Gunnar wants to contribute to a sustainable forest industry
When Gunnar Florin joined the scouts at the age of seven, he had no idea it would spark a passion for the forest. Today, he studies Forest & Landscape at SLU Alnarp, aiming to become a forest manager and contribute to a sustainable forestry industry.
“It was the scouts who sparked my interest in the forest and nature. Later, this grew when I attended a folk high school in Åre, studying mountain and outdoor life,” Gunnar explains.
The Dream of Becoming a Forest Manager
Gunnar has always known that working with the forest was possible, especially since his grandfather owns forest land in Småland. But it wasn’t until he started exploring different educational paths that he found his direction.
“I knew forestry jobs existed, but I had no idea about the many opportunities in the field. When I started researching, I found the Forest and Landscape program, and it felt like a perfect fit for me. It’s close to Helsingborg, and it’s one of the pathways to becoming a forest manager” he says.
As a future forest manager, Gunnar dreams of working with sustainable forestry. He wants to help the industry find better methods to combine timber production with preserving biodiversity.
“My vision is to integrate continuous cover forestry methods into Swedish forestry. It’s still a relatively new approach, but I believe it has great potential to make forestry more sustainable,” he explains.
A Unique Program Combining Forest and Landscape
What attracted Gunnar to Forest and Landscape was the program’s broad structure, offering students perspectives on both forestry and landscape.
“The unique thing about the education is that you get two sides of forestry and land use. The forestry part focuses on production and timber harvesting, while the landscape part is about planning and designing areas like parks or recreational spaces. It gives a broad understanding that is invaluable when making decisions about how land should be used in the future,” he explains.
One of Gunnar’s favorite courses is about the history and future of Swedish forestry. He also appreciates the practical focus, which offers a glimpse into working life.
“Right now, we have a GIS course where we use satellite images to analyze how forestry has changed over time. For example, we can compare maps from the 1800s with today’s forests and see how land use has evolved. It’s really exciting,” says Gunnar.
A Campus with Environmental Awareness
For Gunnar, who has always been interested in nature and the environment, it’s inspiring to study on a campus where environmental consciousness is part of everyday life.
“It’s really nice to be here, where many people are aware of environmental issues. Many buy second-hand, use public transport, and think about their climate footprint. You can tell that the program influences how we view the world around us,” he says.
In his free time, Gunnar plays the trumpet, but the forest and environment are always close to his heart. He looks forward to continuing his studies and eventually working for a forestry industry in balance with nature.
About the bachelor's program Forest and Landscape
Dreaming of working with forests and nature?
Do you want to make a difference for the forests of the future? The Forest and Landscape program gives you knowledge about how forests function – from the ecology of trees to the role entire landscapes play for people and the environment. You'll learn to understand the forest's role in society and how we can manage it sustainably.
During your studies, you can also explore the world – for instance, by studying abroad in the Netherlands.
After graduation, you'll have opportunities to work as an advisor or specialist for government agencies, municipalities, forestry companies, or in the private sector.
Turn your passion for nature into your future! Learn more and apply here!
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