Pine Forest Time Window in Dingdener Heide

There used to be a pine forest at this spot, which was typical for the period between 1843 and 1920 in the Dingden Heath. The actual "pine forest time window" will emerge further southwest of here over the years (see brown marking on the colored map).From 1540 to 1843, the Dingden Mark was used communally. This led to overuse and exploitation of nature and could not continue like this. A change had to take place. By 1843, the conversion from communal to private property was complete. Now everyone had to manage for themselves. Only undemanding conifers were suitable for this on the depleted heathland soils. Since a lot of pit wood was needed for the Ruhr mining industry at the beginning of the 19th century, this area was used to grow pine trees, because pine wood cracks as a warning before a tunnel collapses.Here, Prince Konstantin zu Salm-Salm (who also owns Anholt Castle and the castle in Rhede) had the area reforested with pine trees at the beginning of the 19th century. In order to achieve the highest possible yield, the trees were planted very close to one another. A street nearby was named after it: "Konstantinforst". The local population also calls this entire area this way.

Pine wood was particularly valued in mining because the wood cracks several hours before a tunnel collapses.

One of the 5 time windows in the Dingden Heath the beautiful pine forests