Foresters in the Beskidy mountains, southeastern Poland, are fighting an invasive woodworm by planting 2 million trees this year – the largest reforestation project the country has seen.

The forest's spruce trees have been particularly affected by an invasive species of woodworm that has spread rapidly and led many trees to die.

“The situation is largely under control, though the woodworm is unforgiving. That is why the reforestation project is vital,” stated Marian Knapek, forester in the Wegierski Gorki area in the most affected area of the Beskidy-Slask and Zywiecki group of National Parks, a prized Polish nature reserve.

This year, in an effort to stem the rapid death of the forest, the majority of spruce trees have been cut down and two million trees of various species, including beeches, larches, firs and sycamores, have been planted in their place. Foresters, hoping that the variety of species will deter the spruce woodworm, are planting 300,000 trees per 50 hectares.

“It is not an accident that we are doing this in autumn. In the spring, there will still be snow and we will have to wait for the ground to unfreeze. Also, these kinds of trees grow quickly,” added Knapek.

Over 1,000 people have been taking part in the reforestation project. (mmj)