Excursion
Take advantage of FORST live 2026 for practical insights directly on site:
our excursions on Saturday, 28 March 2026, combine specialist knowledge, current challenges and concrete solutions from the forestry and timber industry.
Please note that admission to the trade fair is not included in the excursion ticket.
Organisational note for all excursions:
Please remember to wear weatherproof clothing and sturdy footwear.
All excursions will take place on Saturday, 28 March 2026. Departure will be from the exhibition grounds in front of the Oberrheinhalle.
Excursion 1: ‘From forest to building’
9 a.m. – approx. 2 p.m. | approx. 5 hours
Led by: Stefan Kudermann (Managing Director, Zentrum Holzbau Schwarzwald GmbH)
Immerse yourself in the world of modern timber construction and be inspired by the modern versatility and sustainability of this building method. The excursion takes you to fascinating projects in the Offenburg area, including the new BFI Campus Offenburg building, constructed using innovative timber construction methods, and the creative conversion of a historic riding hall in Achern. Discover exciting perspectives – from commercial buildings and conversions to modern residential buildings. Experience the future of construction up close!
Recognition as a continuing education event by the Baden-Württemberg Chamber of Architects has been applied for.
Excursion 2:
‘The oak tree – a climate expert: silvicultural and hunting strategies for successful regeneration’
10 a.m. – approx. 1 p.m. | approx. 3 hours
Led by: Therese Palm, Markus Gutmann and Maximilian Lang (Office for Forestry/Ortenaukreis District Office)
In the face of climate change, we are relying on oak as a climate-stable tree species at various altitudes, which in many cases is expected to form the backbone of climate-stable stands in the future. Unfortunately, natural regeneration of oak has so far only been successful in (too) few operations, with expensive planting being the norm. In view of the challenges posed by climate change, the limited availability of planting material and the high operational costs involved in achieving reliable regeneration, new ways must be found to achieve diverse, climate-friendly successor stands with a high proportion of oak trees. During the excursion, we would like to show that and how successful natural regeneration of oak trees can be achieved through silviculture. In this context, modern hunting strategies play a central role alongside suitable ‘oak-friendly’ silvicultural practices.
Schedule:
Starting at Schutterwald, the excursion will take us on foot to various forest landscapes in the Schutterwald municipal forest (Rhine Valley).
Excursion 3:
‘From forest to wood’
11:30 a.m. – approx. 2:30 p.m. | approx. 3 hours
Led by: Peter Zink (forest manager, Gengenbach-Brandeck, Waldservice Ortenau e.G)
Climate change is altering important ecological conditions for forests. Forest managers are faced with the task of identifying and mitigating the resulting risks to forest stands at an early stage. In near-natural forestry, it is possible to gradually adapt forests to the new conditions. This includes increasing the diversity of tree species and structures, increasing the stability of individual trees and reducing the rotation period. This will be demonstrated using individual stands as examples in the forest. The example of Waldservice Ortenau (WSO) will be used to show how a service provider for private and municipal forest owners operates in the areas of timber marketing, forest management, contractor services and wood energy, and supports them in all their tasks. A tour of the company premises will allow all facets of roundwood marketing to be demonstrated and discussed.