Wood Pasture Sauhägle in Naturpark Schönbuch

Around 300 years ago there was no trace of Waldesruh: pigs grunted here, cattle mooed, goats grumbled, wood splintered under ax blows, herding dogs barked and shepherds quarreled loudly. The forest pasture was vital at that time, because there was fodder for the cattle. Up to 10,000 animals were driven into the Schönbuch for this purpose. Names such as “Sauhägle” and “Rosshau” still bear witness to this today. It wasn't good for the forest. Emerging trees and bushes were eaten away, the ground trampled. That is why grazing in the forest is forbidden today. But since we stopped clear-cutting, there are no clear areas. Species that love light and warmth have become rare. Here four Galloway cattle are involved as conservationists: because they keep the regrowing green short, they create a habitat for protected species such as butterflies, reptiles such as grass snakes, forest lizards, frogs, and newts and birds.

Newly created forest pasture with Galloway cattle in the Sauhägle valley.

Goethe came through Schönbuch on his travels. According to his descriptions, this was the typical picture of the Schönbuch: forest pasture landscape.