Forest Resource

Overview
Denmark is a low-lying country situated in northern continental Europe separating the Baltic Sea from the North Sea. The climate is humid and winds have an important influence on growing conditions. Forest and other wooded land accounts for only one eighth of the land area, scattered all over the country; the area is being gradually extended, and there are expectations that this proportion may eventually double. Plantations make up about three quarters of the forest area, with nearly all the rest classed as semi-natural. The area of forest undisturbed by man is very small. More than half the volume of growing stock consists of coniferous species, of which the main species, though not indigenous, is Norway spruce. Other introduced coniferous species are silver fir, European larch and lodgepole pine, but Scots pine is indigenous, as are the main broadleaved species including oaks and beech. The forests are intensively managed, and net annual increment is well above the European average. Virtually all forests are available for wood supply, but non-wood functions, notably recreation and nature conservation, are important. Production of Christmas trees is an important source of income for landowners. Less than a quarter of the forest is publicly owned; the remainder is owned by individuals as well as by private institutions.

Forest Types

Ecological Zones

 Forest Industry

Management

Approximately 85 percent of the forest area is maintained in such a way that tree vegetation would form a dense, high canopy forest within a reasonable period of time, and felling/cutting sites must be replanted as soon as possible. In coniferous forests on poor soils some forest health and stability problems may have occurred, but the situation is being stabilised. The exact reason for these forest health problems is not clear, but the lack of adaptability of Norway spruce (Picea abies), which is the main, but not indigenous, species in Denmark, may be an important factor. Other main tree species in the Danish forests are Abies alba, Larix europaea, Pinus sylvestris, P. contorta, Fagus silvatica, Quercus robur, Betula pendula, Alnus glutinosa.Of the above-mentioned species, the coniferous species, except Pinus sylvestris, are mainly introduced.

Forest Map