Forest characteristics and forest types
It is very difficult to give in SHORT the characteristics of Norwegian forests since Norway is a LONG country. Its length, almost meridional, exceeds 2 thousands kilometres and that affects the country’s natural conditions. The timberline in the area around Bergen reaches at 600m above sea level, while in the far north is around the sea level. The growing season varies in a similar way. The temperature is above 6oC in Oslo for 176 days, in Trondheim for 115 days and in Kirkenes for 90 days. Near Bergen where the Gulf Stream sweeps along the coast, the growing season is the longest (194 days). More than 50% of the country is mountainous and thus not appropriate for woody plants. Despite the above conditions, forest cover in Norway accounts for 20% of the total area (37% of which is forest and the rest is woodland), in the Eastern part of the country this percentage is 35%, in the West 9% and in the North is only 7%. This great diversity is due to climatic and topographic differences and to some extent due to demand for agricultural land. Productive forests cover an area of 7.2 millions of hectares. Among the conifers, Norway spruce and Scots pine are the dominant species (introduced Sitka spruce is of increased importance), whereas, among the broadleaved species, birch and aspen are the dominant species. Only Norway spruce and Scots pine, besides Sitka spruce on West coast, are economically important. Birch is valuable as fuelwood and is also used in the pulp and paper industry.
The main forest areas are found in the South inland while in the North inland the landscape is dominated by low quality birch (B. odorata tortuosa). However, in some sites pine forests can also be found.
The main forest areas are found in the South inland while in the North inland the landscape is dominated by low quality birch (B. odorata tortuosa). However, in some sites pine forests can also be found.
In general, in Norway, there are four ecoregions as defined by WWF:
1. Scandinavian coastal coniferous forests
2. Scandinavian montane birch forest and grasslands
3. Sarmatic mixed forests
4. Scandinavian and Russian taiga
Each of them has typical flora and fauna.
1. Scandinavian coastal coniferous forests
2. Scandinavian montane birch forest and grasslands
3. Sarmatic mixed forests
4. Scandinavian and Russian taiga
Each of them has typical flora and fauna.