Habitat restoration

During habitat restoration the elimination of area fregmentation, the elimination of invasive species and restructuring of the wood present the biggest challenges.

The shrinking of the once cohesive woods, the settlement of alien species and the reorganised tree population present a serious threat for the long term survival of the wildlife of the area. Our aim is to restore the integrity of the woods, along with its species content and structure characteristics. We can thus ensure an easier and less risky wandering for numerous indigenous species of flora and fauna, increase the number of habitats appropriate for settlement and improve their quality.

We use several methods in order to solve our tasks. By planting new trees we will replace the alien species and the fragmentation of the wood will decrease. We will eliminate the alien species from the areas having a more natural status but presently infected, and if necessary supplement the wood with young trees of indigenous species.

The Duna-Ipoly National Park Directorate takes over the restricted right of disposal from the forest owners for 90 years. The owners get compensation for the loss of income caused by the suspension of logging. In the future only nature conservation management activities can be carried out in the forest. The allocation of the forests changes from 'forests for wood production' category (economic purposes) to 'forests for soil protection' category, according to which there is no reforestation obligation until 30% of foliage closure. This possibility is really important for shaping and sustaining the natural structure of the steppe oak woods. We apply methods based on natural processes where structure reshaping is needed.