Langen forest

Langen forest is EcoTree’s newest restoration project in Germany, located in Offenbach, Hessen, less than an hour by bike from central Frankfurt. Years of drought, heat and storm events have severely weakened the former Beech- and Pine-dominated stands, leading to widespread canopy loss and reduced structural diversity. According to the 2024 Forest Condition Report, around 27% of trees in Hesse show canopy damage, with levels peaking at 29% in 2023, the highest since monitoring began.

The site is located within the Mühlheim Forest District managed by HessenForst, which oversees approximately 15,900 hectares of forest in the Offenbach region. One of its major challenges is transforming uniform, climate-vulnerable stands into resilient mixed forests. Restoration work initiated in 2025 aims to guide this transition by establishing climate-adapted broadleaf species under the remaining canopy, setting the foundation for long-term ecological recovery.

EcoTree’s work in the Langen forest focuses on rebuilding ecosystem functions through species diversification and water-adapted planting. A mix of Chestnut, Checker tree, as well as Wild Apple and Wild Pear has been selected for their resilience to the site’s heat and drought conditions and their capacity to support healthier soils and more stable water dynamics.

The forest also plays an important role, acting as a green buffer for Frankfurt’s outskirts while serving as a valued recreational area for local residents. Planting is carried out with local teams, strengthening our collaboration with the surrounding community. All saplings are protected to keep wildlife from damaging them, thereby supporting the successful establishment of the young trees.

Replacing former monoculture stands with mixed, site-adapted broadleaf forests creates a richer habitat mosaic for birds, insects, mammals, amphibians and pollinators; species that depend on varied canopy layers and diverse food sources. The new structure gradually restores the ecological processes that historically shaped the region.

As the forest develops, healthier soils, cooler microclimates and improved groundwater recharge will strengthen the surrounding ecosystems, making this area more resilient in the face of ongoing climate pressure. Over time, Langen forest will enhance regional ecological continuity, contribute to long-term carbon storage and enrich local biodiversity.

Because the site is open to the public, visitors can observe the forest’s transformation firsthand as it matures into a more stable and climate-adapted landscape.