A Walk through Woods for the Trees

Around half way down the path we veer to the right, treading lightly across a carpet of fallen leaves and broken branches. Green shoots of wild garlic poke tentatively above ground are early indicators of spring. « This way » — I’m following Tobias Scharnweber from the University of Greifswald through Eldena Forest, on the outskirts of the city. We’re visiting one of the forests monitored by the university team. Trees appear to twist and dance with abandon, freed from the shackles of regimented rows planted for commercial logging. Collapsed trunks are teeming with new life, spawning clusters of brightly coloured fungi. « Watch your step. » A small plastic pipe protruding from the ground is pointing expectantly toward the sky. This is one of many instruments the team have installed in the forest to gather information. We’ve crossed into a site of natural regeneration and study owned by the University of Greifswald. Forests like these provide scientific data that is used to advise forestry management with methods for working more sustainably.

« Hmmm, that’s about 2 meters and 25 centimeters. » Monika and Elke are checking to see if their bookshelf will fit along a side wall adjacent to the bathroom. We’re at an open day for future residents of Europe’s largest queer multigenerational housing project, Lebensort Vielfalt am Südkreuz, in Berlin. Elke is holding one end of the tape measure while Monika diligently notes measurements onto an empty floor plan. This will be their last move as they prepare to enjoy their final years together. Meticulous planning is required to fit their belongings accrued during a 27 year relationship. « The thing is simply that as a lesbian woman, I have a safe haven there with my wife, within a safe haven. That means that no one can mess with us ». A space to enjoy Elke’s 80^th birthday this year without fear of discrimination is an important factor for their move. Moving into an apartment amongst younger and older residents is a dream for Manfred « because I’m already a senior citizen and I didn’t want to go to an old people’s home or a nursing home where only older people are in need of care. » This queer community places value on interaction across generations, presenting an alternative housing model of intergenerational living and care. New housing initiatives are needed, especially for the LGBTQ+ community who often depend on alternative support structures that exist outside of traditional family units. Many older members worry about moving into care homes where they fear being judged by other residents and staff. Manfred leans toward the window and peels back the layer of plastic protecting the glass to catch a glimpse of his second floor view.

A large cable is snaking around the trunk of a tree wrapping its circumference in a tight embrace. Attached to the cable about two meters from the ground is an instrument called a dendrometer. This measures the diurnal rhythm of shrinking and swelling in the trunk according to the time of day. « It’s a bit like comparing it to sleeping. » When photosynthesis is active the stomata of the leaves are open, the tree transpires and the trunk shrinks. During the night the stomata are closed, carbon is transported downwards and the trunk expands as it’s refilled with water. Daily movement is recorded and analysed to measure plant growth and carbon uptake. Cables lead into the ground toward a central system that is surrounded by wire mesh fencing to protect a device called the data logger. This central hub connects multiple trees via cables that mimic the mycorrhizal networks linking tree species under ground. The data logger emits a signal that is received at the University where it is collected and analysed. This valuable information is used to predict how forests might adapt to changes in climate.

I order a ginger tea and carrot cake while I wait for Lu Robyn and Toksi to arrive. We’re meeting in a cafe close to where they currently live. They’re eagerly awaiting news of the contract for a two bedroom flat in Lebensort Vielfalt am Südkreuz. « And I knew that there was this common sense of, yes, no one should explain themselves because I think we’ve all had to explain ourselves a lot in our live ». We are discussing a meeting that was held at the Schwulenberatung who are leading the housing project. The building is an expansion of their programme offering a wide range of services for the LGBTQ+ community. Along with 69 residential flats, the building will also contain a cafe, a library, a floor for residents with 24 hour assistance as well as Berlin’s first LGBTQ+ focused Kita. This is a big attraction for residents wanting to raise children. « So I hope there is like that beacon of safety and that it becomes a space where we get to hear a lot of people’s stories. »

« As I said, not only our wonderful time, but above all the long illness that I endured with him. The fact that he was allowed to die in my arms makes me incredibly strong. » After 40 years living with his partner, Peter is ready to start a new chapter in his life. He wants to move to a place that is more manageable for one person and is excited about exploring a different part of the city as well as making new friends. « I fulfilled a dream and it was beautiful, and then came a new dream. And if one is so inclined. I think it’s great to always look for something new and have fun with it. »

We’ve rejoined the path leading out from the woods and are making our way back to the car as Tobias notices a tree with a cable dangling loose. The dendrometer is lying damaged on the forest floor with a severed cable. Regular maintenance of these instruments is time consuming and costly but offers a good excuse for returning to these environments. « This is where I come to when I want to unwind. » Intermittent drumming from a woodpecker high up in the canopy reverberates through the forest while swaying trees rub against each other, groaning in the brisk wind. Sound travels by changing the motion of particles as they pass through the air, invisible to the eye. The stories traveling within each resident of the queer housing project creates a living archive, which evolves as new connections are formed. Energy is something that can be measured – but also sensed, felt, transformed.

Support structures that prioritize exchange and communication between species and generations, challenge the perception of aging as a process of decline. Alternative visions of communal living founded on ideas of diversity and inclusivity are necessary reminders in the power of collectivity.