Activists Occupy 'Sinful Forest' to Halt Imminent Felling
The 'Sinful Forest' in Manheim faces imminent felling, with activists camping in tree houses to prevent its clearance. RWE, the landowner, needs the soil for lake projects, while the city of Kerpen has imposed an entry ban due to safety concerns.
Activists have been residing in the forest since the summer of 2025, inhabiting tree houses to protect the area. Around 5 to 10 people remain, with many more planning to join them. The resistance scene is calling for clothing and food donations to support the protesters, with a press conference scheduled for Monday at 11:00.
The 'Sinful Forest' was initially set to be felled by the end of 2024, but the activists' presence delayed the process. RWE, the owner of almost the entire wasteland of Manheim, requires the soil above the brown coal for flattening spoil heaps for planned lake projects. The use of almost 250 million cubic meters of Manheim soil is unavoidable for the 'Water ahead' project starting in 2030.
The city of Kerpen has imposed a ban on entering the 'Sinful Forest' area from 1 October, effective from 6 October, 00:00. Despite the ban, activists remain determined to prevent the forest's clearance. The 'Sinful Forest' is scheduled to be felled in the coming days.
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