Drought in Hungarian forests: responsible autumn hiking

The combined effects of drought and climate change are leaving an increasingly visible mark on Hungary’s forests. Dry leaf litter catches fire more easily, while weakened trees can fall unexpectedly. During the autumn hiking season, it matters not only where we go, but also how we behave in the forest. We have gathered what professional organisations and authorities say about the condition of the forests, and what is worth paying attention to while hiking.

How thirsty are Hungary’s forests?

According to a summary by the National Forestry Association, 79 per cent of Hungary’s forest areas rely exclusively on rainfall as their source of water. Based on the association’s statement, drought therefore directly threatens at least 1.5 million hectares of forest. The same summary also reports that in 2022, 155,000 hectares of forest were severely damaged by drought in a single year.

The problem does not end with a dry summer. According to the OEE, drought triggers what it calls a chain of damage: trees weakened by water shortage often die only years later, when fungi, insects or storms finish them off. Because of this, the scale of the final loss is difficult to estimate in advance.

A Pénzcentrum report from 8 October wrote of the situation at the time that soil layers below 20 centimetres were critically dry across the country.

It is deteriorating faster than expected

According to a report by the Hungarian edition of National Geographic, satellite and sensor measurements by the University of Sopron show that the deterioration and loss of foliage in Hungary’s forests is happening faster in several places than earlier climate models had indicated. The article also says that forest fire broke out in the university’s study pine forest because of drying conditions.

There are regional examples as well. A HelloVidék report, citing measurements by Mecsekerdő Zrt., said that in the old beech forests of the Mecsek, the decline of trees had become widespread because of water and heat stress, already threatening the continuity of the closed canopy.

Why has fire risk increased, and why does it depend on us?

According to guidance from the disaster management authority, climate change — meaning hotter summers, less rainfall and winters without snow cover — has increased the frequency, rate of spread and intensity of forest fires. According to the authority, because of dry leaf litter and vegetation, even a small flame can quickly develop into a major fire.

The most important figure, however, is that according to the disaster management authority, 99 per cent of forest fires in Hungary are the result of human negligence or intent. The guidance mentions discarded cigarette butts, campfires lit despite bans, and stubble burning as examples. This also means that a significant part of prevention is in the hands of walkers and hikers.

According to Pénzcentrum’s article from 8 October, a fire ban was in force in 16 counties because of prolonged lack of rainfall. As the bans can change depending on the weather, it is worth checking official notices for the latest situation in the area before setting off.

• In and near the forest, it is worth giving up smoking altogether, and no one should discard cigarette butts under any circumstances.
• Fires should only be lit where and when the rules explicitly allow it; during a ban, this is not permitted even in designated places.
• If someone notices smoke or flames, they can report it via the 112 emergency number.

Dangerous trees: how can the risk be reduced?

Alongside fire, weakened trees are the other main danger. According to a HírTV feature, drought can kill tree root systems, meaning that even a tree that still appears intact from the outside can fall over in a lighter gust of wind. According to the HelloVidék report, dried-out standing tree stumps also pose an increased accident risk.

Based on HírTV’s feature, it is recommended to avoid older stands of trees in windy weather. A few general points of caution can also help:

• It is worth staying on marked hiking trails, as hazards are generally easier to spot along them, and it is easier to ask for help in an emergency.
• For a rest stop, it is sensible to choose a place where there are no dried, leafless branches or leaning trunks overhead.
• If strong winds or stormy weather are forecast, it is worth postponing a forest hike.
• Warnings and closures put up by forestry operators should be taken seriously.

Debate about the future of the forests

Professional stakeholders agree that Hungary’s forests are in a difficult situation, but they think differently about the solution. An analysis by WWF Hungary calls for more natural forest management and continuous cover forestry, and argues that branch burning and clear-cutting worsen the soil’s water retention.

At the same time, forestry professional forums place more emphasis on maintaining the existing forest management framework and switching to tree species that are better adapted to the climate. The two approaches are currently present side by side in the professional public debate.

The autumn forest remains one of the most beautiful settings for a walk, but drought has made it more vulnerable than before. Based on reports from authorities and professional organisations, the most we can do is behave attentively: avoid fire-risk activities, check bans, use marked routes and be cautious on windy days. This article provides general information and does not replace the current guidance of local forestry operators and authorities.