The Patient Watcher

Nestled in the heart of Bavaria in southern Germany, the Eltmann Forest stretches over 1,126 hectares of lush greenery, offering a haven for both hikers and wildlife. Home to the largest heron colony in northern Bavaria, with over 200 breeding pairs, the forest also shelters protected water reserves and cultural landmarks.  

Christian Bartsch, Eltmann City’s Forester and Municipal Forestry Office Operations Manager, oversees this thriving ecosystem. Accompanied by his loyal dog, Christian spends his days traversing the forest, observing its many changes, and ensuring its continued health and longevity.  

Finding his own path in the forest 

Christian did not always plan on becoming a forester. As a young man, initially wanted to become a teacher.  

It was only during my military service, surrounded by nature, that I discovered my passion for forests.

In 2005, Christian officially became a forester, and for the past two decades, he’s shaped Eltmann Forest’s future, aiming to inspire others and make a lasting impact on his community. 
 
As a forester, he wears many hats - managing conservation efforts, ensuring sustainable timber harvesting, overseeing financials, and educating the public about the importance of responsible forestry. Forest managers often have to work in a way that balances multiple aspects, from wildlife conservation to the sustainable use of timber, and engaging the community in understanding and supporting these efforts. 

Adapting to a changing forest 

The forest is constantly evolving, presenting challenges like climate change and the need to balance conservation with industry.  

Many past plantings, such as spruce and pine, no longer suit today’s conditions. To restore ecological resilience, Christian focuses on biodiversity by reintroducing species like oak and cherry, which are more resilient to climate stressors. His work is guided by FSC certification, which ensures the forest’s long-term health and sustainability. 

FSC certification ensures that the forest’s management practices are responsible, with long-term ecological health in mind. Christian’s work involves careful planning to ensure these species receive the light, space, and resources they need to thrive. It’s a process that takes time, requiring observation and a deep understanding of how the forest evolves in response to both human intervention and natural changes. 

Patience is at the core of Christian’s approach. His role requires him to step back and watch the forest, allowing it to evolve at its own pace. Unlike traditional industries where immediate results are expected, Christian’s work demands long-term thinking. 

You need to see how the trees and plants respond to climate change, and how the ecosystem adapts. This takes time, and you won’t always notice changes right away.

The hidden heroes: deadwood and biotope trees 

Christian also emphasizes the importance of deadwood and biotope trees, which play an essential role in maintaining a resilient forest. Deadwood acts as a natural water reservoir, storing moisture and preventing evaporation—an increasingly vital function in the face of hotter, drier summers. 

Through a grant program, Christian’s team has added 2,000 biotope trees and 800 deadwood trees to the forest. These trees support mosses, fungi, and other organisms that help retain moisture, ensuring a healthy ecosystem. Biotope ponds, created 20 years ago, also provide critical habitats for amphibians like fire salamanders and crested newts. Christian’s team also set up biotope ponds in these areas 20 years ago. These ponds are not just water reservoirs, but also vital habitats for fire salamanders, amphibians, and crested newts. 

A forest that gives back 

Eltmann Forest is more than just a sanctuary for wildlife; it’s a vital resource for the local community. Each year, up to 100,000 cubic meters of drinking water flow from the forest’s natural spring to the town’s water network. It also supplies sustainable energy, with leftover wood being used to generate electricity and heat for an entire residential area and swimming pool. 
 
Christian’s efforts to create a climate-resilient forest also extend to fostering new wildlife. He hopes the forest will soon attract a very rare visitor, the Black Stork, bird that has yet to settle in the area. Together with his team, they have installed nesting aids in hopes of providing a safe space for the storks to raise a family.

A vision for the future 

Christian's long-term vision for the forest remains rooted in patience and observation: “We can't expect to fix everything caused by climate change overnight. It doesn't work that way," he says, emphasizing the importance of respecting the natural cycle. 

FSC certification supports his work by ensuring that his methods align with global standards for responsible forest management, but it’s his patience and understanding of the natural world that guide his daily decisions. Over time, as Christian’s careful choices accumulate, he hopes that the forest slowly will shift into the more climate-resilient, diverse ecosystem he envisions. 
 

Learn more about FSC certification and its impact on sustainable forest management in Germany by visiting the FSC Germany website. 

Click on the image below to meet more passionate individuals working in FSC-certified forests, and discover how they’re helping shape a more resilient future for forests and communities alike.