More than just lighting.
Dynamic lighting concepts
A service-oriented knowledge centre for all those who want to know more about the topic of light.
Refurbish now and be ready for the technology shift.
Where there is light, there is life.
Insights - Inspirations - Visions
E-Line Pro
Do you need help?
Make contact
Arnsberg, June 2025 – Climate change is putting growing pressure on local forests, with heatwaves, drought, heavy rainfall, storms, and pests placing increasing strain on trees. In response, the "Forest of the Future" research project was launched in 2023 to study what a resilient, climate adapted mixed forest might look like. ocated in the Rumbeck teaching and experimental forest district in the Arnsberg Forest, the initiative is now two years in, and the first interim results have been published — offering insights, and some unexpected findings. The project, run by the Centre for Forest and Wood Science at the NRW state forestry agency Wald und Holz, studies how oak-dominated forests respond when combined with native and international tree species known for higher tolerance to heat and drought.
Arnsberg-based lighting specialist TRILUX, supports the initiative both financially and through active employee participation. “This project gives our employees the opportunity to get personally involved and actively contribute. It creates genuine awareness of ecological responsibility,” explains Johannes Huxol, CFO at TRILUX.
The 16,000 m² site is divided into four plots: three planted with a mix of native species (e.g. hornbeam, sycamore maple) and exotic deciduous and coniferous trees, including sweet chestnut, Turkish hazel, Atlas cedar, and giant arborvitae. The fourth plot was deliberately left unplanted to track natural regeneration.
Two years after the project began, the size and condition of the trees were recorded. Initial results show native trees are thriving, while some exotic species — including sweet chestnut (44% failure), giant arborvitae (38%), and Atlas cedar (29%) — are struggling. Turkish hazel has performed well, with only 4% failure. The causes of tree failure can be varied – possible factors include frost damage, transplant shock, pest infestation, or poor planting quality. In addition, site-specific, species-specific, and individual differences also influence growth. “Some species take longer to establish,” explains Henning Witt from the Silviculture Team at the Centre for Forest and Wood Science. “The black pine, for example, grew more in the first half of 2025 than in the entire previous year,” says Witt.
Meanwhile, the unplanted plot is showing promising natural regeneration, with birch, oak, rowan and Douglas fir seedlings emerging. For Henning Witt, this is a positive sign: “The results show that it is not always necessary to immediately replant an open area – nature contributes on its own, often giving forest owners enough time to intervene at a later stage.”
All project participants are satisfied with the progress so far. “All plots provide a solid foundation for further research,” says Thomas Wälter, Head of the Centre for Forest and Wood Science. Current measures include replanting and targeted maintenance. Things will get particularly interesting when competition between species increases – when trees begin to compete for light, space, and nutrients. The research project is planned to run for ten years. After that, the “Forest of the Future” will transition into regular forest management but will likely continue to serve as a demonstration site for various silvicultural methods and approaches.
Many thanks for your feedback about this article
Select a different country or region to view content for your location.
Select how or where you would like to share this page.
Head office UK
TRILUX House Winsford Way Boreham Interchange Essex CM2 5PD
TRILUX ONE is your personal e-business platform. It bundles all important information and supports you in all processes related to your new lighting.
An error has occurred.
