Polish oak forest near Krotoszyn dying from severe drought and climate stress

The historic oak forest near Krotoszyn in Poland, a unique European dendrological site, is experiencing massive die‑off. Trees up to 200 years old are succumbing to prolonged heatwaves, lack of water, and pest infestations.

Foresters note that the shallow, clay‑rich soil—dubbed the “shallow Krotoszyn” area—prevents roots from accessing moisture, while increasingly frequent hot days evaporate rainfall before it can be absorbed. Director Wiesław Krzewina of the Regional Forestry Directorate in Poznań warned that “the oaks are dying because the heat leaves them without water.” The forest, once a natural treasure, is now mostly dead, with drone footage showing large swaths of barren canopy.

The loss underscores the broader impact of climate change on Europe’s natural heritage, as rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns threaten long‑lived tree species that cannot adapt quickly enough.