Behold the Eiche standing tall. What stories could this ancient tree tell if it could speak? This Eiche has likely witnessed centuries of Leipzig’s history unfold.
Leipzig’s Auwald has been shaped by human hands for centuries. People living here have long used the forest. Initially, they took firewood. But timber became vital as settlements grew. Besides wood, people once used the Auwald for resources we’ve forgotten today.
The Eiche, specifically the Stiel-Eiche or Quercus robur, became dominant. This happened because of how the forest was managed. It remained so until 1870. This management style was called Mittelwaldwirtschaft. It met various timber needs. Foresters kept scattered large trees called “Lassreitel.” These were mostly Stiel-Eichen.
Under the Lassreitel’s canopy, undergrowth thrived. It mainly grew from sprouts and root shoots. Every 15 to 20 years, this undergrowth was cleared for firewood. The Eiche Lassreitel provided timber. Their acorns fed pigs. The woods were kept sparse. This favored tree types that sprouted easily.
Until 1870, Leipzig’s Auwald was managed this way. Then, a forest management plan changed things. The Stiel-Eiche dominated thanks to this management and local conditions.
After 1870, Leipzig abandoned Mittelwaldwirtschaft. The city managed the Auwald. Later, East Germany’s forestry operation took over. This new method was called Hochwaldbetrieb. Many Auwald sections were left to nature. Some areas were clear-cut and replanted. These clear-cuts led to uniform stands with few tree types. Forests became denser.
Compared to the Mittelwaldwirtschaft era, the forest became more uniform. It had fewer tree species. Trees like the Gemeine Esche and Bergahorn increased. These had been suppressed before. Foresters favored them for their higher yields.
During East Germany’s “Pappelprogramm” starting in the 1960s, poplar varieties were planted. Often, poplars replaced elms. This explains the high number of poplar hybrids in Leipzig’s city forest.
Before 1870, forests were used in many ways. Forests near settlements faced high usage pressure. Leipzig’s Auwald, close to a major trading city, was heavily used.
Besides timber, Leipzig’s Auwald served various needs. Grassland use was common. The city leased out the right to use the grasses. But this harmed forest regrowth. The city had to protect young trees. The last records of these rights date to World War I.
Collecting wood was vital for Leipzig’s fuel needs. In 1165, Leipzig citizens gained the right to collect wood. Many earned income this way. To prevent over-collection, wood gathering was limited to certain days.
People gathered acorns to feed pigs. To protect the Eiche population, the city only allowed acorn collection in mast years. Even then, only half the acorns could be taken. This ensured natural regeneration. In lean years, citizens had to plant acorns. Leasing the “right to collect acorns” was a Leipzig tradition. It generated revenue for the city.
The Eiche provided bark, leaves, and wood for tanning leather. Until the early 18th century, large amounts of Eichenlohe were taken from the Auwald.
During both World Wars, the Auwald faced intense pressure. During and after World War I, people gathered nettles and leaf hay. After World War II, large areas were cleared for firewood. This depleted the city forests.
After World War II, brown coal mining increased. It destroyed hundreds of hectares of Auwald. In 1989/90, areas were cleared for the Cospuden mine.
The Eiche stands as a testament to Leipzig’s evolving relationship with its forest. It has silently borne witness to shifting management practices. It saw diverse utilization methods, and ecological transformations. Its presence today serves as a reminder of the past. It is also a symbol of resilience and adaptation in the face of change.