Forest History
Exploring History. Sharing Stories. Understanding the past of forests
In the Forest History research group, we focus on understanding how forest ecosystems have developed in Northern Scandinavia by exploring people and forests historically from a long-term perspective.

Our Research
A particular focus in our research has been directed towards early forest exploitation and Sami forest use and forest reserves in the northernmost part of Sweden. Our primarily research areas are:
- Historical forest use
- The dynamics of the natural forest
- The history of forest management
- Conflicts between forestry and nature conservation
- Document people's stories on forests and forestry
We collaborate with many researchers in Sweden and abroad and have a long-standing collaboration with the Silvermuseum in Arjeplog (Dr. Ingela Bergman and Dr. Malin Brännström). The outcome of our research has resulted in new knowledge of northern cultural forested landscapes, their history, and their future and our mission are to provide better knowledge for today’s management of our forest.
A favourite quote: “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” Winston Churchill.
Education and Awareness
A core part of the group is the promote awareness and understanding through teaching Forest History at the Undergraduate and Graduate Levels at SLU.
For more information about joining our courses, click on the buttons below
Videos about Forest History in Scandinavia
For a first glimpse of our research ideas, have a look at our short films which we have produced together with Bosse and Titti Backström (Banum).

For more information contact
Professor vid Institutionen för skogens ekologi och skötsel; Institutionen för skogens ekologi och skötsel, gemensamt
Besöksadress: Skogsmarksgränd 17, Umeå