Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

The forest offers a variety of benefits and services that contribute to increased human well-being, biodiversity and economic welfare. In parallel with our country's ongoing urbanization, the distance between people and nature is also increasing. The value of accessible nature has thus increased in recent decades. At the same time, studies and press analyzes indicate a growing public interest in both forest and Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF). It´s estimated that a special potential for the application of CCF is found within the country's urban areas. However, Swedish forestry generally lacks knowledge and practical applications of CCF methods. This deficiency motivates the creation of management plans that include CCF in urban nature.
The objective of the study was thus to propose methods of CCF with regard to the social, ecological and economic values of Vätteskogen, an urban forest bordering the community of Skinnskatteberg. Based on areas with identified high social values, the secondary objective of the study was to create a basis for the future management of Vätteskogen which strengthens all of the forest’s values. The study process comprised a literature study, field inventory and a decision support tool.
In this study, selective felling, gap-cutting and shelterwood cutting were the most frequently proposed methods within the management of Vätteskogen. Of these methods, selective felling was the most suggested. One of the challenges was to find methods that favor pioneer trees such as pine and deciduous trees. In addition, five site-specific areas of particular importance emerged for its management.
Some of the study's conclusions were that Vätteskogen should be characterized by adaptive, varied and recreation-modified planning strategies. The importance of applying specific classes within the forests management plan that clarify its social values was also highlighted. In addition, Vätteskogen's exceptional opportunities for accommodating CCF reference forests for educational purposes was emphasized.