Positive impact in Wysoka
Proposed measures at the wind farm in Wysoka, Poland, will have a positive impact on the local environment through ecosystem services.
The Wysoka wind farm will be located in the Wysoka municipality in Poland. It is estimated that 90 trees will need to be felled in order to establish access roads. To reduce the impact, we are planning to plant 167 trees and shrubs of the following local species: small-leaved lime, Norway maple, oak, hornbeam, hazel, hawthorn, rosehip, dogwood, lilac and elder. The proposed measures will contribute to carbon sequestration and the accumulation of carbon in biomass above and below ground and so have a positive impact on the climate and biodiversity.
Initially, the amount of accumulated carbon will decrease, but as a result of the planned measures in addition to tree planting, it will be higher than if no measures were implemented. As a result of the planned management of the felled trees and new planting, the amount of carbon accumulated in the area will increase over the years to come and in the long term the amount of carbon accumulated in the ecosystem will be higher.
With a time horizon of 50 years, the accumulated amount of carbon will increase by a factor of 3.5 compared with the amount if no measures were implemented. The greatest impact on the calculations comes from what happens to the wood from the felled trees. The plan is to use the felled wood in such a way that it continues to accumulate carbon in the ecosystem and at the same time has a positive impact on biodiversity. Some examples are:
- leaving stumps and branches (deadwood) that will provide an excellent habitat for animals, fungi and plants,
- making houses for birds and bats,
- making poles for birds of prey, and
- making wooden products, such as beehives, beehives for wild bees and insect hotels.
Quick facts:
With a time horizon of 50 years, 136 tonnes of carbon (498 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere) will be captured and stored in the ecosystem if no measures are implemented, while 297 tonnes of carbon (1,089 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere) will be captured and stored in the ecosystem if the planned planting takes place. More CO2 will be captured after tree felling and planting than if there had been no felling and planting.
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