The West Pomeranian Mystery: The Crooked Forest

The Crooked Forest is a unique natural phenomenon that has puzzled enthusiasts and scientists alike. Located in the village of Nowe Czarnowo, near Gryfino, West Pomerania, this grove of oddly-shaped pine trees has captured the imagination of many with its intriguing form and the many theories surrounding its origins.

The Story Behind the Trees

This grove of about 400 pines was planted in the 1930s. The trees, now about 15 meters tall, all bend towards the north with a peculiar curve. Despite numerous attempts to uncover the mystery behind these trees, no one has come up with a definitive explanation. Theories range from alien spacecraft to misguided forestry practices, but none have been confirmed.

Popular Theories Explained

Their Bent Purpose

Some believe the trees were planted with a specific purpose in mind, such as being shaped for boat building, barrel making, or even sledges. However, while this practice has been common in forestry for a long time, it is unusual to use pine trees for such purposes. Oak and other hardwoods are generally preferred, making this theory less likely.

Extreme Weather Conditions

Another theory suggests that the trees were bent due to extreme weather conditions, such as strong winds and heavy snow. According to this theory, the young trees were toppled and remained in a horizontal position until the spring, at which point they regrew upright with their natural curvature. However, this theory is also unlikely because there is a surrounding forest of straight, similarly-aged trees, which would not have been affected in the same way.

Occupation and Military Impact

There is a theory that the trees were bent by tanks during the Soviet occupation in 1945. This theory suggests that the forest was traversed by tanks, causing the trees to be flattened and bent as they passed over them. However, this hypothesis fails to explain why the trees are all bent in the same direction and why only the trunks were affected, leaving the branches unharmed.

Experimental Forestry

The most intriguing theory involves an experimental forestry project involving the manipulation of tree shapes. In the 1930s, German landscape engineer Arthur Wiechula published research on various methods of shaping trees. It is possible that a similar experiment was conducted in the Crooked Forest, inspired by Wiechula’s work.

Historical Context and Evidence

Along with these theories, several facts highlight the complexity of understanding the Crooked Forest. The town where records of any projects related to the forest were kept was largely destroyed during World War II, making it difficult to uncover the truth. Furthermore, there are only two other similar sites in Poland, which do not provide any additional clues.

What Science Says

Scientific explanations for the bent trees tend to involve intentional human intervention. Foresters note that there are no signs of deliberate cutting or hacking on the individual trunks. Instead, the incisions are on one side, indicating that the trees were bent while still young and growing. This suggests an experimental nature project, possibly related to the research of Arthur Wiechula.

Conclusion

The Crooked Forest remains a mystery, with no clear explanation for the bent trees. While various theories have been proposed, there is no definitive answer. Whether the trees were the result of a specific experimental forestry project, an unconventional act of manipulation, or something entirely different, the forest continues to intrigue and mystify.