Iceland’s Long Road To Reforestation

Discovering Icelandic landscapes is the great reason to prepare a trip to this country in the North Atlantic. And yet, when contemplating these landscapes, a great paradox is observed: in such a natural environment, the enormous lack of trees is striking. A problem that goes beyond aesthetics. That is why Icelandic governments have been developing reforestation programs for decades.

The soil of Iceland

One might think that the usual cold in Icelandic lands is already a factor that does not favor the presence of vegetation and, therefore, hinders the existence of large forests. However, in other similar latitudes such as Norway or Sweden, the forests in the mountain areas are a true hallmark.

Actually, Iceland’s big problem for the existence of a forest mass is its volcanic soils. A soil that does not allow the existence of a great variety of species. In fact, the tree that could have a better development in the country is the birch, which is known to have occupied up to a quarter of the island more or less a millennium ago.

Erosion and sandstorms

However, those birch forests little by little were depleted and disappeared. A very serious problem because without trees the soils are easily eroded by the winds. And another of the great effects are the terrible sandstorms that from time to time engulf places like Reykjavik itself.

In this way, the natural beauty of volcanic landscapes and waterfalls that attracts so many tourists who visit the famous Golden Circle of Iceland, that same nature, is what makes lost forests difficult to recover.

And all this causes other problems such as storms, sterile soils or pollution problems. In short, that, aware of the situation in Iceland, various more or less successful reforestation projects have been developed.

Reforestation to avoid the desertification of Iceland

A severe sandstorm at the end of the 19th century in Reykjavik made them aware of the problem of the lack of trees in Iceland. Since then , different actions have been carried out. Always very slow, since they are aware that the island will never have a reproductive power to that of the Amazon, but it is clear that reforestation work is sometimes daunting.

More than three million trees have been planted in recent years, but there is much to do. Without a doubt, the simplest thing is to plant the native birch. But it is a poorly productive species, therefore, attempts have been made to plant other types of trees that do occur in similar climates, for example the Siberian larches or the pines that dominate many areas of beautiful Alaska.

However, the development of these is very complicated and above all slow. They have tried to plant other faster growing species, such as poplars. But when these trees are just buds they become a delicacy for the flocks of sheep common in Icelandic landscapes, making it a fruitless job.

On your next trip to Iceland

The effort continues, as currently less than 1% of Iceland’s soil is forested. It is a great paradox in a country whose charm is based precisely on its nature, on its spectacular landscapes dominated by waterfalls, lakes and mountains. And although it is true that large meadows abound, the truth is that the lack of trees is evident.

And it is a real threat to the island. Therefore, since we assume you are a nature lover if you are willing to travel to Iceland, we can also invite you to find out about the reforestation programs and how you can collaborate with them on your next trip. It will be a good way to enjoy this unique place and, in addition, you can boast that you have collaborated in its conservation.