Climate protection just outside Vienna - our Vienna Woods project

The Vienna Woods is one of the most important forest areas in Europe. Covering an area of over 4,400 hectares, the City of Vienna Forestry Administration is working to make the forest fit for the climate in the long term and to safeguard its valuable ecosystem services.

The Vienna Woods consist mainly of near-natural mixed deciduous forests with beech and oak, supplemented by black pine, ash and maple along the waterways. This diversity provides a habitat for over 2,500 animal species, 1,700 plant species and around 600 species of fungi - a real natural jewel on the edge of the city.

However, the consequences of the climate crisis are also evident here: drought, heat stress and increasing pressure from recreational users are putting pressure on the forest. This makes forward-looking, sustainable management all the more important.

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Measures for a climate-stable forest

In the Vienna Woods project, damaged areas are reforested, natural regeneration is promoted and monocultures are gradually converted into stable mixed forests. At the same time, protective functions such as erosion and water protection are strengthened and near-natural management methods are used, in sensitive areas even with horse-drawn tra ctors instead of heavy machinery.

The project impressively demonstrates how regional climate protection can work right on the doorstep of Vienna. Every contribution helps to stabilize the forest, store CO2 and preserve valuable habitats.

You can get an insight into the Wienerwald project in the video here:

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