Positive impact in Wysoka
Measures taken at the wind farm in Wysoka, Poland, will have a positive impact on the local environment through ecosystem services.
The Wysoka wind farm is located in the Wysoka municipality in Poland. It is estimated that 90 trees were felled in order to establish access roads. To reduce the impact, we have planted almost twice as many trees and shrubs of the following local species: small-leaved lime, Norway maple, oak, hornbeam, hazel, hawthorn, rosehip, dogwood, lilac and elder. These measures will contribute to carbon sequestration and the accumulation of carbon in biomass above and below ground and so have a positive impact on the climate and biodiversity.
Initially, the amount of accumulated carbon will decrease, but as a result of the planned measures in addition to tree planting, it will be higher than if no measures were implemented. As a result of the planned management of the felled trees and new planting, the amount of carbon accumulated in the area will increase over the years to come and in the long term the amount of carbon accumulated in the ecosystem will be higher.
With a time horizon of 50 years, the accumulated amount of carbon will increase by a factor of 3.5 compared with the amount if no measures were implemented. The greatest impact on the calculations comes from what happens to the wood from the felled trees. The plan is to use the felled wood in such a way that it continues to accumulate carbon in the ecosystem and at the same time has a positive impact on biodiversity. Some examples are:
- leaving stumps and branches (deadwood) that will provide an excellent habitat for animals, fungi and plants,
- making houses for birds and bats,
- making poles for birds of prey, and
- making wooden products, such as beehives, beehives for wild bees and insect hotels.
Eco-park inaugurated in September 2024
In September 2024, OX2 opened an eco-park near Wysoka wind farm, to promote biodiversity and support the local community. The park follows the principle of biocenosis, meaning it creates a local ecosystem that evolves as species of the same habitat interact over time.
The park is divided into distinct zones, each serving a different purpose. One section features a municipal orchard and a recreational clearing where fruit trees of traditional Polish varieties and wild flowering shrubs have been planted. Another area features a land art installation—a tunnel made of willow bars arranged in a circular pattern, intersecting existing shrub willows.
This is one of OX2's largest biodiversity projects in Poland, aimed at preserving the existing greenery while transforming the area into a hub for recreation and education on the region's natural and cultural heritage.
Quick facts:
With a time horizon of 50 years, 136 tonnes of carbon (498 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere) will be captured and stored in the ecosystem if no measures are implemented, while 297 tonnes of carbon (1,089 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere) will be captured and stored in the ecosystem if the planned planting takes place. More CO2 will be captured after tree felling and planting than if there had been no felling and planting.
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