Written By Morgane Merlin
In CLIMB-FOREST, we’re analysing the latest research and forestry data to map and produce advanced models of Europe’s forests. We’ll be producing practical outputs and proposing alternatives for forest management. Our models will help to reveal forest management options that ensure Europe's forests help to mitigate climate change, are resilient and support people and nature.
However, models and data can only get us so far, to ensure our outputs are valuable and will be well-used we need to consider diverse perspectives and local and specialist knowledge. These can only be revealed by bringing together diverse groups of stakeholders and facilitating interesting discussions. And where better to have these discussions than in forests around Europe!
In May 2023, we organised a field visit to forests surrounding Oslo, Norway. We brought together a group of 35 forest stakeholders and researchers from France, Spain, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Norway to explore the rich history, current state, and pressing challenges facing Norway's forests.
After meeting and briefly discussing the history of Norwegian forests and management on day one, the second day of our field visit took us to the communal forests of Oslo. Spanning an impressive 17,000 hectares to the North and East of the city, these forests are owned and managed by the Oslo municipality. The municipality’s primary objective is to preserve the forest's ecological balance while providing ample opportunities for recreation and securing water supply. Previously, conventional clearcut forestry practices prevailed, but following World War II, the municipality transitioned to continuous cover forestry management. Under this approach, they harvest around 20,000 cubic meters of timber annually, a strategy embraced by the 350,000 Oslo residents who visit the forest weekly. To tackle the diverse challenges faced by the forest, such as windfall risks, drought, bark beetle attacks, and root rot, the municipality actively engages with stakeholders and forest visitors. Solutions such as increasing tree diversity requires careful planning and effective communication.
On Day three of our CLIMB-FOREST field visit, we ventured to the forest property of Mathiesen Edisvold Værk, located north of Oslo. This family-owned company owns a productive spruce-dominated forest spanning approximately 35,000 hectares. With intensive forestry practices they have cultivated Norway spruce on 82% of the property, while the remaining 18% observes protection regulations mandated by Norwegian forestry laws.
During our visit, the CLIMB-FOREST stakeholders engaged in in-depth discussions on climate-driven challenges affecting this timber-focused forest. Topics included snow damage, particularly prevalent in 2020 and the detrimental effects of drought and subsequent beetle attacks experienced in 2018 and 2022. Our conversations primarily focused on management practices such as thinning and species selection which could enhance the property's resilience to the changing climate. We also explored the potential for diversifying revenue streams, with recreational opportunities alongside the robust wood-based economy a possibility.
Wrapping up our CLIMB-FOREST field visit, on day four our stakeholder group engaged in plenary discussions regarding the management of Norwegian forests and how to maximise their potential for multiple ecosystem services and climate resilience.
A key discussion was the urgent need to diversify tree species. Most productive forests we visited over the four days were dominated by Norway spruce, a species severely affected by extreme drought events and bark beetle outbreaks. Norway now has an opportunity to proactively prepare its spruce forests for the future climate by prioritizing climate resilience alongside wood production. Experimental trials to test the impact of new management techniques and alternative species will be key in preparing Norwegian forests today for the climate of tomorrow.