Forest reserve Niderental

Storm area as a research object

Winter Storm Vivian in 1990 also knocked down a lot of forest in the canton of Glarus. In order to observe the development of the forest after a storm, a forest reserve was created here. The Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL set up three test plots. The soil, vegetation and wildlife are examined. In this way, knowledge about storm consequences for mountain forests can be greatly improved. Insects benefit A mosaic of cleared and left storm areas and intact near-natural forest is most conducive to biodiversity. This is because different species live on the storm area than in the closed forest. Thus, a diverse insect world developed in the forest reserve after the storm. While heat-loving species such as wild bees and butterflies benefited on the cleared areas, a large number of deadwood-dependent species live on the left area. These include, for example, bark beetles or the spotted flower collared beetle.

Experience the forest reserve

The forest reserve can be explored on foot from the parking lot in two hours. The viewing platform serves as the first source of information. The trail is usually accessible between June and October. The forest reserve is located in the Freiberg Kärpf Federal Wildlife Sanctuary and in a wildlife rest zone.