The Institute of Geography of the University of Bern is developing an innovative teaching and research laboratory for forest hydrology in Bremgarten Forest, just a short bike ride from campus. As one of the only fully forested catchments with a stream near the city, the site offers students hands-on field experience while enabling long-term research on water balance, isotope tracing, and climate change impacts on forests. Over two years (2026 – 2027), innovative instruments including weighing lysimeters and smart rock sensors will be installed, master's students will conduct research projects, and the public will engage through citizen science events. The laboratory collaborates with existing forest monitoring projects and will become a living observatory for sustainable environmental education in Bern.
