Centuries-old pollarded beeches in Rhön face extinction without urgent action
The Rhön region's ancient pollarded beeches face an uncertain future. These centuries-old trees For generations, the Hutungen—traditional communal grazing lands—stretched widely across the Rhön. Cattle browsing gave the beeches their distinctive, intertwined shapes. But in the 1930s, the Rhön Development Plan brought large-scale stone clearance, reshaping the landscape. After World War II, grazing practices shifted, with some areas used year-round for young cattle.
The beeches themselves are remarkable. Some have trunk circumferences of over 6.3 metres at chest height. A recent survey found more than 1,300 microhabitats across just 33 trees, with one beech hosting nearly a hundred. Yet many of these ancient trees are nearing the end of their lives. To preserve the Rhön's iconic landscape, replanting is now essential. Young trees must be protected from wildlife and grazing animals if they are to survive and replace the aging giants.
Without intervention, the Rhön's pollarded beeches could disappear within decades. Their loss would remove critical habitats for countless species. Efforts to replant and protect new trees will determine whether this centuries-old landscape endures.
