On 14–15 October 2024, RE-ENFORCE project partners visited two pilot areas in Poland to learn from local forest managers about forest regeneration after major disturbances.
In Myszyniec Forest District, partners saw areas affected by a 2014 fire that destroyed nearly 100 ha of pine forest on sandy soils. Three regeneration strategies were tested: natural regeneration, artificial planting, and a combination of both. Despite challenges with drought, soil preparation, and browsing, reforestation with Scots pine and birch successfully stopped erosion. Natural birch regeneration also played a role, though its long-term stability remains uncertain.
In Rytel Forest District, partners visited sites devastated by a 2017 hurricane that damaged 80,000 ha of forests. Reforestation involved both natural regeneration and planting of over 44 million seedlings, mainly Scots pine and oak. Researchers established trials comparing different regeneration and tending methods, particularly addressing competition from birch. Fire prevention measures included deciduous firebreaks and buffer zones.
On 16–17 October 2024, the RE-ENFORCE workshop on data requirements and modelling was held at the Forest Research Institute (IBL) in Sękocin Stary. Partners from Austria, Poland, Italy, Germany, and the Czech Republic presented on key drivers of forest degradation (fire, wind, drought, bark beetle, ash dieback) and discussed data needs for modelling. Agreements were made on timeframes, scenarios (SSP370, SSP585), and land cover categories to include. Preparations were also finalised for the upcoming online stakeholder workshop on 19 November 2024.