About 4.9 million hectares of the EU forests are ‘primary’ or ‘old-growth’, according to a new report by the EU’s Joint Research Centre. These are forests that follow natural dynamics, exist in their original condition and are largely untouched by human interference. They are the natural heritage of Europe, as the ancient temples are for our culture. Although 4.9 million hectares may seem a lot, these forest types are in fact rare, small and fragmented, only making up 3% of the EU’s total forested area and 1.2 % of the EU land. (Source: European Commission)