Overall the situation of forests in Europe has been improving since the 90s [0]. In Germany wolves are back [1], elks are beginning to come back [2] and occasi

Overall the situation of forests in Europe has been improving since the 90s [0]. In Germany wolves are back [1], elks are beginning to come back [2] and occasionally even a bear visits [3]. Of course this is only partly intended. Many effects - like the German Green Belt [4] - are just a consequence of the fall of the Soviet Union or - like in the article - dying industries. Still I find it very uplifting how fast nature can recover. [0]: http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/AG.LND.FRST.ZS http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/AG.LND.FRST.ZS [1]: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/11384912/Wild-wolves-westward-spread-continues-across-Europe-as-pack-spotted-in-Germany.html http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/113... (2): http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/wild-elks-return-to-germany-a-853581.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/wild-elks-return... [3]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bear_JJ1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bear_JJ1 [4]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Green_Belt https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Green_Belt