Once again, UBS will support a great initiative, which is undoubtedly the planting of trees! Today, 21 October, we are planting trees with UBS volunteers. We plan to plant as many as 1,000 trees on the grounds of the Jagiellonian University.

The forest in Polanka Hallera is a protective forest, which means that its dominant function is environmental services. In this case, the purpose of tree planting is not to reduce the effects of large-scale felling; in the case of Polanka Hallera, tree planting in the forest area is a silvicultural procedure, in accordance with the adopted forest management plan. The aim of this plan is to alternate generations of trees where trees that are unnatural to the habitat naturally die over time.

The forest complex in Polanka has a diverse age and species structure. Fragments with a proper species composition, diverse in age, which do not require assistance in functioning properly, are also accompanied by such places, where there are species more sensitive to environmental stress factors, at the same time not fitting the habitat, e.g. birch, pine, larch and spruce. By introducing species typical of the habitat in these areas, we are introducing a second storey of forest, which in time will become the first, as part of the natural replacement of generations, i.e. when the incompatible species die off, a new storey of trees will already exist and these will be species natural to the habitat. Taking such preventive measures prevents the creation of extensive exposed spaces in the forest area.

Thanks to the cooperation with the Jagiellonian University, the young generation of trees is furthermore planted within existing treeless gaps as a result of natural forces. Causes of such empty areas include: the action of harmful insects, the death of a group of trees or atmospheric factors. Usually, vegetation appears on the resulting gaps, which prevents or hinders the natural regeneration of the forest, so considering such sites in planting plans helps to structure the forest and strengthen its stability.

The species we plan to plant today are: black alder, common hornbeam, small-leaved linden.

After the planting event, the plan for the event includes an educational and workshop section and relaxation with vegan refreshments.

Many thanks to UBS for yet another – after 14,000 trees planted in Table Mountain National Park – solid support for the environment!