According to the latest data from the Swedish Forest Agency, the area notified for tree felling in Sweden this April rose by 13% compared to April 2023. The increase in notified areas indicates a potential uptick in future logging activities. Conversely, the area for which permits were applied for final felling in montane regions saw a decline of 10%, reflecting a decrease in felling operations in these sensitive ecosystems.
This month's reported area of notified logging and permits stood at 17,256 hectares, marking a 13% increase from last April. Specifically, the permits for final felling in montane forests accounted for 446 hectares, a decrease from 494 hectares recorded during the same month last year.
Image: Area of received notifications and applications for permits for final felling per month during 2023-2024 and five-year average for 2019–2023, hectares / Swedish Forest Agency
When examining regional data, all areas showed an increase except for montane forests:
Northern Norrland reported an increase of 379 hectares (up 15%),
Southern Norrland saw a modest rise of 134 hectares (3%),
Svealand's felling notifications grew by 443 hectares (9%),
Götaland experienced the most significant increase with an additional 1,019 hectares (26%).
Despite these monthly gains, the cumulative data from January to April 2024 paints a different picture. The total area covered by felling notifications and applications has dropped by 15% compared to the same period last year, totaling 67,787 hectares. This includes a stark reduction in montane forest applications, down to 1,475 hectares from 6,927 hectares.
Regionally, year-to-date figures also show varied trends:
Northern Norrland observed a 35% decrease,
Svealand's figures fell by 24%,
Götaland's numbers dipped slightly by 3%,
Southern Norrland's area remained consistent with last year.
