FSC Experiences Openness to Innovation
Director of FSC Denmark, Søren Dürr Rue, stated:
“There is a deep interest in finding methods to cultivate forests in multiple storeys and develop cultivation systems that are more natural. This aligns well with FSC certification.”
He found that the forestry is willing to try new approaches, and LIFE4Forest serves as a good example of exploring methods for future forestry.
His primary reason for attending was to observe close-to-nature forestry in action. What succeeds and what is challenging? When asked about what surprised him the most, he answered:
“I was surprised at how challenging it is to cultivate deciduous trees. It's a tough battle, and it seems like the hooved deer have taken the lead: The deciduous trees are being browsed down.”
As a certification expert, Søren Dürr Grue also focused on how the rules set by FSC for forest management can be implemented in practice and, perhaps more importantly, how to create forestry that addresses the future climate. Therefore, the focus of close-to-nature forestry on creating robust forests is interesting. FSC recently certified the first Danish production forest in biodiversity, making LIFE4Forest even more intriguing to follow.
When Hunting is a Management Goal, Forestry Faces Challenges
The goal of close-to-nature forestry is to increase resilience through species mixing and structural variation. This simultaneously creates a more diverse forest with multiple functions. It becomes a multifunctional forest that not only produces sustainable building materials but also contributes to biodiversity, biomass, carbon sequestration, groundwater, recreation such as hunting, landscape value, etc.
In Sdr. Omme Plantation, income from hunting contracts is an important part of forest management, posing challenges for the conversion to close-to-nature forestry. There is a limited period for forest work to avoid disrupting hunting, but the major challenge is, that deer browses on the regeneration.
>> Read also: Can One Hunt Too Little?
Deer Have a Feast and Overthrow Fences
Regeneration is often a challenge where there is a lot of wildlife. Fencing is necessary to include deciduous trees in the growth, and the fence needs frequent checks. Deer have a feast inte the areas, running down the fence to reach the gourmet meal, which in this case is fresh deciduous trees.
Does Close-To-Nature Forestry Provide Better Outdoor Experiences for the Public?
Deputy Director of the Danish Outdoor Council, Torbjørn Eriksen, also joined the forest expedition. He shares the impression that close-to-nature forestry is an interesting proposal for the future of forestry. It seems to be more varied, with more species, more biodiversity, and therefore, thus creating more interesting experiences than traditionally managed forests.
When asked about what surprised him the most, Torbjørn Eriksen responds:
“I was surprised that there is so much focus on non-native species. However, I fully acknowledge that it may be necessary to create a climate-resilient forest. I became more aware of how big a challenge local adaptation is and how much local knowledge matters.”
He was impressed by the in-depth knowledge that foresters have about both local nature and culture and how much effort is required for local success.
Drought is often a challenge in the start and this can be countered by creating a microclimate where plants survive because they are closer to nutrients in the soil and protected from dry winds and heat.
If the stand is to be naturally regenerated, one must wait for a seeding year and drill holes, as shown above. Typically, other species will be planted to ensure diversity and resilience. Alternatively, one can rely on other species from neighbouring stands spreading seeds.
More Excursions
Part of the project is to convey the collected knowledge about close-to-nature management of coniferous trees to both forest owners and stakeholders interested in forestry through ongoing news and excursions, providing an opportunity to see and experience forestry in practice.
If you are interested in participating in future excursions, you are welcome to send an email to Tanja Blindbæk Olsen. Tanja is part of the LIFE4Forests steering group.
>> Read also: Examples of afforestation for close-to-nature forestry
One thing that stands out is that it already has the character of a forest. The forest was originally established with Norway spruce as the target species, but as a mixture of, larch and Scots pine. Discussions included, what can be done to aim for more close-to-nature forestry, including whether to focus on larch.