A brief look at practical actions (methods) that help forestry companies promote biodiversity in commercial forests.

1. Protecting sand lizard habitats

In September 2021, Stora Enso announced that the population of the sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) had increased in Värmland, Central Sweden. The sand lizard is classified as a threatened species in Europe. To breed successfully, the lizards require sandy areas to protect their eggs from heat. While preparing for work in one of its logging areas, Stora Enso created new sand patches, to which lizard eggs were also relocated. The project was a success, and the region is now home to a small, new colony (population) of sand lizards.

2. Doubling the planting of mixed conifer forests (e.g., pine and spruce).

In September 2021, the Metsä group announced that it had doubled its area of mixed pine and spruce plantings over the year (the number of mixed areas now accounts for approximately 1/10 of the company's reforested land). In these areas, spruce is planted, and pine is either sown or planted. This method of forest regeneration has been used both to avoid climate-related risks that can occur in monoculture spruce stands and to minimise damage to young growth caused by moose.

3. Continuous forest cultivation or conservation in peatlands

4. Siberian jay returns to Eastern Finland

5. Environmental management and protection in plant-rich forests