It is fast approaching again: the "quiet" winter season. But what actually happens in the forest during this time, and how does the behaviour of forest dwellers change when food becomes scarcer?

In an exciting interview with Andrea Steinbach, who works for the Bavarian Forestry Administration in Hohenschwangau and looks after several neighbouring communities as a forester, many interesting aspects of the forest and the animals that live there were highlighted.

Forests are not just forests! It fulfils many functions: On the one hand, it fulfils a protective function and is therefore known as a protective forest. Without large trees and their roots, there would be many more mudslides - i.e. mud and gravel avalanches - during heavy rainfall, which is a frequent occurrence in this country. The roots, which are widely branched underground, stabilise the layers of earth and hold them together. The forest also serves us humans as a place to relax and retreat from our often stressful everyday lives. It provides balance and tranquillity. Of course, the forest is also a habitat for many creatures such as deer, stags, squirrels and many more. It therefore requires special protection, as it fulfils other important tasks in addition to the aspects mentioned above. Now that it is getting cooler again and the sun sets earlier, a very special time begins: autumn and winter are just around the corner. Although many forest dwellers hibernate, not all of them do. Game (fawns, roe deer, stags), capercaillies and squirrels, for example, only hibernate. This means that although they move less during the cold season than in summer, they do not sleep permanently, but instead go in search of food again and again. Humans have taken it upon themselves to feed the game during this time. This is usually done by a hunter who is familiar with the behaviour of the animals. From December (until around March), anyone interested can take part in a daily feeding session at Bannwaldsee (more information online). The animals are used to human contact and are therefore relatively trusting. The wildlife feeding centre is freely accessible and can be reached on a carriage ride or on foot. You can book a carriage ride directly with the carriage company.

But why are there such wildlife feeding centres?

The purpose of feeding game is to protect the trees. Survival is what counts for the game, which is why it would be forced to eat the buds of young trees or the bark of trees in winter in order to feed itself. In doing so, the game would not only cause economic damage, but also destroy their own habitat. By feeding, the hunter tries to bridge the period of food shortage and thus ensures the survival of the wild animals and the protection of the forest. The explanations on site also increase understanding of the animals' needs so that peaceful coexistence side by side remains possible in the future.

Otherwise, this can no longer be guaranteed, as humans have already reduced the size of many forest dwellers' habitats by building settlements and houses. Measures such as feeding game and the fact that winters are milder today than they were 10-20 years ago are increasing the chances of survival for many forest animals. In this case, climate change also has positive effects.

Forest experiences also for "Wutzelzwerge" - holiday programme and lively lessons

The Forest Experience Centre in Füssen offers exciting programmes not only for adults and families, but also for children. Schools in the region can register for guided tours, which are conducted either by employees of the forest experience centre or by local foresters. Primary school children in particular gain their first experience of the forest habitat and learn exciting facts about the animals that live there, such as deer, badgers and foxes. The children learn which types of trees are found in the forest and the difference between deciduous and coniferous trees, which can actually prick like sewing needles.

Fun games such as the forest memory game, role-playing games in which the children can imitate lynxes and deer, or catching games in which the "forest gnome" has to catch the so-called "Wutzelzwerge" and petrify them, playfully introduce the children to the big topic of the forest. During the holidays, there is a varied and exciting holiday programme. The activities are run on a donation basis for the Füssen Forest Experience Centre. For example, those interested can learn about the world of bees, who lives in a beehive and what tasks are carried out there. This is followed by a creative DIY part in which the children design something themselves. In the bee workshop, the children can make their own beeswax cloth. In another workshop, they learn exciting things about wood as a raw material and build a bench together - the course is entitled "From tree to bench". In these courses, children and adults learn why the forest is so important and why it is crucial to protect and preserve it. Sustainable action is more important than ever and everyone can contribute!