Resources

This study examines how thinning intensity and tree species composition influence Climate-Smart Forestry (CSF) in long-term experimental plots in Bavaria, Germany. Using a composite CSF index based on nine structural and functional indicators, it compares beech, spruce, and mixed forests under varying thinning regimes. The results show that mixed and broad-leaved forests outperform spruce monocultures, particularly in adaptation, while strong thinning improves structural diversity and resilience. The study highlights the importance of long-term monitoring for adaptive forest management and provides practical insights for aligning forestry practices with climate and sustainability goals.

This study develops and tests a novel composite climate-smart index (ICSF) to assess Climate-Smart Forestry (CSF) in Mediterranean forests, using data from Italian National Forest Inventory (NFI). Eight carefully weighted indicators were applied across three pillars – adaptation, mitigation, and the social dimension – to evaluate CSF in 2005 and 2015. Tree species composition, forest damage, and regeneration were identified as key drivers. The results show a positive trend in CSF values over the last two decades, demonstrating the potential of the ICSF as a practical tool for forest managers to enhance resilience and mitigate climate-related impacts.

Habitat trees are defined as standing live or dead trees providing ecological niches (microhabitats) such as cavities, bark pockets, large dead branches, epiphytes, cracks, sap runs, or trunk rot. Depending on their characteristics, habitat trees go by different names. Veteran, ancient, or monumental trees are individuals of remarkable age or size, whereas wildlife or cavity trees host animals such as woodpeckers and other cavity-nesting species.

A harmonized framework defining and classifying tree-related microhabitats (TreMs) – from cavities to fungi – to make forest biodiversity monitoring more consistent, comparable, and practical across Europe.

The book "Das Trittsteinkonzept" describes different elements of nature-protection in managed forests. The most important element is the habitat-tree. That can be a single habitat-tree or a group of them (Waldtrittsteine or stepstones).

“Forest Invest Podcast”, produced by The ForestLink, aims to bring expert insights on creating profitable and impactful forest investments. Through interviews with professionals from across the forestry asset spectrum, it shares real-world stories, insights, and best practice guidance to support the development of profitable and impactful forest investments.

The ForestMoocForChange is an 8-week free online course on continuous-cover forestry (CCF) across Europe, exploring how to manage forests for timber, biodiversity and resilience. It is available in 3 languages: English, French and German.

This policy and practice brief brings together insights from the four EU Horizon 2020 Green Deal “Restoration Cluster” projects, SUPERB, MERLIN, REST-COAST and WaterLANDS, offering recommendations on how to activate stakeholder engagement for the successful delivery of NRR targets, as well as concrete examples and tools to support stakeholder engagement throughout the process.

The DRAAF Bourgogne-Franche-Comté carried out a study to assess the implementation of aid from the Recovery Plan for the renewal of damaged stands and to describe the strategies deployed by owners to restore bark beetle stands.

*This platform is only available in German.

The online portal Waldinfo.NRW provides open access to comprehensive information about the forests of North Rhine-Westphalia – their many functions, values, and sustainable management.

The portal features interactive digital maps covering a wide range of forest-related topics, from forest cover and ecology to forest management, nature conservation, recreation, risk prevention, and forest administration.

By making this information easily accessible, Waldinfo.NRW aims to support forest owners in adapting forest management to the challenges of climate change – including the reforestation of large damaged areas.

All information is presented in a modern, user-friendly format, including practical tools such as an interactive advisory function for reforestation planning.

In addition, the portal provides links to key publications from the State Forest Administration and other relevant online resources from the regional government.

The platform is managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Consumer Protection of the state of North-Rhine Westphalia.

Ecological Site Classification (ESC) is a web-based decision support system to help forest managers and planners select tree species that are ecologically suited to particular sites, instead of selecting a species and trying to modify the site to suit.

ForestGALES is a computer-based decision support system and hybrid-mechanistic model that assesses the risk of wind damage to forests in Britain and in several other countries, allowing to compare the impacts of different silvicultural practices.

Healthy forests are essential to rural livelihoods, biodiversity, and the bioeconomy. However, they are under increasing threat from storms, droughts, pests, diseases, and fires. These dangers often develop quietly and, if not identified early, can cause significant economic and ecological damage. The FORWARDS project is developing an innovative sensing system that can quickly identify and map forest vulnerabilities and risks across Europe.

This study it provides valuable insights into the development of the EU-NRR—the EU's first directly applicable and legally binding forest-related policy instrument.

Biodiversity Metric is a biodiversity footprinting tool. It contains an excel-based template for calculating biodiversity net gain by UK Government

ToSIA is a decision support tool for the forestry sector that analyses the sustainability impacts of timber value chains and other related forest value chains. It compares alternative process chains using scenarios to assess environmental, economic and social effects of deliberate interventions (policies, business) or external forces (climate change, markets) by tracking material flows and sustainability indicators.

The Cool Farm Tool is an online-application that can be used for evaluating the impact of measures related to farm management. The tool contains a module for product-based greenhouse gas assessments and a module for farm-level biodiversity impacts.

The CO2FIX model is a model that quantifies the carbon stocks and fluxes in the forest, plantation and in multistrata agroforestry. It calculates changes in carbon pools with time-steps of one year in the biomass, soil (litter and humus) and the wood products chain using a carbon accounting approach in which accumulated biomass is converted into carbon sequestration and storage. The model also contains financial, bioenergy and carbon accounting modules.

Ecosystem service tool for urban greening and green infrastructure assessments. In addition, the the tool can be used outside the urban environment.

InVEST (Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs) is a suite of models used to map and value the goods and services from nature that sustain and fulfill human life. It helps explore how changes in ecosystems can lead to changes in the flows of many different benefits to people.

Capsis is a simulation platform for forestry growth / dynamics models. It is a tool for forest scientists, forest managers and education. It has been developed since 1999.

Tool for planning management of hedgerows.                                                          

Tool for calculation of financial performance of food forests                                       

In the theory of decision making, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), also analytical hierarchy process, is a structured technique for organizing and analyzing complex decisions, based on mathematics and psychology.

Oppla is a European knowledge hub for nature-based solutions that supports forest restoration through shared tools, case studies, and expert networks. It provides guidance on ecosystem services, restoration planning, and governance, while connecting researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to exchange knowledge and promote effective, sustainable restoration practices across Europe.

These guidelines are designed to help forest restoration practitioners plan and conduct interviews to gather perspectives on public attitudes, stakeholder perspectives and governance challenges that could affect restoration efforts. The guide explains how to design simple interviews with clear, jargon-free questions.

This document aims to provide practical guidelines for organising a Collaborative Learning workshop to address conflicts related to forest restoration. 

A diverse forest creates the conditions for higher biodiversity and increased recreational value. It is also better equipped to deal with climate change and pests. This is one of three fact sheets with examples of measures in managed forests that create more variation in the forest landscape. This fact sheet is about how you can increase variation by enhancing nature value, whilst implementing other forestry measures.

A diverse forest creates conditions for higher biodiversity and increased recreational values. It is also better equipped for climate change and pest attacks. This is one of three fact sheets with examples of measures in managed forests that create more variation in the forest landscape. This fact sheet is about how you can manage forests without clearcutting to promote biodiversity.

What is a biotope that requires special consideration? What natural values might be found in the area where you plan to harvest? How should environmental consideration be taken when carrying out regeneration harvesting? The fact sheets on environmental sustainability targets will help you find the answers. The environmental sustainability targets are intended as guidance in practical forestry. They have been developed in collaboration with the forestry sector within the project Dialogue on Environmental Sustainability.

Via this portal you can find information on "High conservation value landscapes" (HCVL or Värdetrakter). HCVL are areas in the landscape with high density of biodiversity core areas of a certain habitat type, such as grasslands or deciduous forests. Not all parts of a HCVL have high conservation value. However, the higher density of biodiversity core areas means that the conditions for an ecologically functional landscape with a rich flora and fauna are higher within the HCVL than outside, where biodiversity core areas are more sparsely spaced.

This document constitutes a national strategy for nature and cultural conservation management of formally protected and voluntarily set-aside forests until 2030.  The strategy has been developed through a collaborative project led by the Swedish Forest Agency and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, with participants from a large number of forestry stakeholders.

This study investigates how increasing NRFO in Sweden — particularly in Västerbotten and Norrbotten counties — may shape forest-related outcomes in the country. Drawing on interviews with 18 stakeholders, the study highlights perceived drivers of increases in NRFOs and identifies related narratives on challenges and opportunities for forest management, conservation, and forest restoration. 

This study investigates how changing land-use in the Kronenbergse forests located in Horst aan de Maas, the Netherlands, may create challenges or opportunities for forest restoration by interviewing 18 stakeholders involved in land-management. 

This study investigates the question of climate adaptation in the Natura 2000 network in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany a region at the epicentre of climate-related disturbances. Using qualitative in-depth interviews, the study assesses how different groups of stakeholders understand climate-adapted forest restoration, what conflicts emerge from these perspectives and possible conflict improvement strategies.

This study investigates governance challenges and solution strategies in 12 forest restoration demonstration areas across Europe and three in-depth case studies in Sweden, Germany and the Netherlands. Special focus is given to identifying forest restoration conflicts, given the long history of forest conflicts across the continent.

EFISCEN-Space is a forest resource projection model, used to gain insights into the future development of forests. The model is used to follow restoration scenarios in the different demo areas.  In this case, in the restoration actions in the Dutch demo. 

FISE (Forest Information System for Europe) is a platform managed by the European Environment Agency (EEA) that centralizes data, maps, and indicators on Europe’s forests. It supports policy, monitoring, and research by integrating information on forest cover, biodiversity, climate impacts, health, and the bioeconomy from national and EU sources like Copernicus, JRC, and Eurostat.

This study reviews scientific literature on old-growth forests in Europe. It explores how old-growth forests are defined, where they exist, and approaches to their protection, management, and restoration. It also examines the benefits, potential trade-offs, and policy implications linked to conserving and enhancing old-growth forest attributes.

The study explores how forest practitioners across Europe are adapting forest management to climate change, the challenges they face and the knowledge guiding their decisions. It also examines how they balance climate adaptation with biodiversity conservation.

The report reviews pressures on forest biodiversity, health, and resilience. It assesses nature-oriented forest management methods for supporting biodiversity and adaptability, and identifies key barriers and enablers for implementing Closer-to-Nature Forest Management.

The EU Biodiversity and Forest Strategies for 2030 promote closer-to-nature forest management to enhance biodiversity, resilience, and multifunctionality. New EU guidelines support adaptive, biodiversity-friendly practices while balancing ecological and socioeconomic goals. Those guidelines are available in all official EU languages.

The FERM (Framework for Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring) Common Search Engine is a digital tool developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that allows users to find and share good practices in ecosystem restoration. It consolidates restoration practices from four collaborative platforms: the FERM Registry, LIFE GoProFor, Panorama Solutions, and WOCAT. The search engine helps promote these practices, prevents mistakes, encourages learning, and tracks restoration progress as part of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.

This document outlines the strategy for transformative stakeholder engagement in the twelve SUPERB demonstration areas. It provides planners, policymakers and practitioners with an example on how to build towards inclusive co-creation of forest restoration. It includes advice on practical engagement formats and a framework for analysing and addressing social, political, economic and other enablers and challenges to stakeholder engagement. 

This report shows results of a representative survey undertaken in Switzerland. It shows that forests are highly valued for their ecological and wellbeing benefits. People favour passive restoration (e.g., deadwood retention) over active methods. Restoration is seen to enhance biodiversity, recreation and aesthetics. It recieves strong public support through taxes and policies. Support varies little across gender, age or education levels.

This practical guide takes users through the whole process of implementing Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR). Aimed at practitioners, facilitators, NGOs, policymakers, and local authorities, it was created to bridge the gap between ambitious global restoration targets and the realities on the ground. 

This EPA publication focuses on the Agency’s efforts to address environmental degradation and promote restoration of ecosystems across the United States. It reviews programs and policies aimed at cleaning up contaminated sites, restoring air and water quality, rehabilitating damaged lands and supporting healthier communities. By combining regulatory actions with collaborative initiatives, the document illustrates how restoration contributes not only to ecological health but also to public safety, economic vitality, and long-term resilience.

Austria’s forests have been central to national identity, rural livelihoods, and ecological stability for centuries. Historical afforestation campaigns and state-led protection laid the groundwork for today’s expansive forest cover, which now provides not only timber but also critical services such as hazard protection, biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration. 

From the Green Finance Institute, the Investment Readiness Toolkit is an online and interactive framework that takes nature-based project developers and enterprises along the eight milestones of a path to ‘Investment Readiness’, providing key considerations and case studies. It is primarily aimed at a UK audience but provides useful principles that can be applied in all European countries.

Climate-adapted forest management requires a rethinking of traditional approaches, with particular attention to climate change-induced shifts in site conditions (i.e, site drift). In this regard, the Waldbaukonzept Nordrhein-Westfalen provides guidance to forest owners and practitioners in establishing and managing resilient, site-adapted mixed-species forest stands.  

North Rhine-Westphalia’s reforestation concept focuses on restoring forests after bark beetle devastation to improve biodiversity, capture carbon and to combat climate change. By planting mainly native trees and selected introduced tree species, including through natural regeneration, it enhances forest ecosystems, prevents soil erosion and supports sustainable land use. This helps create healthier environments, cleaner air and recreational spaces, making the region more resilient and sustainable.

Global forest restoration initiatives offer a critical chance to reverse deforestation and degradation, but success depends on collaboration across stakeholders and strong local involvement. Effective monitoring systems are essential to scale, adapt and track progress, with participatory monitoring emerging as a key tool. This review explores its role through case studies, experiences and concepts, highlighting lessons learned and pathways to enhance restoration outcomes worldwide.

Ecological restoration supports biodiversity, human wellbeing, food and water security, and climate resilience. The updated International Principles and Standards provide a framework of eight guiding principles, tools, and best practices to improve restoration design, monitoring, and outcomes. By integrating science, traditional knowledge, and stakeholder engagement, these Standards aim to deliver lasting ecological, social, and economic benefits worldwide.

This good practice explains the technical implications of establishing a broadleaved hedgerow. In the Landes of Gascony Forest, one of Europe's largest man-made forests, SUPERB-BOCAGE tackled the challenge of transitioning from intensive, profit-oriented pine monoculture management to more resilient and biodiversity-friendly practices. Using a living lab approach, stakeholders collaboratively designed and implemented innovative solutions, including the installation of diversified broadleaved hedgerows alongside maritime pine plantations. 

In rural areas, rising seasonal rainfall can cause flooding that threatens communities, tourism, and local businesses. Hard engineering methods like dams, reservoirs, channels, and embankments are costly and harm habitats, biodiversity, water quality, and soil fertility, while also reducing landscape value. In contrast, Natural Flood Management offers a cost-effective, nature-based alternative that reduces flood risk while benefiting ecosystems and local communities.

About three-quarters of Scotland’s forested land is made up of non-native plantations, mostly Sitka spruce. In many upland areas, productive tree growth is limited above 300 to 350 meters elevation due to wind exposure, poor soils, and grazing. These conditions create fragile open land with slope instability, low biodiversity, and simplified landscapes. High-elevation planting aims to restore the natural transition zones, improve slope stability, and enhance habitat diversity and resilience.

Planners responsible for the design of a reforestation plan often rely on contractors or other personnel for the implementation of the reforestation planning. Effective communication is therefore important to ensure that the reforestation objectives, planting patterns, and maintenance needs are understood and followed during the implementation. Visualizing planting groups both on-site and in map materials aids this process by providing a clear reference for people in the field and ensuring alginment between design and implementation.

The availability of heavy machinery at the restoration site might poses a logistical
challenge for example when specific equipment is unavailable or out of service or due to the weight and size of the machinery, if passage on roads, bridges and through tunnels are restricted by size or weight limitations. In such case, the implementation period can be shortened if local workforce and machinery are engaged to perform the restoration activities.

A common challenge in resforestation efforts is the availability of sufficient planting material, both in quantity and quality. A temporary in-forest nursery/seedbed can support restoration efforts by generating a supply of locally adapted seedlings. Benefits include reduced costs compared to externally sourced seedlings, and a more efficient logistical planning. Seedlings are adapted to local site conditions, but of course climate change needs to be considered and a mix of sources may be finally planted. 

This publication reviews the implementation of Natura 2000 in forests within the broader EU policy process. It explains how the Habitats and Birds Directives were transposed into national law and enforced, outlines the two main stages of implementation – site designation and management regimes – and analyses forest-specific challenges. The role of EU-level policy, guidance, funding, and stakeholder involvement is highlighted throughout.