Berchtesgaden forest survey finds woodland adapting to climate change

The mountain forest in Berchtesgaden National Park appears to be adapting to climate change, with drought-sensitive spruce declining while broadleaf trees increase, BR reports. A forest inventory is examining 3,000 fixed plots to track the changes.

Every 15 years, specialists return to the same plots, including locations that are difficult to reach. At one site above the dark blue waters of Lake Königssee, the team reached a steep cliff by boat before climbing to the forest plot.

The researchers use a buried magnet to identify the exact location first surveyed in 1983. They measure around a dozen trees, young plants, dead trunks, soil depth and humus.

One of the trees is a strong beech that has survived for more than 200 years. Open wounds in its bark show that it has endured severe damage. The researchers say the tree has withstood lightning and falling rocks.

The survey has found extensive natural regeneration, which team leader Bernd Becker described as positive. The detailed inventory is now in its second summer.

Since 1983, the composition of the forest has changed. Spruce trees, which are particularly vulnerable to heat and drought, are becoming less common, while broadleaf species such as sycamore maple are increasing. The diversity of tree species is rising without human intervention.

More trees in the park are currently showing brown crowns, a clear sign of drought stress. However, the forest specialists say the mountain forest appears healthy overall in their preliminary assessment. They still see no limit to the resilience of this alpine natural forest.

The thousands of new records will be analysed and compared with data from the three previous inventories carried out since 1983. Researchers hope the results will show how alpine ecosystems are responding to climate change and help inform forest management more broadly.