Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre

Fencing to protect forest flora against overgrazing may have unintended consequences, with competitive species taking over the forest floor, new research reveals.

A new study by Aureo Aparecido Abreu Junior, PhD student at SLU and within Trees For Me, and his research colleagues shows that improved birch used for long-lived wood products provides greater climate benefits than all products from naturally regenerated birch, in Southern Sweden.

A total of 13 new PhD projects have been granted within the WIFORCE Research School at SLU’s Faculty of Forest Sciences.

How can forest planning and advisory services be developed to support more diversified family forestry? This is what the project aims to investigate in close collaboration between SLU, Umeå University, the forest owners' association Södra, and the Swedish Forest Agency.

Climate change is happening so rapidly that many tree species can’t adapt in time. Researchers are now exploring ways to give them a helping hand – through so-called assisted migration. The project focuses on how we can adapt Swedish forests to a warmer climate.

The project investigates how to establish and manage mixed broadleaved continuous cover forests, where they are most successful, and how clear-cut-free methods impact timber production, carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and the balancing of different interests.

FRAS aims to develop and share evidence-based knowledge on forest management for sustainable forestry in southern Sweden. This is done in close collaboration with the regional forest industry and in dialogue with other stakeholders affected by forestry.

This research project will particularly investigate the potential of planted silver birch for future sustainable forest production in Sweden.

Trees For Me develop competence focused on fast-growing broadleaf trees for sustainable forestry, materials and energy in Sweden.

The project includes the establishment and evaluation of thinning trials in spruce, pine, lodgepole pine (contorta), hybrid larch, birch, and oak across Sweden.

Our lab, at Southern Swedish Forest Science Centre, focuses on the biology, ecology, and epidemiology of both native and non-native tree pests and pathogens—organisms that inflict significant ecological and economic damage across both forest and urban landscapes.

We conduct research on conservation ecology, plant ecology, forest history, and plant-animal interactions – knowledge that supports decisions on how forests can preserve biodiversity and be managed sustainably in Sweden and globally.

We conduct research on forest management in both coniferous and broadleaved forests in Sweden and other parts of the world. The research focuses on forest production, regeneration, and silviculture, as well as how forestry can support diverse goals and values and help mitigate climate change.

Our research spans forest planning and advisory services to forest policy, gender equality, and societal transitions – with a focus on both local landscapes and global perspectives.