Clearing the light forests on the Lägern

The Lägern is a narrow ridge around 10 km long that runs between Baden (AG) and Dielsdorf (ZH). It is an eastern Jura foothill and the only limestone area in the canton of Zurich.

Since the mid-1990s, parts of the forest on the southern slope of the Lägern have been deliberately thinned out. The very steep southern slope is very sunny, nutrient-poor and dry. These conditions, which are rare in the canton of Zurich, have led to a very specific flora and fauna that requires light and warmth being able to establish itself in the existing light forest (LiWa).

To prevent the areas from becoming overgrown with bushes again and thus the sunny character of the forest with its interesting flora and fauna being lost, the forest care needs to be intensified. For this reason, the LiWa areas are mown every autumn by the Altberg-Lägern GmbH forestry company (formerly Furttal forestry company) with a string trimmer. During this work, emerging trees such as ash trees (Fraxinus excelsior) or red beeches (Fagus sylvatica) cut off parts of the string, which greatly increases the amount of material used. This means that a lot of plastic material is introduced into the LiWa, which is harmful to the environment. To prevent this soil pollution as far as possible, the emerging trees are first cleared using a pickaxe specially modified by the forestry company.

At the same time, the two problem plants, clematis (Clematis vitalba) and blackberry (Rubus sp.), are also being weeded. Since winter 22/23, the Mittelland Nature Network has been supporting the forestry operation in this important work.

The Lägern areas are among the steepest and therefore most demanding areas maintained by the Mittelland Nature Network. The work is very intensive but we are rewarded with a wonderful view of Boppelsen and Otelfingen during the breaks.