Almost every day I have the pleasure of crossing at least one bavarian forest, or at least walking past the edge of the forest, because my dog (and I myself) need some exercise. I usually enjoy the time in nature and often lose myself in thought.
Today, these thoughts were once again more of a political nature. The current energy crisis with all its consequences and possible alternative heating sources has hardly passed anyone by.
And so, when I look into the German forests, I also think of the wood lying around there from this point of view. In our area it is usually the case that after heavy rainfall and also more or less strong storms, a lot of branches and twigs fell down and sometimes even whole trees were uprooted and finally lie on the ground. I don't know if it's common practice in other regions, but in most of the forests in my area these "wood debris" often remain lying for months or even years.
I don't know if it's common practice in other regions, but in most of the forests in my area these "wood debris" often remain lying for months or even years.
Now it would be possible on the part of the policy that one would allow the people with the current energy shortage and the extreme prices, at least rationed, to collect themselves firewood of this, actually yes uselessly lying around. One could regulate such a thing by simple measures and also on confidence basis, but one does it unfortunately not or only with substantial restrictions.
Since I am talking about Bavaria in my case, I have found an overview here of what is allowed and what is not: https://www.br.de/nachrichten/deutschland-welt/holz-sammeln-im-wald-was-ist-verboten-was-erlaubt,TIVsQBC
If you are interested, please read and inform yourself, I give neither advice nor tips or even a consultation here.
Cornerstones:
- Note who owns the forest.
- In state-owned forests you have better chances, but have to pay attention to many things, e.g.:
- The wood at the thickest end may only be less than 10 centimeters in diameter.
- You can only use a hand saw with a blade length of maximum 60 centimeters. Power saws, even those with a battery, are not allowed.
- Standing timber may not be felled, uprooted or broken off.
- Removal by "vehicles intended primarily for the transportation of goods" is prohibited under the Timber Regulations.
As you can see there is really a lot of wood laying around that could be used at home for heating and coocking. But in a strict country like Germany where everything is controlled by rules and law the normal people have rather to suffer than giving them some more freedome in areas where it would make sense.