The forest path

THE FUNCTIONS OF THE FOREST

The mosaic-like distribution of the forest characterises our cultural landscape. The trees absorb huge amounts of carbon dioxide with their leaves or needles and release oxygen, which is important for living organisms. The forest is important as a filter and reservoir for the drinking water supply. They help to purify polluted air and keep out noise.

Welfare The forest forms a near-natural community and is home to many rare and endangered animals and plants. In the forest, people can relax, do sport and cultivate their relationship with nature.

Protection Because forest soil and vegetation act like a sponge, the risk of flooding is reduced. The root system holds the soil together. The soil slides and erodes less.

Utilising wood Wood is an important renewable raw material and energy source. It guarantees 90000 jobs in Switzerland. Wood is used in house construction as a building material for load-bearing structures (roof trusses, walls) and for interior fittings (stairs, floors, wall panelling). Much furniture is made of wood. In Zurzach, wood is of particular importance as a sustainable and CO2-neutral energy source. The Langwies community centre is heated together with the Langwies school building, the upper church, the Verenamünster, the rectory, the forum and the Probstei in a heating network with woodchip heating.

Forest management Most of the Zurzach forest is owned by the local community. The forestry operation is certified according to FSC and Q-Swiss. The forest is managed sustainably. This means that the current status is maintained as a minimum and the aim is to improve all forest functions in the future. The stands are maintained and rejuvenated according to the principles of near-natural silviculture. The forest will be naturally regenerated exclusively with tree species suited to the site.

Recreational forest on the Rhine A nature trail in the Rheinwäldchen (Rheinweg) shows around 80 native tree and shrub species.

Recreational forest Today, the forest is more than just a place where wood is produced. The spa town of Zurzach pays particular attention to its recreational function.

• Rest areas: With fireplaces, comfortably equipped, periodically checked and maintained by the building authority.

• Hiking trail network: The yellow or red marked hiking trails are part of the cantonal and regional network. They can be walked comfortably in hiking boots all year round.

• Disabled access path: There is a wheelchair-accessible path from the Achenberg to the Rheintalblick viewpoint.

• Mountain bike routes: The forest roads that can be used by lorries and two machine paths are available for bikers.

• Vitaparcours and Laufträff: They can be used all year round.

• Riding routes: The forest roads that can be used by lorries may be used by horses and riders.

• Children's forest: The forest is an attractive leisure arena for children. They have priority in the Neuberg and Chatzensteig area.

• Forest schoolroom: Forest work day, lectures and guided tours are offered to the public by the forestry operation. "Forest", "Environment" and "Nature conservation" are the subject areas. There is also a forest classroom near the school in Zurzach (set up by the Zurzach Lions Club).

Nature conservation The species-rich flora and fauna in the forest should be preserved and promoted. With this in mind, islands of old wood, forest meadows and wildlife rest areas have been designated. Care is taken to preserve standing and lying deadwood. Areas and objects particularly worthy of protection are designated. Rejuvenation is carried out with native and site-appropriate tree and shrub species.

Erosion protection In consideration of the special habitats, landslide and stream obstructions are only carried out where they are unavoidable.

Landscape protection Forest meadows are protected as characteristic elements of the landscape. Large-scale clearing is avoided in the forest.

Heritage protection Historic sites and crosses are protected.

Source protection As an actual water protection zone covering almost half of the municipality, the Zurzach forest is of particular importance.