Restoring the forests damaged by military operations and occupation in the eastern part of Ukraine remains the enterprise’s top priority.

After the incorporation of  Izyumske Forestry Management Unit into SFE “Forests of Ukraine” in March of this year, some 42.6 ha of new forest have already been planted there. The company also ensured that the forestry units were promptly equipped with pickups fitted with fire-fighting modules, office equipment, and all other necessary gear to resume full operations.”

In autumn, the foresters will continue working on the restoration of these areas by preparing planting material. Currently, three forest nurseries are operating within Izyumske Forestry Management Unit, facilities that were preserved and rehabilitated following the occupation. There, they grow coniferous and broadleaf seedlings, which are planted on secure sites.

Foresters have a stock of approximately 180,000 Scots pine seedlings for the autumn planting campaign. These will be used to restore forest plots and supplement existing forest cultures. In spring, seed sowings of Scots pine were also conducted, from which about 350,000 Scots pine seedlings are expected to be raised for the further restoration of forest massifs.

During the restoration of forests in Izyumske Forestry Management Unit, foresters also give preference to mixed woodlands. Thanks to this approach, the new plantations will be more resilient to climate change, pests, and disease. Consequently, an additional 150,000 pedunculate oak seedlings have been raised in the nurseries of Khotimlianske and Starosaltivske forestry units of the former Vovchanskyi forestry enterprise, which has also been incorporated into Izyumske Forestry Management Unit.

The cultivation of these seedlings will enable the restoration of tens of hectares of forest massifs that were destroyed by military operations.

Due to extensive mine contamination of over 140,000 ha, planting will only be possible on accessible, surveyed, and safe sites. Currently, State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES) pyrotechnicians are working to clear mines from specific areas, including forest roads so that firefighting vehicles can safely pass in the event of a fire. Thus, demining remains one of the key challenges, as it is a matter of both personnel and environmental safety.

It should be noted that in autumn the restoration of Kharkiv Region’s forests will continue across the territories of other forestry management units of SFE “Forests of Ukraine” throughout the region.

Recall that this spring foresters from Branch “Slobozhanskyi Forest Office” have already planted nearly 300 ha of forest in Kharkiv Region.