world news - 22.10.2009
Deciduous forests on the increase in Sweden
The
country's timber resources are still increasing. Deciduous trees have
increased most, like in previous years. They constitute almost one
fifth of the country's total timber resources, i.e. about 600 million
cubic metres. At present deciduous trees are economically more
advantageous than before. The reason is an increased environment
consciousness. The University points out that also the severe storm
damage that hit spruce forests in Southern Sweden has contributed to a
more favourable attitude to deciduous forests.
Aggregate annual growth is still strong and now amounts to 121 million
cubic metres. The damage done by the two storms Gudrun in 2005 and Per
in 2007 is still visible in Southern Sweden. In this region growth is
still somewhat weaker and timber resources are smaller.
Since the start of national forest inventories in the 1920s timber
resources in Sweden have almost doubled. Spruce is still the dominant
species, but pine is increasing more strongly and its volume is almost
the same as spruce, i.e. about 1,3 billion cubic metres.
See also:
- — Germany: Lumber production looks set to only increase slightly in 2010
- — European timber sector not ready for recovery
- — European building materials industry outlook remains negative
- — Germany, 2009: Woodworking Machinery Industry Down 35-45%
- — Financial crisis hits forestry sector
