Добавил:
Опубликованный материал нарушает ваши авторские права? Сообщите нам.
Вуз: Предмет: Файл:

Forestry in the Netherlands (1)

.docx
Скачиваний:
8
Добавлен:
31.01.2020
Размер:
15.27 Кб
Скачать

Forestry in the Netherlands

Two important factors determine forestry in the Netherlands: the physical and climatological characteristics of the country as a river delta in the horthwest corner of the European continent and the high population density. As the result, Dutch forest may be characterized as follows:

  • Forests in the Netherlands are scarce. Only 10 % of the surface of the country is covered with forests.

  • Forests in the Netherlands are artificial not natural virgin forests.

  • Forests in the Netherlands are although mainly multi-purpose, play a tremendously important role as a recreational facility.

  • Forests and therefore forestry, in the Netherlands are only marginally profitable if at all.

  • Forests and solitary trees are often the only vertical elements in otherwise flat scenery' of the Netherlands. Solitary trees, lines of trees and small or large woodlands are among the most important tools of a landscape architect.

The most important tree species in Dutch forestry is Scots pine which accounts for approximately 38 % of the forest. Other important coniferous trees are larch and Douglas-fir. Oak is the most important broad leaved species (accounting for approximately 16 % of Dutch forest). Spruce, beech, poplar and birch are also frequently used.

Man-made forests

At the beginning of the XIX century the situation in the Netherlands regarding forests was alarming. Centuries of forest destruction to feed the demand for agricultural land and for timber to build Holland’s huge mercantile and naval fleet had reduced the forests to only 2 % of the country’s area Even those could not be called virgin forests, since people had used them intensively. At the end of the XIX century a company was formed to turn heath land into agricultural land or forest and soon after that the State formed its own body whose task was to manage the state owned forest. Since then afforestation has been continuous.

Multi-purpose as well as multi-functional

Although recreation is an important function of Dutch forests, most of them serve several purposes simultaneously, with timber production and the nature conservation as the most important. Poplar forests or stands may be the exception to this rule. There are approximately 25000 ha of poplar in the country and much of this may be considered as pure production forest since it does not have the infrastructure to accommodate visitors and the stands are too short­-lived to be of any value for nature management.