Tönnersjöheden Experimental Forest and research station - Sweden

Tönnersjöheden and Skarhult experimental forests are situated in the nemoral/nemo-boreal zone closed to the Atlantic sea in South Sweden. Tönnersjöheden (1143 ha) was established as an experimental forest in 1923 with the original aim of studying ecosystems in transition from low productive broad-leaved forests and open Calluna heath-lands to conifer dominated forests. Skarhult (180 ha) was opened as an experimental forest in 1989 with a main focus on management and ecology of broad-leaved forest stands. Forests at Tönnersjöheden are dominated by old growth broad-leaved stands with long continuity, first and second rotations of planted coniferous stands and a number of planted stands with exotic tree species. Forests at Skarhult are dominated by naturally regenerated and planted pure and mixed broad-leaved forest stands of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), common oak (Quercus robur L.) and ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.). Research and monitoring activities cover a broad range of basic and applied subjects in the field of forest and forest related environmental sciences. The experimental forests are well-documented and well-described concerning history, climate, soils, vegetation and forest stands.