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January 9, 2026
The Contern communal forest: forward-looking forest management
How LSC360 supports the Nature and Forest Administration (ANF) in the sustainable and multifunctional management of forests
Forests are an integral part of our landscape and provide us with many services, and their management is essential to preserve their resources. In Luxembourg, the management of public forests is based on tools such as inventory and management plans. The forest inventory aims to describe the stands on a forest property as accurately as possible. On this basis, the ten-year management plan provides a more in-depth analysis of the forest and its characteristics and, in consultation with forest managers and the ANF, defines the main objectives in terms of production, ecology and recreation.
In the heart of the Gutland region, the municipality of Contern is home to a valuable peri-urban forest, which serves as a refuge for biodiversity, a place for residents to walk and a source of wood for the municipality. To ensure the sustainable management of this property, the Nature and Forestry Administration coordinated with LSC360, through its Forestry Studies department, to carry out an inventory and a ten-year management plan for the communal forest.
A detailed and comprehensive field analysis
The area covered spans 285 hectares, mainly divided between two forests: the Wald (148 ha) and the Jongholz (47 ha), plus scattered woods around Contern and Moutfort.
Our team spent several weeks in the field collecting accurate data on the condition of the forest stands: dominant species, stage of development, age, average height, presence of dead wood, damage caused by game, etc.
Each forest unit, or plot, was characterised and grouped into 147 plots spread over 12 parcels, following natural contours or forest roads.
A clear observation: rejuvenation to withstand climate change
The analysis revealed widespread ageing of the stands: more than 50% of the forest is over 140 years old. Beech is the dominant species, but successive droughts have shown its limitations in the face of climate change. Oak, which is more resilient, is under-represented, particularly in regeneration.
The main objective for the coming years is therefore to promote gradual rejuvenation by diversifying tree species, in particular through the installation of protective enclosures against game, in order to ensure a more resilient and productive forest.
A balance between production, biodiversity and public access
- Sustainable timber production
The volumes of timber to be harvested are determined in such a way as to ensure sustainable forest management, promoting CO₂ storage while preserving tree quality and natural regeneration and complying with the various laws in force.
In addition, the forest supplies a communal heating plant and provides firewood for local residents.
- Preservation of natural habitats
45% of the area is classified as beech forest, 40% as oak forest, with alluvial habitats and wetlands. Although it is not located in a Natura 2000 area, the forest is home to several habitats protected at European level, whose conservation quality is considered good. The management plan provides for their active and ongoing protection.
- Public access and recreational role
Located close to towns, the forest is frequented by local residents. Footpaths, a fitness trail and walking areas require regular maintenance to ensure safety and accessibility. Recreational development is integrated into the management objectives.
A management plan adapted to the challenges of tomorrow
Based on the data collected and in consultation with the ANF and local forestry services, the ten-year plan sets out:
- Compliance with current legislation and various certifications (FSC and PEFC);
- Objectives differentiated by zone (production, biodiversity, recreation);
- The setting aside of 5% of the forest for free evolution, without exploitation;
- The definition of ageing islands, to accompany certain stands towards their natural stage of senescence.
Local expertise for comprehensive management
This project perfectly illustrates the added value of LSC360’s Forest Studies service, which assists the Nature and Forestry Administration in the integrated, sustainable and personalised management of public forests.
