1. Native tree species and an increase in mixed forests
Species native to Finland – i.e. spruce, pine, birch and aspen – are used for industrial purposes. Regenerative forestry diversifies forests by growing birch in coniferous forests and spruce and pine in the same forest. Rarer tree species such as goat willow, alder, bird cherry, rowan and temperate deciduous trees are not used commercially but are left standing to support natural diversity.
2. More decaying wood
We leave decaying wood in forests as a habitat for the natural predators of destructive insects and for endangered species. In felling sites, we create decaying wood with retention trees which are left to grow, die and decay in the forest. We also create high biodiversity stumps by cutting trees at a height of two to five metres. In this way, we get decaying wood and hollow trees in forests where they would otherwise be rare.
3. Supporting native species in herb-rich forests
Herb-rich forests are valuable natural sites containing many species that cannot be found elsewhere. Nature management is therefore favoured in herb-rich forests to ensure that the living conditions of these species are conserved and improved.
4. Variety in forest structure
We maintain the structural variability of forests. A variable structure increases diversity as different species live in different kinds of forests. For this purpose, we leave retention trees, retention tree groups and protective thickets in forests. We use a variety of forest management methods and support cultivation that ensures the area remains covered by forest.
5. Buffer zones along waterways
We leave buffer zones along waterways to safeguard the living conditions of species in shore areas and to absorb solid matter and nutrient washouts. The width of a buffer zone depends on the area in question. Different trees and species grow along different waterways. One typical shore tree species is common alder.
6. Retaining old trees
Old trees are left standing because they form a habitat for many essential species. Living retention trees left untouched in forests will grow old and decay with time.
7. Burned forest areas for species dependent on them
After a forest fire, charred wood and litter attract species typical of the area. Such forest sites can also be created artificially by burning trees under supervision.
8. Special plans for special species and areas
Certain species prefer very specific living conditions, such as dry and sunlit ridge areas. These special sites, as well as individual occurrences of species, are taken into account and protected by special measures when necessary. We also make it easier for species to move to new habitats through area-level planning and by developing diversity networks.
9. Protecting valuable biotopes
Valuable environments, i.e. key biotopes, are left untouched or managed in accordance with the needs of the species living there. Such environments include areas with running water and springs, stony ground and rocky sites as well as steep bluffs and forest lying directly underneath.
10. Focus on peatlands
Peatlands form a massive carbon storage. The aim of peatland management is to ensure that the water resources remain balanced in the area in question. The goal is for the forest to grow, emissions to be as low as possible and peatlands to maintain their carbon storage capacity.
This article was originally published in Fibre Magazine issue 2025.
