The Forest in Peril?
In recent months, we’ve observed clusters of dry, withered trees scattered throughout the Aesthetic Forest. This phenomenon, also reported in other parts of Attica and across Greece, has sparked concern about the forest's future. These cases of tree dieback appear to result from adverse weather conditions over the past few years, culminating in this year’s extreme events [1]. Prolonged high temperatures—persisting day and night—combined with extended drought and a mild preceding winter have further stressed the forest, which had already been weakened by previous extreme weather events, such as the "Medea" storm in 2021 and "Elpis" in 2022.
The heavy snowfall of "Medea" (February 13–16, 2021) caused significant tree falls, especially along forest edges and roadsides. Before cleanup operations could be completed, the "Elpis" storm (January 23–26, 2022) brought unprecedented branch and tree breakages across the entire forest, leaving behind a disheartening landscape of destruction. Philodassiki swiftly undertook systematic clearing of fallen trees and branches, a demanding task still ongoing in some areas. The damage created an irregular mosaic of open gaps within the forest, increasing air circulation and exposing the soil to direct sunlight. This exposure deprives the soil of the vital moisture needed for its survival and growth [2]. Adding to these challenges, an outbreak of pine processionary caterpillars (Thaumetopoea pityocampa), which often reach epidemic levels, further weakened the trees. As a result, trees already stressed by adverse conditions began to dry out partially, and some succumbed entirely. The dieback extended beyond pines (Pinus spp.) and cypresses (Cupressus sempervirens), affecting kermes oaks (Quercus coccifera) as well.
Historically, the Aesthetic Forest was created through gradual reforestation on the barren, rocky western slopes of northwest Hymettus in the decades following World War II. The trees planted were primarily pines and cypresses, chosen for their drought resistance and ability to thrive in poor soils. Notably, the hardy Calabrian pine (Pinus brutia), native to the eastern Mediterranean, was favored over the indigenous Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) for its reputed – justifiably - superior resilience in the region's challenging conditions. The Calabrian pine has been repeatedly tested for its endurance in the past, so there is hope that the forest will recover again. Cypresses, too, continue to survive in the most inhospitable areas, despite some losses.
Philodassiki has initiated efforts to restore the forest stands. With the support of experts, the organization monitors the situation closely and continuously assesses data to implement effective measures.
[1] According to data from the National Observatory of Athens, during the summer of 2024, the average maximum daily temperatures were at very high levels across the country, compared to the average for the period 2010-2019.
[2] For this reason, the clean-up operations in the forest, conducted as part of the ANTINERO III program in the broader area around the Monastery of Kaisariani, which took place during the summer for fire protection of the monument, were agreed to be conducted more gently to avoid further opening up of the forest clusters.
Dr Nikos Pangas | Technical Director of the Mt. Hymettus Aesthetic Forest
