New criteria for old-growth forests

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New criteria for old-growth forests

The winter cold seems to be sticking around for a while longer. You still need to wrap up warm, even for a short walk in the woods. But it's worth all the hassle of putting on layer upon layer. When the sun peeks out and the snow crystals sparkle, with the forest as a magnificent backdrop, it's easy to be enchanted.

On February 1 this year, the Swedish Forest Agency's regulations on criteria for old-growth forest came into force. This means that trees must now have an average age of 180 years, or that there must be at least 40 trees per hectare ≥ 200 years old, for the forest to be classified as old-growth. Previously, a 120-140-year-old continuous forest was generally considered old and a potential holder of natural values. In addition, a so-called consultation obligation has been introduced, which some critics consider too weak and not providing old-growth forests with sufficient protection against logging. Hopefully, this is still a step in the right direction. We hope that the higher tree age does not mean that it will be more difficult to find old-growth forest high natural values for sale. We will continue to look for forests that are now below average age but still have high natural values. An old, more or less untouched forest with trees of different species and ages, dead wood, and red-listed species = old-growth forest. A type of forest that is vital for biodiversity and for slowing down the climate crisis.

While you're reading our newsletter, take the opportunity to get to know Lars Salomon, one of our invaluable experts who supports and advises us in our search for more old-growth forests to preserve.

Forest greetings

Naturarvet

The lava expert who took a winding path

Naturarvets expert council is now being strengthened with the addition of biologist Lars Salomon, who specializes in epiphytic* lichens. With a lifelong interest in nature, a detour via the IT industry, and a strong commitment to protecting forests, he contributes both knowledge and drive to Naturarvets work to preserve valuable natural areas. A winding road Lars's relationship with nature began early on. Already […]