In considering how to develop Europe's forests sustainably (S. Fares et al. Nature 519, 407–409; 2015), it is important to differentiate between intensively managed forestry areas and forests as natural habitats. Working with, rather than against, nature is more likely to offer sustainable solutions (see, for example, the forest work programme of the Convention on Biological Diversity: www.cbd.int/forest), especially in view of the potential effects of climate change on European forests.

One of the targets in the European Union (EU) biodiversity strategy for 2020 calls for forestry management practices to improve the conservation status of species and habitats. Current forestry practices all too often do just the opposite (see, for instance, D. B. Lindenmayer et al. Biol. Conserv. 131, 433–445; 2006).

As the EU parliament debates a common forest strategy, we need to look beyond promoting intensive forestry for maximum timber yield under the flag of climate change. Forestry practices that preserve natural ecosystem processes are likely to be more effective in maintaining forests' biodiversity and natural resilience against climate change (see, for example, T. Kuuluvainen and R. Grenfell Can. J. For. Res. 42, 1185–1203; 2012).