But about 20 years ago, I began to organise survival training and log-cabin tours for tourists. In conversations with the many visitors, my view of the forest changed.

Visitors were enchanted by crooked, gnarled trees I would previously have dismissed because of their low commercial value. I began to notice bizarre root shapes, peculiar growth patterns and mossy cushions on bark. Suddenly, I was aware of countless wonders I could hardly explain, even to myself. At the same time, RWTH Aachen University began conducting scientific research programmes in the forest I manage.

During this research, many questions were answered, but many more emerged. I will never stop learning from trees, but even what I have learnt so far under their leafy canopy exceeds anything I could ever have dreamt of.