Close-to-nature forestry (CTNF) includes a variety forest management methods based on the processes found in natural forests. It aims for continuous cover or small-scale patchy structures, where the trees of different ages grow close together, similarly like in pristine forests. Large regular logging areas and clear-cuts are avoided. CTNF aims for restoring and maintaining diverse and species-rich forest ecosystem, which are more resilient and better adapted for climate change. In case of forest disturbance, their regeneration is much more fluent and faster. Such forests provide better regulation of water cycle, limit run-off, and create better conditions for many other species, thus also better environment for us. Focus is on the functioning of forest ecosystem as a whole. Besides wood productions, CTNF optimizes other forest ecosystem services such as protection of soil, water and biodiversity as well as aesthetic values – the forest functions and benefits expected by the contemporary society.
The transition from a uniform type of forest management to CTNF is possible at various stages of stand development. Based upon a wide range of stand types, different resilience and vulnerability, forest conservation status or past management, the shift to CTNF may include multiple components and tasks such as forest regeneration mitigating the consequences of past uniform or sylvo-pastoral management, restoration of diverse and site adapted tree species composition, restoring the uneven-age, vertical or mosaic forest structures, improving game management, and others.
With reference to sustainability in its broadest sense including all forest functions and benefits, Pro Silva has developed a set of priciples guiding the implementation of main aspects of close-to-nature forestry.
General Pro Silva principles:
Other principles and guidance by Pro Silva:
