The relevance of historical features for forest management in the Black Forest (Germany)

The long land use history in the southern Black Forest (South west Germany) is nowadays visible in multiple remains within the forest. These remains were mapped by using historical sources, aerial photography and a field survey. The best-preserved complexes were found from the pastoralism-stage of the Black forest, which lasted from the 17(th) to the 19(th) century. Remains of the former pastoralism system were classified as hayfield complex with walls, hedges, clearance mounds, channels and terraces. As part of the common grazing complex they can be seen in pasture beeches and in dispersed forest edges. Within continuous forests, former management techniques can be found, e.g. coppice stands. The conservation of these features is important for the protection of species and landscape diversity, for the understanding of landscape history and for the improvement of regional identity. Management should maintain and improve these features by changing the light regime within the forest and by promoting selected land-use systems.