Subject area Restoration Ecology

Biodiversity is under pressure—both in Sweden and globally. At SLU’s subject area Restoration Ecology, we study how human land use affects ecosystems and how ecological restoration can reduce negative impacts on biodiversity.

Our research ranges from species-level ecology to entire ecosystems, focusing on forests affected by forestry, mining, wind- and hydropower. A central theme is the importance of dead wood, a critical but declining habitat for thousands of species.

We lead several large-scale, long-term field experiments in Sweden and internationally, testing restoration methods such as prescribed burning, gap-cutting, translocation of dead wood, and uneven-aged forest management. These projects help us understand how restoration efforts influence biodiversity over time.

Significative for our research is that it often includes many organism groups. Within our subject area, we have expertise in insects, bryophytes, lichens, fungi, vascular plants et c.

By collaborating with industry, authorities, NGOs and researchers, we aim to produce high-quality science that can guide practical conservation and help meet national and international biodiversity goals.