On 3 November 2026, water retention in forests is in focus as a practical element of climate adaptation: several states and specialist institutions are reporting new pilot sites, practical recommendations and strategic plans designed to keep rainwater in forest landscapes for longer. Measures mentioned include depressions alongside forest tracks, small ditches, infiltration trenches for infiltration, as well as the removal of old drainage ditches. The aim is to reduce peak run-off, keep forest soils wetter and support groundwater recharge.
Technical foundations are provided by publications from the Forest Research Institute of Baden-Württemberg and positions set out by the Federal Environment Agency. Both emphasise that humus-rich, lightly compacted forest soils can absorb large amounts of rainfall. Decentralised, small-scale measures adapted to the terrain, soil and woodland are considered effective. Recommendations also include careful vehicle use, avoiding widespread soil compaction and maintaining structurally diverse mixed broadleaf forests, since their canopy and root structure promote infiltration.
In its Forest Strategy 2050 Baden-Württemberg refers to pilot measures for decentralised water retention in forests. According to the Baden-Württemberg state government practical experience from the trials is to inform further planning. The Forest Research Institute of Baden-Württemberg has been involved since 2025 in a project called “Decentralised Water Retention in Forests” and provides information sheets for forest owners. Other states are also addressing the issue in their forestry and climate adaptation programmes.
The effects are assessed in a nuanced way. Experts see depressions, infiltration trenches and the removal of drainage ditches as practical ways to store water locally and increase infiltration. At the same time, authorities point out that such interventions cannot offset the effects of repeated drought years in the short term. Coordinated land-use planning, hydrological monitoring and integration with watercourse development and agriculture are considered essential.
For local authorities, forestry businesses and the water sector, this initially means additional planning and maintenance work. In the medium term, those involved expect more resilient forest ecosystems, less drought damage and a contribution to more stable groundwater levels. Outstanding issues include reliable funding, coordination across diverse ownership structures and prioritising suitable sites. Reports from SWR and Tagesschau and materials from the Federal Environment Agency and the Forest Research Institute of Baden-Württemberg provide an up-to-date basis. Claims about effects and limitations are attributed to their respective sources; verifiable data from ongoing projects are expected to further refine planning in the years ahead.
Editor: Andreas M. Brucker (Article created with AI assistance).