Yes, I know. I need to restrain myself a bit; I mustn't get too euphoric. Because wherever great joy arises, the first setback is bound to come around the corner. And even in great love stories, the small or large problems are often left out of the equation. We all know them—the famous rose-colored glasses. But fear not, I put those aside long ago. We are all aware of the problems facing our environment. I don't want to get too romantic about it. Because on the one hand, my text is meant to be a declaration of love, but on the other hand, my sense of alarm is steadily growing. I am learning more and more that preserving forests is a massive challenge.
I have two forests in my immediate vicinity. On one hand, there is the Perlacher Forst, and on the other side of the Isar, the Forstenrieder Park. I like the Perlacher Forst, but the destruction caused by storms and the relatively young trees compared to the Forstenrieder Park always make me look enviously across the Isar. Consequently, I spend a large part of my photographic activities in the Forstenrieder Park.
It was, or rather is, a love that came on the second glance. I have lived in Munich for over two decades and naturally knew the forest. However, in the early years, it was simply just a forest with no particular significance to me. It was still the time when, as a young guy, I was drawn to the city, where the action happens. It was also a time when Gärtnerplatz didn't play much of a role yet. There were other places where young people liked to be—places where there was hustle and bustle. Now, at nearly forty, things are changing enormously. I am increasingly seeking the peace found in the forests, much like I did as a boy from the village during my childhood and youth. At that time, the forest was a given, nothing special. It was just there. And environmental protection? Not a topic. Back then, forest paths were still filled with old bricks, garden waste was disposed of in the thickets, and somehow everyone did it and nobody minded. Unthinkable today, but a common occurrence back then.
Many years later, things have become dramatically different. We are confronted daily with words like climate change, environmental protection, but above all, with themes like destruction. For me, these topics are often a bit too abstract—important, no question, but sometimes too far away. We advocate for 1.5-degree targets, yet at the same time, it seems impossible for us to keep nature clean right on our doorstep. Added to this is that our society is becoming increasingly fast-paced, while the desire for retreat and relaxation is rising. Our forests are confronted with all of this. Because relaxation has to happen somewhere. And in the midst of it all, there are the animals that live, or must live, within them. For them, the forest becomes the only sanctuary, as their habitat outside is constantly shrinking.
The Forstenrieder Park is so special because red deer and fallow deer populations have been managed there for decades. However, the park is primarily known for its herds of wild boar. But once you have seen a red deer stag, the sight never lets you go. Especially during the rut. Last autumn, I walked along the paths or cycled along them particularly frequently. Every now and then, I would stop, because the roaring of the stags sounded breathtaking!
In the early morning, when the mist is still drifting through the trees, when everything else is silent and there are no visitors to be seen for miles, the forest reveals everything. Then nature can be experienced in all its power. Just to put this in perspective—I am telling you about a forested area on the outskirts of the city. That is precisely why the experiences there have even greater value for me. In the mountains, away from civilization, the experience might be even more intense. But how many cities have an experience to offer like here in Munich?
Where else can you encounter wild boar at the side of the path, while fallow deer and red deer also occasionally stroll across the trails? At the same time, visitors cycle along the paths, office bags strapped to the back of their luggage carriers. Not a bad experience to end the workday, right?
I see many people who simply stop, park their bikes, sit on a bench, and just listen to nature. That is how it should be. The Forstenrieder Park is a very special habitat. Preserving this remains a major challenge. We are all called upon to contribute to its preservation. On one side, the Bavarian State Forests (Bayerische Staatsforsten) bear the primary responsibility, and on the other side, we visitors do.
Economic interests will, of course, still have to be weighed, because in Germany, the forest is also a livelihood and must yield returns. I don't harbor any illusions about entirely untouched nature. But there must be undisturbed space for animals, and economic interests must not prevail. Not least because two wildlife sanctuaries were established in the past, where hunting is also suspended. To be honest, outside of these wildlife sanctuaries, it frustrates me immensely to see the large clearings cut into the forest. Of course, trees have to be harvested somehow. But I am a layman and am merely noting my observation.
The park will never be left to itself; trees will always remain an economic factor, and the conflict between humans and animals remains omnipresent. What is important is that the decision-makers represent the right interests. We all have to work together to ensure the forest does not lose its uniqueness. On a small scale, this includes leaving your trash at home and avoiding walking off the paths in the forest as much as possible.
On the other hand, I appeal to the State Forests not to place the sole blame for browsing damage on the animals. Hunters know their responsibility to handle life in the forest with particular care and to preserve it. We photographers, on the other hand, must present the forest as it is. Do not sugarcoat anything; show the magnificent nature, but place the images in the proper context. We too can contribute to preservation, even if our role is limited to public relations. But we must take responsibility and not continue to live only in the shadows.
As you can see, this love hangs by a thread. Nothing is taken for granted, and nothing happens by chance. Much more must be done for its preservation so that this treasure right at our doorstep remains intact. Please, everyone, help out!