Iceland, the second largest island in the North-Atlantic Ocean (c. 103,000 square kilometers), is entirely volcanic and composed of basaltic rock. your own Pins on Pinterest You stay on the Ring Road until you spot the road into Fnjóskadalur on your right, it is signposted to Skógar and, also, to Vaglaskógur. Around 75 per cent of Finland’s total land area is covered in forest. These include the Short -eared owl (Asio flammeus), Snowy owl (Nyctea scandiaca), Redshank (Tringa totanus), Arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea), Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), Glaucous gull (Larus hyperboreus), Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis), and Snow bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis). Among the major draws are the two mini-marathons (4 km and 14 km respectively), locally-sourced BBQ lamb, a variety of art exhibitions and even a logging competition. Forests and woodlands act as an essential escape from the rat race, allowing people to reconnect with nature and learn more about their environment. “Iceland used to be a green, forested island at time of the viking settlement. Öskjuhlíð is the primary outdoor recreation space in Reykjavik, boasting a number of trails suitable for both hikers and mountain bikers. Jóhannesson—is the Friendship Forest’s official guardian, whilst its care and maintenance are left to the Icelandic Forest Service. The answer lies, of course, with the people who moved here. These can still be seen and even ventured into today, even though there is no light inside and the relics have, at best, been left neglected since their abandonment in 1945. Over the years, foreign dignitaries invited to Iceland have, alongside those in charge, planted a tree in order to signify their allegiance with our small, Nordic nation. Active glacial streams (perfectly fine for drinking) also present valuable opportunities for berry and mushroom picking, as well as the chance to see some of the forest’s wildlife. Iceland's native tree species include Birch, Aspen and Rowan, though these are now widely considered to be unsuitable for withstanding the ever-warming climate of Iceland. Creative Commons, by Laurentgauthier, Embark on the adventure of a lifetime on a. The forest was designed to help promote educational and environmental values of the birch tree forest. Later research has uncovered that this was an intentional economic strategy on part of the settlers who realised it was essential to strengthen their local, animal husbandry industries. In fact, the Friendship Forest is not a forest at all, but rather a ceremonial garden, set out in the sticks of the western countryside, dedicated to Iceland’s international relationships with other nation states. Future oil and gas exploration threatens this ecoregion. During the early 20th century, the Iceland Forest Service promoted single-tree selection instead of clear-felling, the goal being to prevent forest clearing. This type of erosion spreads like cancer across the landscape, affecting ever larger regions whilst threatening those that are still hospitable for life. Still, issues remain -- the forest above is of non-native spruce, not native birch, and forests still cover just 2% of the island. Kjarnaskógur Woodlands can be found just south of Iceland’s “Northern Capital”, Akureyri, and makes for a fantastic day of outdoor recreation during your travels in the region. Thjorsarver, an Important Bird Area contains one of the largest breeding colony in the world for the Pink-footed goose (Anser brachyrhynchus) (Wheatley 2000). Vikings cut down all of Iceland’s forests — the country is planting them anew Since 2015, Iceland has planted around 1,000 hectares of forest (between three and four million trees). Book Delivery. One of the Iceland Forest Service’s major ambitions is to have afforested 12% of the country by the year 2100. Identifying and producing FRM can be a long process, often too long for traditional reforestation and management. The forest is a popular outdoor area in a diverse landscape. Ice Age climate. Ozenda, P. 1994. Another important reason to clear the forests was the need to utilise the land for agriculture. Other factors that must be considered include how the trees cope during the summer months, how fragile they are in regards to sudden temperature changes and, finally, how do they deal with drought? Today, forests cover less than half a percent of the island. Search Catalog Close. European Commission > This was not always so. Since Skaftafell became protected and sheep stopped grazing in the area, vegetation in the valley has prospered. On Iceland it is the only tree species in the wild that manages to survive. Current StatusErosion is responsible for thousands of kilometers of destroyed vegetation. How do you sleep during the... Iceland is a country of many amazing waterfalls, but which are the best ones? The Icelandic carbon stocks have been reported in a national inventory for the UNFCCC (Hellsing et al., 2016). For two to three months in summer there is continuous daylight in Iceland, and early spring and late autumn enjoy long twilight. Much of the interior of the country consists of glaciers, which cover almost 12,000km² or 11.5 percent of the country. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Bonn-Bad Godesberg 2000. Birch forest in Skaftafell, South Iceland. Among the different bird species that call Hallormsstaðaskógur home are common redpolls, ravens, rock ptarmigans and goldcrests, joined in the summer months by other migratory species, such as meadow pipits, redwings, Eurasian woodcocks, wagtails and snipes. Birch forest in Skaftafell, South Iceland. Arguably, however, the most crucial reason to continue and in fact accelerate the afforestation process in Iceland is down to domestic wood consumption. About 2-5 million years ago, during the Pliocene era, the species changed to things like spruce or birch and other boreal-type forests. Birch, willow and grass became more and more prominent at the same time as the forest cover was diminishing. Heywood, and A.C. Hamilton. area in Iceland was reduced dramatically between Viking settlement in 874 AD and today, due to extensive use of the woodlands and other pressures. All rights reserved. Icing on the cake is the waterfall Systrafoss (Sister's Falls). Today, the island is most widely known for its starkly beautiful, yet treeless landscape. As of 2016, forests only made up 1.9 percent of Iceland, according to the Icelandic Forest Service. Currently there are plans for building a hydropower station near Vatnajoekull, the largest glacier in Iceland. The new reforestation initiative will commence on July 1. The forest is now on course to become the largest natural birch forest in Iceland in a handful of years. Nice groves with quite a number of tree species in beautiful landscape. diploma thesis in Forest Botany. Still, there can be little blame thrust upon these ancient settlers; after all, with conditions as there were, timber was an essential source of fuel (i.e; an untapped well of warmth against the cold Icelandic winters) and as construction materials for buildings, boats and fencing. Timber is used for a great number of things in our daily life, which poses a problem for Iceland, a country now lacking in that very resource. In fact, the hill was little more than gravel and rock, still providing incredible views over Faxafloi Bay, but without the woods, without the observation deck, without the picnic benches and art sculptures. Justification of Ecoregion DelineationThis ecoregion is equivalent to the DMEER (2000) unit of the same name. Harvesting of birch generally ceased during the 1940s, but a few natural birch forests have been managed for wood production by single-tree selection for over a century (Blöndal & Gunnarsson 1999). Regeneration was anlaysed after clear felling was set up in Thordarstadaskogur National Forest, North Iceland. Vaglaskógur has well organized camp sites and recreational areas. In Iceland, with practically no forests until recently and only one native forest-forming tree species, obtaining seed of the right species and provenances has long been and still is the most important issue affecting progress in forestry. The territory is also notoriously treeless. Next to the station is a 50 year-old planted forest where imported trees grow together with Iceland's only domestic tree, the birch. See also: Where to Stay in … 1: Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia and Middle East. Öskjuhlíð hill and woodlands, found in the Icelandic capital, Reykjavík, can be easily identified from two major factors: the large birch trees that seem to cut into the sky and the shining dome that is Perlan Museum and observation deck. With each glaciation, cold climates restricted the range of the forests, with pines dying out 1.1 million years ago and alder disappearing by 500,000 years ago. Book your complete trip with the best companies only. In the month of June, visitors can partake in Skógardagurinn (“Forest Day”), a weekend of adrenaline-fuelled competition, lively folk music and all-around festivities. The cooling climate would lead to a glaciation that would mark the start of Iceland’s forest decline. Europe Destinations. After the area burnt down more than 50 years ago, the government turned this 138 hectares of land into a birch forest. in Iceland was estimated as being 156,800 ha, divided into natural downy birch (Betula pubescens) woodland (115,400 ha) and forest plantations (41,400 ha). Biodiversity FeatureThis ecoregion is rich in bird diversity, over three hundred species have been observed. Végétation du Continent Européen., Delachaux et Niestlé, Lausanne, Switzerland. This means that Iceland is forced to import wood from overseas, resulting in a large dent to the local economy, as well as the continued emissions of Carbon Dioxide. Clearing trees for pastureland, building materials and fuel contributed to Iceland’s signature landscape today. Egilsstaðir is the largest town in this quarter of the country, boasting a population of over 2000 people, as well as a hospital, airport and college. The average summer temperature in Reykjavik, the capital, is 10. Another reason, this time cultural, is to create areas of woodland that human beings can enjoy for recreation. Photo by Wikimedia. Discover a wide range of Mountain Tours Why not join this Mo... What are the most popular things to see and do in Iceland in November? The Iceland boreal birch forests and alpine tundra ecoregion (WWF ID:PA0602) covers the island of Iceland in the North Atlantic. £0.00 0 Check if we can deliver to you Check Your basket is currently empty Basket total £0.00 Minimum of £25 required to checkout. Replanted forests, like this one, are becoming more common in Iceland. From 1974 to 1995, over 690 000 trees have been planted. Creative Commons, by Laurentgauthier. An Icelandic birch forest Iceland’s forests have grown considerably over the past decades due to the government’s afforestation plan. Since then it is estimated that we have lost over 90% of our forest cover due to unsustainable land-use. But how did Iceland’s forests disappear in little under three hundred years? Digital Map of European Ecological Regions (DMEER), Version 2000/05, (https://selectra.co.uk/guides/european-environmental-agency). Covering approximately 600 hectares, over one million different trees have been planted in Kjarnaskógur in the last fifty years. About The Birch Tree Forest. The President of Iceland—currently the widely popular Guðni Th. The nearest town to Hallormsstaðaskógur is Egilsstaðir, making it an essential stop for any visitors travelling to the East. Historically, birch forest and woodland covered some 25% to 40% of Iceland at the time of the first human settlements some 1,140 years ago. However, the days are very short in mid-winter. Iceland; List of airports Iceland; Egilsstaðir Airport; Egilsstaðir Airport gallery Evans, editors. The Icelandic Forest Service has protected one population of downy birch as a genetic conservation unit to supply future FRM, with plans to protect additional stands. How long does a sunset or a sunrise last? This 4-day trek brings you from the geothermal wonderland of Landmannalaugar to the birch forests of Þórsmörk, up the ancient … Creative Commons, by Tony Hisgett, Wikimedia. Due to these amenities, Egilsstaðir is still considered to be an administrative centre of east Iceland, as was the town’s intention upon being founded in 1947. The natural birch forests were estimated at 23,600 ha and shrubland (<2 m) 91,800 ha. 1952 saw the very first tree plantings with an intention on the part of the local municipality to grow Kjarnaskógur so large that it fully encircled Akureyri. The reason for this location, nestled deep in Kárastaðir country, is down to its proximity to Þingvellir, once home to the oldest elected parliament in the world, the Alþingi. Creative Commons, by Tony Hisgett. unesdoc.unesco.org. How has Guide to Iceland changed since its conception? Iceland; List of airports Iceland; Egilsstaðir Airport; Egilsstaðir Airport gallery How long is the period in which you can experience the midnight sun in Iceland? The differences in total stocking and the number of seedlings/ha between treatment areas were not significant. You are here. The area is famous for its pleasant hiking trails, wildlife and collection of tree species. birch forest - Egilsstaðir Airport photo gallery . Prepared by: Michael McCauley and Ole OstermanReviewed by: In process, 1250 24th Street, N.W. We have compared genetic material from birch on Skeiarrsandur and birch in three birch forests nearby and now have its paternity test results, if you will, Kristinn Ptur Magnsson, Professor of Genetics at the University of Akureyri, explained to RV reporters recently. The budding forest had sprung up naturally, without any human efforts, despite the dry and seemingly inhospitable environment. IUCN 2000: The Global Redlist of Species, of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Perhaps the most important product of birch was charcoal, which was necessary for metalworking. Where to watch birds in Europe and Russia. Next to the station is a 50 year-old planted forest where imported trees grow together with Iceland's only domestic tree, the birch. Forests are like water in Finland: ever-present, including in the major cities. 1.2 Assessment of SOC change in Iceland. It was only a joke, based solely around this area’s nickname and the fact its trees are somewhat diminutive in size. However, fossil evidence indicates that a mixed boreal forest grew in Iceland before the onset of Ice Age glaciations. The relatively mild climate is due to the influence of the Gulf Stream. However, a warming climate has led to retreating glaciers. Creative Commons. But over the centuries, deforestation has reduced this to just 5%. Discover (and save!) After the area burnt down more than 50 years ago, the government turned this 138 hectares of land into a birch forest. Today they form only a very small part (1%) of the coverage of the land of Iceland. Eighty-eight species have, up to recently, been nesting regularly in the country. Avid hikers will also find a 7-kilometre lighted trail, as well as countless backcountry routes, whilst mountain bikers have a 10-kilometre track laid out just for themselves. Most of the vegetation and agricultural areas are in the lowlands close to the coastline. A quick look around the friendship forest (...and quick it will be) hurriedly reveals a number of plaques attached to each tree, each of which is written in the language of the gift-bearers country. This was indicative of a cooling climate. Every year thousands of guests enjoy a stay in the forest which is ideal for outings. The most popular being birch, poplar and rowan trees. unesdoc.unesco.org. La ceinture nordique de forêt sub-arctique-sub-alpine de bouleaux à Fennoscandia, Peninsule [...] de Kola, en Islande et au sud du Groënland est unique. Wheatley, N. 2000. This paper compares regeneration and growth of Betula pubescens ten years after selection felling and clear felling in a forest in north Iceland. The island's forest cover likely fell below 1 percent in the mid-20th century, and birch forests now cover 1.5 percent of Iceland, while cultivated … Back in the days, Iceland was covered with trees, which had to be cut down to create pastures for the livestock. Kirkjubæjarklaustur Grove. Balestrand on the Sognefjord has a temperate climate with mean annual temperature 6.6 °C (43.9 °F). There are many speculations on the originality of the present birch stands. The natural birch forest (the little who remained) was saved in 1905 when the forest was protected by law from the Icelandic parliament. Iceland is considered a rather barren country, however, the country's forests have grown considerably over the past decades due to the government’s afforestation plan. Centres of plant diversity. We arrived during a downpour, which kept us indoors for the first day. The interior of the country is largely arctic desert, with mountains, glaciers, volcanoes and waterfalls. Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Guerber, H. A. Tea-Leaved Willow (Salix phylicifolia) Tea-leaved willow is more of a shrub than a tree, but it does occasionally get to be tree-sized. This constant need for sustenance, of course, was bound to lay waste to the surrounding country... the settlers needed every resource they could get their hands on. (2000) western boreal and nemoral-montane birch forests, southern arctic and shrub tundras, mountain tundras and sparse mountain vegetation, and minerotrophic mires on Iceland are included. 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