Softwood floodplain forests

Softwood floodplain forests used to edge the watercourses in Central Europe. Mankind’s interference, most particularly in terms of agricultural, developmental and recreational use, has resulted in these being the most endangered types of forest communities. Hence, softwood floodplain forests are categorized in Annex I of the Flora-Fauna Habitat Directive as a priority habitat “Alder-ash forests and softwood floodplain forests along watercourses”. According to Section 30 of the Nature Conservation Law of Saxony-Anhalt they are categorized as especially protected biotopes. In the Elbe landscape in Saxony-Anhalt, softwood floodplain forests make up no more than 0.3% of the area (Elbe Species and Biotope Conservation Programme).

Natural softwood floodplain forests along the Elbe consist of the dendriform willow species white willow (Salix alba) and Hutchinson’s yellow (Salix rubens) and the bush-like willow species almond leaved willow (Salix triandra) and basket willow (Salix viminalis). The highly at-risk black poplar (Populus nigra) can also be found at higher locations. Natural locations form the virgin soils that are regularly and perpetually submerged along the riverbanks. 

In addition to their insufficient distribution, softwood relicts exhibit special deficits in terms of their age structure and genetic variation.

Because they are so rare and endangered, softwood floodplain forests should be conserved and propagated in the Elbe Valley. However special demands made by flood management must also be taken into consideration. In particular, when new plantings are made in flood areas, proof of the location’s so-called flood neutrality is called into question. At times demands are made (and have already been carried out) to clear floodplains of forests as an alleged flood control measure.

Project description
These issues were highlighted in the project, funded by the German Federal Foundation for the Environment, to create a “concept for developing softwood floodplains as part of environmentally friendly flood protection measures along federal waterways”.

The aim of the project was to develop and implement a practical concept for establishing softwood floodplains along federal waterways that were rich in structure and genetic resources while ensuring protection against flooding. The project was to increase the structural diversity in the floodplains, conserve and improve the genetic diversity of the native species of willow and black poplar and improve the functionality of floodplain habitats while ensuring protection against flooding.

The project began in 2005 and ended in 2010.