A Journey Through Time: 650 Years of Eilenriede as Hanover’s City Forest

© LHH

The Eilenriede has been Hanover’s city forest for 650 years. In 1371, the citizens of what is now the state capital were granted rights of use by Dukes Wenceslaus and Albrecht. The city will commemorate this anniversary in various ways this year.

The 27 most important facts about the city forest along Walter-Meyer-Weg in the southern part of Eilenriede, in the Kleefeld district, are presented on specially designed information panels. In addition, the city administration has put together a small program that—depending on the COVID-19 situation—will offer up to 50 events, primarily guided tours, from May through October.

"The Eilenriede is inextricably linked to Hanover and is undoubtedly an important place for all residents of this city. We look back on a long and eventful history, which is beautifully brought to life through this brief journey through time in the Kleefeld section of the forest. I am certain that this initiative will be well received and will offer new insights even to many long-time residents," said Hanover’s First Deputy Mayor and Head of the Department of Economic Affairs and the Environment, Sabine Tegtmeyer-Dette, at today’s presentation of the nature trail.

A Journey Through Time in Southern Eilenriede

New green markings and numbers, along with tree trunks placed throughout the southern Eilenriede, take passersby on a journey through time: 27 information panels have been set up along a stretch of nearly 500 meters on Walther-Meyer-Weg and attached to sections of tree trunks from dead trees felled last year. They briefly explain how perceptions of the forest—which was first mentioned in historical records as early as 1333—and claims to its use have changed over time.

Initially, the damp forest was shunned and proved unsuitable for settlement; soon, however, it became an important source of raw materials and a place for grazing livestock. Later, the Eilenriede was romanticized as a mystical place of longing and partially landscaped into a park. Today, the demands on the urban forest are higher than ever: as a habitat for numerous animal and plant species in the heart of a major city, it plays a vital role in nature conservation. At the same time, it serves as the city’s central recreational area and is extremely popular among those seeking relaxation and recreational athletes.

Walkers along Walther-Meyer-Weg learn firsthand that the forest, which originally covered 465 hectares, had to be protected very soon after it was donated—not only from enemy troops through the construction of earthworks and watchtowers, but also from the widespread timber theft of the time. Timber harvesting runs like a "common thread" through the history of the city forest and reached a final, tragic peak even after the end of World War II, when people battered by the war urgently needed firewood to survive.

In contrast, there have been numerous expansions and new plantings: particularly up until 1646, the city forest was expanded by more than 150 hectares. The most recent changes are still very recent: just last March, around 2,000 young oak trees were planted in the Eilenriede. However, the past three years of drought are also part of the forest’s eventful history. The extreme weather conditions caused severe damage. Old beech trees, in particular, have died as a result of the drought.

However, the information boards do not focus solely on forestry and geography: they also mention special features and events, such as the creation of the grass maze—known as “the Wheel”—the historic “Eilenried Races” for motorcycles, and the misdeeds of the notorious bandit Jasper Hanebuth. The same goes for the forest’s most recent major turning point, when the construction of expressways around Hannover cut a swath through the Eilenriede and, following fierce protests by citizens, led to the establishment of the Eilenriede Advisory Board.

Anniversary program

However, the 2021 anniversary year will not only feature the presentation of historical data on the Eilenriede. The Department of Environment and Urban Greenery has also developed a small program of events in cooperation with the State Capital’s Agenda 21 and Sustainability Office. With around 50 events scheduled from May through October—primarily in the form of guided tours—the city forest will be showcased as a diverse venue for environmental education.

The program includes guided tours focusing on tree species, as well as walks exploring architectural and cultural history, literary excursions, and readings. There are opportunities for forest health training and dancing in the grass maze, as well as chances to discover edible wild herbs or learn about birds and bats.

The program "650 Years of Eilenriede – Discoveries in Hannover's City Forest" is now available for free at the Department of Environment and Urban Greenery (Arndtstraße 1) and the Eilenriede Forest Station (Kleestraße 82), and can be downloaded here.

These events will take place only if the current COVID-19 regulations or incidence rates permit them, and they will be subject to strict attendance limits and hygiene measures. Up-to-date information and any event cancellations will be posted regularly on the website mentioned above. In addition, the new website provides information on other topics related to the “650 Years of Eilenriede” anniversary. The chronology “A Journey Through Time in the Eilenriede” can also be downloaded there as a page-turning PDF brochure.