During 2025, Södra stepped up its nature conservation efforts. The combination of active management measures in family forestry, voluntary set-asides and targeted initiatives for biodiversity has continued to strengthen the ecological values of the forest. This work supports forests that develop well over time while also contributing to long-term value for the forest estate. The results reflect the strong commitment of Södra's members to safeguarding all the values of the forest for future generations.
4,300 football pitches of nature conservation
Over the year, Södra carried out nature conservation management on 3,086 hectares, meaning the target of 3,000 hectares was reached. The target level is set according to the needs identified in members' forests and corresponds to around 4,300 football pitches. The measures are implemented in forests with high conservation values, where recurring management is crucial to ensure that species and habitats can persist over time. In southern Swedish forests, many species depend on light open broadleaf environments, and when spruce and other encroaching vegetation are removed, biodiversity is strengthened. A wider variety of tree and shrub species is encouraged, small glades are restored and different types of dead wood are created - all elements essential for many threatened species. For the forest estate, this means that important habitats do not become overgrown but continue to develop, supporting the property's long term value.
"The 3,086 hectares of nature conservation management completed this year show how powerful active nature conservation can be. By combining different measures - from opening up broadleaf rich environments to strengthening variation and creating more habitats - we are seeing clear results in the forest. This work builds on many years of commitment and continues to create benefits for both conservation values and the development of the forest estate," says Jessica Nordin, Head of Sustainability at Södra.
Voluntary set-asides for biodiversity
Voluntary set asides continue to be a central part of Södra's nature conservation efforts and represent essential cornerstones for rich biodiversity in Sweden. These set asides consist of forest areas that members have conserved for nature's sake, where no production measures take place - only management that maintains and enhances biodiversity. On forest certified member properties, these areas now amount to 159,000 hectares, with a combined land value of SEK 33 billion. That these areas are set aside voluntarily reflects the strong willingness among Södra's members to take significant responsibility for ecological values both on their own land and for species conservation more broadly.
This represents a major contribution to nature, making it possible to conserve older forest environments, high value trees, sensitive habitats and other structures that are important for plants and animals. In doing so, they also help keep the forest estate resilient over time.
Deepened work with species and conservation values
Södra has also taken further important steps in its biodiversity efforts. During 2025, 340 responsibility species - species requiring particular consideration - were identified. Their habitat requirements have been mapped and will form the basis for more precise nature conservation considerations in forestry operations. The association has also continued developing work with biodiversity credits within the Swedish Biocredit Alliance, where Södra has contributed to creating a standardised framework for how conservation measures can be monitored and valued - a development that may open new business opportunities linked to biodiversity.
Together, these initiatives show how Södra is intensifying its nature conservation work and continues to advance a forestry approach where production and ecological values go hand in hand.
- The voluntary set asides and the management of these are perhaps among the most significant nature conservation measures undertaken in Sweden today, and it is the commitment of forest owners that makes this possible. They manage and develop their forests in ways that both strengthen conservation values and build a long term sustainable forest estate. This is work that truly makes a difference - for the forest, for species and for future generations, says Jessica Nordin, Head of Sustainability at Södra.
Read the full report in Swedish here (the English version will be published soon)
*The total value of voluntary set asides within Södra amounts to SEK 33 billion, with a variation between SEK 21-45 billion. The valuation range is based on average prices for forest land according to market statistics from Ludvig & Co, as well as average prices for land acquired for habitat protection by the Swedish Forest Agency.
