Germany's forests have a large amount of cultural significance and cover approximately one third of the country's territory.

It is also seen as important for German sports with the DOSB saying, "Sport and active recreation in the forest have a high value for people in Germany.

"Activity in the forest plays a major role, especially for health.

"Sporting activities are a particularly intensive form of experiencing the natural world and can thus sensitise for the protection of the forest and its sustainable care and management."

The DFWR hope that the new agreement will show the value of the forest through sports.

"Forestry and sports organisations must regularly exchange views," DFWR President Georg Schirmbeck said.

"We have many common interests that we can share more successfully in Government and society."

Schirmbeck said: "Hikers and sports enthusiasts should have fun in our forests.

"At the same time, it is important to be considerate and careful, for example when encountering harvesting work.

"Together we should promote a near-natural and sustainably managed forest, which guarantees us a substantial part of the quality of life in Germany."

DOSB President Alfons Hörmann added: "Millions of people in sports Germany use the forest as a space for exercise and recreation, making it a large sports area.

"Against this background, we want to expand cooperation with forestry and develop projects in partnership.

"Of course, we also want to promote the necessary reconciliation of interests between sports and forest organisations and, together with the DFWR, discuss current challenges, such as those related to mountain biking in a solution-oriented manner.”

The DOSB and the DFWR now plan to implement a number of joint projects throughout 2018.