The Living Lab (LL) North is situated in the boreal forests of central and eastern Norway and is led by the Norwegian Forest Owners’ Federation (NSF). This federation represents 30,000 family forest owners, who primarily manage single-layered spruce monocultures for timber production. Currently, the dominant forest management system in Norway involves clear-cutting of even-aged stands using large-scale, fully mechanised cut-to-length harvester-forwarder equipment, generating income solely from timber harvesting; however, this approach is economically constrained, limiting flexibility for small-scale forest owners and hindering the shift toward more innovative, multifunctional practices that incorporate multiple tree species and diversify income through biodiversity conservation and carbon farming
In this LL North, the forests are primarily dominated by softwood species, consisting of single-species stands of Norway spruce (Picea abies) or Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), often mixed with elements of birch (Betula sp.). These stands can be either single-layered, originating from artificial establishment, or more structured, naturally occurring single-species stands. Additionally, there are intermixed patches that are more diverse, often unmanaged, and include a higher proportion of broadleaved species. In these patches, one can find not only birch but also aspen (Populus sp.), alder (Alnus glutinosa), elm (Ulmus sp.), rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), and even oak (Quercus sp.).
Forest owners in this region increasingly face climate-related pressures, including more extreme weather conditions and the need to shift away from monocultures. Many smaller landowners lack the knowledge or resources to adapt their forest management practices to be more climate-resilient, particularly in a context of fragmented ownership and limited access to research-based solutions.
The LL North aims to explore how Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES), including compensation for biodiversity preservation and carbon farming, can support sustainable forest management under Norway’s current regulatory frameworks. It also serves as a platform to introduce forest owners to alternative harvesting methods, promote adaptive management strategies, and increase understanding of ecosystem services.
With 88% of Norway’s forest land privately owned and an average holding size of 54 hectares, LL North provides a crucial testing ground for approaches that combine cooperation, innovation, and climate resilience. The LL North brings together forest owners, researchers, and associations like Viken Skog, Glommen Mjøsen Skog to co-develop practical solutions.
A key goal is to build local knowledge, encourage diversified forest use, and strengthen owners’ engagement through workshops, peer learning, and fair support schemes. Through this, the LL North contributes to the long-term sustainability and resilience of forest landscapes not only in Norway but across Northern Europe.
Properties
The LL North consists of 11 properties located throughout Eastern Norway, showcasing the region’s typical boreal forest conditions. The focus was on selecting open-minded and innovative forest owners who manage properties smaller than 80 hectares. These properties vary in climate and geography, ranging from steep mountainous sites to flatter areas. The forest properties in this study can broadly be grouped into two types based on their location, management intensity, and owner engagement: the family farm and the remote forest.
The family farm
These properties are typically located near residential buildings and agricultural land and are often part of long-standing family farms. The forest is usually one of several income sources for the family, alongside farming or off-farm employment. Tree species include Norway spruce, pine, and birch, often in mixed stands. The forest may be used for both timber production and firewood, and in most cases also for recreational or cultural purposes. The properties range from 31 to 166 hectares. Although property sizes have a large range, the
productive forest area ranges from 22 to 120 hectares, as some of the properties include larger areas of unproductive forest, agricultural land and peatland.
Management is more frequent here, often informed by knowledge passed down through generations. Owners tend to be familiar with the land, conduct selective harvesting, and maintain access roads. These properties are likely to be managed through advice from the local forest owner association. The plots are relatively small, but their proximity to the owner allows for regular monitoring and a sense of stewardship. These forests reflect a multifunctional approach where economic, ecological, and personal values are closely intertwined. Among the properties, we find active cooperation with and involvement from hiking groups and sports teams, as well as other recreational users of the forest.
The remote forest
The remote forest properties are often located farther from the owner’s residence, are often more rural and sometimes in mountainous areas. These forests may have been inherited or acquired as part of a family legacy, but are less frequently visited or managed due to time, distance, or lack of equipment. Some of the properties are connected to cabins and are therefore often visited and actively managed due to personal interests.
The stands are typically dominated by spruce or pine, with some areas showing signs of overmaturity or lack of thinning. Access can be limited, and infrastructure such as roads or paths may be underdeveloped or absent.
Due to their remoteness, these forests hold potential for ecosystem services such as carbon storage, biodiversity conservation, or recreational value. However, they also highlight key challenges: the risk of passive ownership, reduced climate resilience, and missed opportunities for sustainable forest use.
The properties range from 11 to 151 hectares. Although property sizes have a large range, the productive forest area ranges from 9 to 36 hectares, as some of the properties include larger areas of unproductive forest, peatlands and mountainous areas.
Forest owners characteristics
The Living Lab consists of 14 forest owners, evenly split between seven females and seven males. In total, 11 forest properties are involved in LL North, all of which are privately owned. The average size of these properties is 70 hectares, with an average productive forest area of 46 hectares. Each forest owner actively participating in Small4Good is a member of the regional forest owners’ associations.
- The farmer: For these owners, the forest is crucial to the overall management of the farm. These forest owners feel a deep responsibility to sustainably manage the forest for future generations.
- The professional: For these owners, the forest represents an important income. They are often identified as having a significant focus on the commercial operations of the property.
- The urban forest owner: Owners who have inherited a privately-owned forest, yet they live a corporate life in the city.
- The hobbyist: Owners who manage or use the forest out of personal interest. Enjoying/using the forest as a place of relaxation, recreation and personal projects.
The average area per forest owner is approximately 46 hectares, with a significant portion of the forest being at later stages of development. The dominant tree species are mainly Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), alongside various broadleaved species such as birch (Betula sp.), rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), and aspen (Populus sp.). Most forest sites are managed effectively. Key concerns include the future impacts of climate change, the challenge of developing climate-resilient forests, and the implications of operating on a smaller scale.
