About us
At the Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre we develop new knowledge on sustainable forest practice in temperate and boreal forests through multidisciplinary research and education. We collaborate with stakeholders with a broad interest in forest-related questions.
Research
Our research is focused on forest health, silviculture and forest production, forest history and conservation ecology as well as forest policy and planning. Our work has national, European and global relevance, but often focuses on forests and landscapes in southern Sweden.
Education
We offer the Bachelor's programme Forest and Landscape and the Master's programme Euroforester at the beautiful Alnarp campus. Students are very satisfied with the education.
News
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She sees the potential in fast-growing broadleaves
The ecologist with a focus on silviculture and forest production, Anneli Adler, has joined the Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre at SLU, where she will continue to be a part of the Trees For Me network through her focus on fast-growing broadleaf trees in a changing climate. -
Confirmed decline of spruce growth in southern Sweden
Yes, climate change is already causing Norway spruce to grow more poorly in southern Sweden. New growth models confirm the statistics from the National Forest Inventory. -
Oak Need Active Management in Continuous Cover Forestry
Oak, a key species for biodiversity, requires active management to handle competition from other trees under continuous cover forestry.
Calendar
Research projects
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Trees For Me
Trees For Me develop competence focused on fast-growing broadleaf trees for sustainable forestry, materials and energy in Sweden. -
BROADEN: Methods for diverse and continuous cover broadleaf forestry
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. -
Diversification of Swedish forest to ensure its resilience and multifunctionality
This research project will particularly investigate the potential of planted silver birch for future sustainable forest production in Sweden. -
ANAFOR: Assisting natural adaptation of forests to climate change
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. -
Co-Creator: Planning and advice for diversified forests
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. -
Thinning and growth response
The project includes the establishment and evaluation of thinning trials in spruce, pine, lodgepole pine (contorta), hybrid larch, birch, and oak across Sweden. -
FRAS - Future Forest Management in Southern Sweden
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.
Research groups
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Forest Pathology
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. -
Conservation ecology and forest history
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. -
Silviculture and forest regeneration
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. -
Forest policy and planning
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.