility function, the protective functions (including natural and biotope protection), the recovery function and other special functions.
Forest areas are shown as far as they perform one or more functions beyond the normal level. The functions for which validated data or demarcatable categories could be achieved are selected.
For example, forest areas located in flood or water conservation areas or Natura 2000 sites are not represented and each fulfil a corresponding protective function there.
The data were collected expertly in 2016 and partially supplemented and adjusted as of 2019. The basis of the expert assessment is the “Guideline for mapping the protection and recovery functions of the forest” of the Forstliche Experiments- und Forschungsanstalt Baden-Württemberg, Freiburg 2015.

These are forest areas that perform a function as

1. Recreational forests
2. Protection against erosion
3. Regional climate protection forest and
4. Privacy forest.

To 1.
The forest areas, which have been assessed as important for human recovery as part of a forest function mapping, are recorded. Only the forest, which is actually available to the general public, was selected. The categories “of very high importance” and “of high importance” are distinguished. Criteria for designation include accessibility, attractiveness, provision of recreational facilities, low noise and immission pollution and restrictions on the right of access.
The classification in the category “of very high importance” takes place regularly when special forestry efforts and expenses for maintaining the recovery function are required.

To 2.
The forest offers a very good protection for the preservation of the soil and its natural development. Only the forest areas, which were assessed as important for the protection of the soil from erosion in the context of a forest function mapping, are shown. Forest areas have been selected, which are
soils at risk of wind erosion in corresponding exposed layers with high proportions of humus, fine sand and loess;
water erosion-prone soils with strong gradients and low bindingness; or
— on artificial soils
stalled.

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 built or undeveloped areas varies. Presented are the forest areas that protect and improve the climate in compaction areas 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 as a summer cold air source, and the forest areas, which, as a winter cold air brake, can protect, above all, lower areas from late frosts.

To 4.
Privacy forest not only hides objects perceived as disturbing, but also protects plants or plots from unwanted insights from the outside. Presented are the areas of forests that, in their horizontal extent, can fulfil the purpose of protection throughout the year and on a permanent basis. A distinction is made between forests, which
protect against inspection of facilities and airports or
Provide privacy protection for recreational or residential areas.