Terrestrial rewilding

3 Ways of restoring natural processes in forests

3.1 Veteranisation of trees and leaving deadwood

Veteranisation involves artificially creating features in trees that mimic the characteristics of ancient or veteran trees, such as cavities, dead branches and decaying wood. This practice can accelerate the development of habitats for species that depend on old trees.

Leaving dead wood, both standing and lying, is crucial as it provides habitat for fungi, insects, birds and mammals, and plays a key role in nutrient cycling and soil health.

A close-up of a mature tree trunk with a large vertical scar exposing the bright orange inner wood. The outer bark is dark and weathered, contrasting with the vibrant inner wood. The background features a forest scene with green foliage and other trees.

Old-growth pine forest, Stora Sjöfallet National Park, Laponia UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sweden. Credit: Staffan Widstrand / Rewilding Europe.