Watch a video about this forest walk
The better the condition of the forest, the more efficient its carbon sink.
promotes forest biodiversity and is coordinated by the Finnish Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Through METSO, private forest owners can receive compensation for protecting their forest. A mixed forest is resilient Trees rest in the winter, but things get going when spring arrives. During the growing season in the spring, lasting 70 days or so, trees can grow by as much as two to three centimetres a day. A growing forest works as a carbon sink, binding carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The better the condition of the forest, the more efficient its carbon sink. There are fears that climate change will increase the risk of dry spells, storm damage and various fungal and insect pests. One way to safeguard the vitality of forests in the face of changing climate conditions is to grow them as mixed forests with two or more species. The mature pine forest on Junkkala’s estate will not be due for renewal for another ten years, but the forest owner and forest specialist already have a plan for when the time is ripe. “The top of the hill is slightly more barren, so we will use pine seedlings for renewal there and plant spruce in the lusher parts. Birch and other broadleaved trees will emerge naturally,” says Reko. Broadleaved trees, especially aspen and willow, offer habitats for many mammals, birds, insects and fungi. Aspen alone have been found to host around fifty endangered animal species. Riding along deer tracks It is now afternoon, and Junkkala glances at his watch. It is almost time to pick up the youngest children from day care, and the older ones will be returning from school soon as well. The oldest of the family’s four children is 11, and the youngest soon five. Whether any of them will want to continue farming is not something the estate’s owner worries about. It is more im- portant for him to spend time together playing football, skiing or cycling. “Last year, I launched the mountain bike season with my oldest daughter in April. We covered five kilometres of very challenging terrain, following deer tracks.” •
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