According to recent data from Forskning and Statistics Norway, the volume of tree trunks in Norway now exceeds one billion cubic meters, representing a ten per cent increase in just the last decade.  

In the last 40 years alone, Norwegian forests have doubled in size thanks to a combination of factors that have created ideal conditions for tree growth. 

The data is based on the current National Forest Inventory (NFI), a systematic sample-based survey of the Norwegian forest that started in 1919. Norway was the first country to measure forest cover in cubic meters of tree trunks. Since then, the country has conducted ten surveys, and the 11th is currently in progress.  

“We have also had very good growth conditions for the forest over the past 10-20 years,” Rasmus Astrup, Head of Research at the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), told Forskning. 

"There have been higher temperatures and longer summers.”   

The substantial increase in forest volume can be attributed to higher growth rates that surpass logging and natural tree death. However, it is important to note that as trees planted in the 1960s reach maturity, their growth rate is expected to slow. 

Forests play a crucial role in our environment by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2), with Norwegian forests currently capturing about 18 million of the 47 million metric tons of CO2 the country emits annually. They also provide raw materials, prevent soil erosion, support biodiversity, and offer recreational spaces that help alleviate stress. 

In Australia, protecting our local forests and engaging in tree care is just as important. While National Tree Day takes place in July each year, you can plant all year round and pledge the trees to the national tally or contribute by participating in other nature regeneration activities like seed collection, bush regeneration or site maintenance. Additionally, you can visit a previous planting site to help with mulching, watering and weeding.