Terrestrial rewilding

4 Case study: productive forests and natural processes

Pro Silva's win–win approach

Pro Silva was founded in Slovenia in 1989 and is an organisation that advocates close-to-nature or continuous cover forestry as an alternative to clearcutting.

Through its network of practitioners across 25 countries, Pro Silva demonstrates how productive forestry and the conservation of the forest ecosystem can coexist, which involves managing forests in a way that mimics natural processes (Pro Silva, 2012).

In practical terms this means using methods such as selective felling and thinning based on the concept of stand basal area, as well as the sustainable management of ungulates and the control of invasive non-native species.

Pro Silva's approach maintains timber yield while enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem health. By allowing natural regeneration and promoting a diverse mix of tree species the organisation's forestry practices create resilient forests that can adapt to changing environmental conditions.

This not only supports sustainable timber production but also contributes to the ecological and social benefits of rewilding, such as enhanced carbon capture, reduced risk of catastrophic wildfire and increased recreational value.

Today, sustainable forestry practices are increasingly being employed across Europe. This shows that it is possible to balance productive forestry with the principles of rewilding, creating forests that are both economically viable and ecologically rich.