The Hilden municipal forest covers an area of approx. 430 hectares and is a classic mixed forest. It consists of two thirds deciduous trees and one third conifers.
The tasks associated with the municipal forest are nature conservation and forestry in the narrower sense, i.e. sustainable timber production. In addition, the forest primarily serves the recreation of the citizens of Hilden. For this purpose, it offers all visitors and nature lovers about 100 benches, three forest playgrounds, a trim trail, three running trails of different lengths, a dog run, an observation tower on the Jaberg, 12 km of bridle paths and 30 km of hiking trails for walking, walking dogs, cycling or jogging.
About 20 percent of Hilden's municipal forest consists of nature reserves; the entire other forest area is designated as a landscape conservation area. These are in particular the dry heath on the Sandberg and the heather moor in the Schönholz area. These areas still contain many very rare plant species, such as the carnivorous sundew, gale, bog lily and royal fern, as well as rare animal species (including some insect species and lizards). Many of these plants and animals are on the "Red List of Threatened Species". The preservation and protection of these areas is therefore of particular importance.
