Reforestation on the Otterberg

Thanks to a donation from VR Bank, the Otterberg is being greened again.

Auf dem Bild sind sechs Personen, die im Herbst auf einer Kahlfläche Schaufeln in den Boden stoßen. — Foto (VR Bank): (von links) Vorstandsmitglied Tobias Reisse, Ute Ulrich-Werner (beide VR Bank), Projektmanager Philipp Höhme (SdW), Bereichsleiter Thomas Rubner (VR Bank), Oberbürgermeisterin Eva Döhla, Nicole Neigel (VR Bank)

Thanks to an initiative by VR Bank Bayreuth-Hof in cooperation with the Bavarian branch of the Schutzgemeinschaft Deutscher Wald (SdW), the Otterberg in Hof will be re-vegetated in the long term. A total of 3,000 young forest plants, including silver fir, Japanese larch, Douglas fir, bird cherry, hornbeam and wild apples, will transform the clear-cut area in the middle of the town of Hof into a resilient and species-rich forest.

Mayor Eva Döhla: "I am delighted with the generous support of VR Bank and the cooperation with the German Forest Protection Association. This project shows how commitment and partnership can contribute to sustainability. It is a benefit for our environment and our city."

The costs for the plants were covered in full by VR Bank Bayreuth-Hof. The funds come from the net proceeds of VR-Gewinnsparens. The "Wurzel" project is supported by the German Forest Protection Association and implemented by the green spaces department of the city of Hof. Tobias Reisse, member of the Board of Management of VR Bank, joined the Lord Mayor and project manager Philipp Höhme from SdW in taking up the spade to plant the first trees. Reisse explained: "For us as a regional cooperative bank, this project is a matter close to our hearts. Sustainability is firmly anchored in the DNA of the VR banks. We are delighted to be making a contribution here for future generations so that they can use and enjoy this beautiful environment."

The Otterberg, surrounded by a school, daycare center, retirement home and a residential area, is a central location in Hof. Due to bark beetle infestation and climatic stress, the spruce trees on the rocky ground were weakened, so the infested trees had to be removed. The reforestation with a mixture of deciduous and coniferous trees should not only enhance the landscape, but also strengthen the biodiversity and resilience of the forest. Horticultural technician Matthias Wenzel from the city of Hof was responsible for selecting and procuring the plants. "The selected tree species are well suited to our region and provide the basis for a sustainable forest stand," says Wenzel.