New Research Challenges Long-Held Beliefs About Europe's Ancient Forests

Scientists have presented evidence suggesting that for over 20 million years, Europe was predominantly characterized by open woodlands, vibrant meadows, and large grazing animals, rather than the dense, dark forests often considered its natural state. This discovery, led by researchers from Aarhus University, challenges modern reforestation strategies that prioritize planting thick forests, indicating that such an approach could potentially harm biodiversity. The findings suggest that conservation efforts should instead focus on maintaining diverse landscapes, including mosaics of woodland and open habitats, and restoring natural-living large herbivores.