Christoph Dimke, assessor for the forestry service in the LMU forest, talks about the fascination of the forest, what we can learn from nature, and why the trees of the Deutschlandstipendium are particularly close to his heart.
Those who support the Deutschlandstipendium at LMU are not only helping young people, but also the climate: every sponsor has the unique opportunity to plant a tree in the LMU forest near Landshut – including a plaque and certificate. In this interview, Christoph Dimke talks about how the trees planted by supporters are doing, what secrets the forest reveals, and why an LMU forester is sometimes also a social worker.
“The tree planting campaign with the Deutschlandstipendium team is a very successful collaboration.”
Mr. Dimke, you are an assessor for the forestry service. How long have you been working in the LMU forest and what are your tasks?
Christoph Dimke: Basically, I have been working in the university forest since I began studying forestry at LMU. At that time, I was active as a student assistant and as a hunting guest. Even during my legal clerkship, I couldn't “let go” of the university forest. After completing my studies, I completed my legal clerkship, which earned me the title of “forestry assessor.” Since 2000, I have been permanently employed as a certified forester (Univ.) at the LMU Forest Administration. I support the management, participate in research, teaching, and training, organize operational processes from stock establishment to timber sales, commission, control, and manage all work in the forest and the associated properties. The organization of hunting and marketing fall within my area of responsibility. I am a hunting and forest protection officer and an assistant officer of the public prosecutor's office. I am responsible for drawing up budget and annual plans. The idea for the tree planting campaign with the Deutschlandstipendium team arose as part of my public relations work.
How much of your working time do you spend in nature—and could you still imagine yourself in a traditional office job?
Dimke: I grew up on a farm in the Black Forest, so I've been around nature a lot since childhood. I have a keen interest in nature and the environment, and the activities in the forest and my love of exercise are what make this job so appealing to me. I find it difficult to imagine a classic office job for myself. The necessary documentation and administrative tasks can be easily integrated into my daily routine and provide variety in all aspects of working in and for the forest. Not everyone likes being outside in the wind, rain, or cold. For me, however, it's not dirt, but earth and life. I don't want to completely rule out an office job, though.
Does working outdoors every day, whatever the weather, make you more humble?
Dimke: I am grateful for what is. Of course, everything is in flux, and changes often happen quickly, revealing the limits of how humans and nature can adapt. Storms can destroy years of work and cause major setbacks. Yes, I have a certain humility. Centuries-old trees fascinate me in particular. They have experienced so much. I am impressed by how the forest adapts and the dynamics within it. You plant a sapling, and after eight years it is five meters tall. Foresters think in long time frames: 50 to 200 years until harvest. In my homeland, sustainable forest management is practiced—a generational contract. I hope that this mindful approach will become the norm everywhere. Forest bathing, on the other hand, is only a brief moment of relaxation—my view of the forest spans centuries.
"Planting a tree is almost like giving birth to a child—life is created for the next generation."
Many people believe that forests can simply be left to their own devices. What would be the consequences of this?
Dimke: The initial condition of the forest, such as tree species composition, location, and previous use, is always decisive. Human intervention in nature—the decimation of predators, nitrogen input, and other human influences such as hunting for historical and cultural reasons—has altered the balance. Wildlife could reproduce more quickly as a result, for example, leading to increased browsing, segregation, and possibly the emergence of monocultures, resulting in less tree species diversity and unstable populations. However, the creation of deadwood would increase the microhabitat and biodiversity. I think that we can achieve good biodiversity and quite good resilience through near-natural management, as we practice in the LMU forest.
Do you know all “your” trees and animals in the forest?
Dimke: I think I can answer that question with a yes. I've been spending day and night in the forest for over 30 years. At night, your senses are more alert—you perceive many things more intensely.
Do you have a favorite place in the forest or a memorable experience?
Dimke: There are places with a special aura – the entire university forest forest is one of my favorite places. Moments of tranquility are particularly positive, such as when you can hear the silence from your hunting blind. Or when you see the trees planted by the Deutschlandstipendium scholarship program growing. It's wonderful to experience the joy of the participants. Planting a tree is almost like the birth of a child – life is created for the next generation. The Deutschlandstipendium's “forest day” is always filled with joy and serenity; in the truest sense of the word, the participants ground themselves. Problems are also easier to discuss in the forest – “walk and talk.” Sometimes strangers or students approach me and tell me their worries. An LMU forester is then occasionally also a “social worker.”
Unfortunately, there are also negative experiences: illegal dumping, poaching, vandalism, or suicides. One man who lived in the forest for three months while preparing for a trip to Israel made a particularly strong impression on me. I helped him as much as he would allow. Encounters like this move me. Working with different groups of people—walkers, mountain bikers, scientists, hunters—is also exciting. Their behavior has changed in recent years.
“The tree planting campaign creates connections between scholarship recipients, sponsors, and LMU.” | © LMU
What else does the forest reveal?
Dimke: I see parallels between the forest and society. Only when everything is in balance is a harmonious life possible. The forest shows how life goes on, even when things get stormy. It teaches resilience and letting go. Trees go through phases of life just like us humans—from growing to maturing to dying. For me, the forest is like a spider's web: if you pluck at it, everything resonates. From a forestry perspective, you can recognize age, condition, damage, or animal activity—you're almost like a “forest profiler.”
How are the trees planted by the sponsors of the Deutschlandstipendium doing?
Dimke: There were some initial problems with growth on the first plot, but the trees are now thriving. Later plantings were adapted to natural processes—with great success. The last planting in spring 2025 had a 100 percent survival rate. This shows that it is not we who determine the timing, but nature.
How does the Deutschlandstipendium tree planting program help the LMU forest?
Dimke: From a forestry perspective, gaps and damaged areas are being planted. On a personal level, it is a wonderful experience: people of all ages come into contact with nature, experience physical work, responsibility, and meaningfulness. The campaign creates a positive perception of the LMU forest. It forges connections between scholarship recipients, sponsors, and the university. Even those who leave LMU retain positive memories. Perhaps some of them will become sponsors themselves later on. The day means extra work for me, but it's always a highlight.
© LMU
How has climate change affected your work?
Dimke: The university forest is well prepared. I began reforestation 25 years ago. Today, it is more diverse and species-rich, which makes it more resilient. Mixed forests are the key to the future. If something bad happens, I try to focus on the positive: “Never give up—it's your will that counts.”
How do you imagine the forest in 50 years?
Dimke: I hope that the trees of the Deutschlandstipendium will be strong and healthy by then. A forest is more than just a woodland – a forest is emotion, future, life. I hope that my work will help to ensure that the LMU forest remains stable in 50 years' time.
LMU Diversity Management
Diversity Management Coordinator, Germany Scholarship Program Coordinator