Recycling in the Forest of Kocanda
by Edward Wilson
Wipfel 07 | Photo-Essay | 10 2018
Kocanda Demonstration Forest | Czech Republic
The Kocanda Demonstration Forest is located in the Moravian uplands of the Czech Republic. The forest has been managed continuously for many generations, and in places some very mature, “old-growth” stands have been able to develop. Here we see large beech and other broadleaves, important features in the Czech forest landscape. As time passes these trees start to decline, then die, initially standing and then falling over to the ground. They appear to melt away under a blanket of leaves and moss. All this is thanks to the action of fungi, insects and forest creatures that help to break down the physical structures and recycle the trees, returning their nutrients and minerals to the soil. Equipment: Nikon D3100.