“It is important to time the thinning correctly. If the broadleaved trees grow too big, they will hamper the growth of the coniferous trees. This, in turn, will have a direct im- pact on the forest owner’s future profits, in both the initial thinning and the subsequent harvesting. A well-managed seedling stand also grows more quickly,” says Tuuppa. Depending on site and the tree species, the initial thin- ning takes place 25–40 years after the planting. It needs to be done before the tree tops have a chance to contract as a result of the competition. Initial thinning ensures that the trees grow into proper log wood. Depending on the growth location, tree species and the forest owner’s goals, another thinning or two will also be carried out between the initial thinning and the regen- eration of the entire stand. The first one of these is often carried out some 15–25 years after the initial thinning. “The correct time for this should be estimated with a specialist. It depends on both previous management meas- ures and the forest owner’s financial goals,” says Tuuppa.
Forest management aims to ensure that around 10 per cent of the trees in any stand are broadleaved trees. Mixed forests – forests with several species of trees – are more sustainable and biodiverse than forests consisting of a sin- gle species of tree. They are also less susceptible to forest damage, such as storm, snow, wind or insect damage. A CLEARING SAW FITS A FOREST OWNER’S HAND The field work at Sipari keeps the estate’s owners busy from spring to October. After this, they are set to take their second walk through the forest with Tauno Tuuppa. In the autumn, the focus lies on planning the harvesting and the measures related to it. “After the fieldwork is over in October or November, we also carry out the preliminary clearing,” says Anttila. Preliminary clearing is a stage of work preceding harvest- ing during which you remove any undergrowth – in other words, trees that are too small to be sold or that obstruct visibility during harvesting and impede soil preparation.
METSÄLIITTO COOPERATIVE
Metsäliitto Cooperative is Metsä Group’s parent company, which can be joined by private individual or organisations holding at least three hectares of forest in Finland. 3 Metsäliitto Cooperative has some 100,000 members. 100 ,000 ha
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There is no separate entrance fee, nor an annual membership fee. cooperative’s participation shares. Interest is paid on the capital invested. In 2019, the interest on owner-members’ capital was 6.5 per cent. 6.5 Members invest EUR 12.50– 65.00 per forest hectare in the %
“A clearing saw is a forest owner’s most important tool. Preliminary clearing is a perfect example of something you can do on your own,” says Tuuppa. The time for winter harvesting is at hand when the ground freezes. Some of the forests on the Sipari estate are located behind the fields. The work must be planned with one eye on weather forecasts. The fields must be frozen to carry the weight of the harvesters. The correct timing is carefully thought out with the spe- cialist. The time for regenerating an entire stand comes when the trees no longer grow. What is referred to as a regeneration harvesting is usually carried out in the form of clear cutting, during which nearly all trees in the stand are harvested. To safeguard biodiversity, the retention trees required for the forest certification are left in the stand. Following the regeneration harvesting, the soil is pre- pared for new seedlings and the foundation for a new forest is created. If the planting is carried out in the spring, the soil preparation usually takes place in the preceding autumn. Thanks to the preparation, the growth of the seedlings can get off to a fast start. In late autumn and in the winter, when there is less farm work to do, Anttila and Vehmas not only have the time to chop wood for their own heating needs, but also to enjoy their forest as a source of relaxation. “We take walks with our dogs, follow the tracks left in the snow by wild animals, and enjoy nature. The air in the forest is warmer and good to breathe,” says Vehmas. “When you look at a well-managed forest, what you see is not more work to be done or an income source, but the great nature and scenery,” adds Anttila. •
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Owner-members are provided with a designated forest specialist from the municipality in which their forest is located. The forest specialist can be requested to visit the estate free of charge.
When a stand is regenerated, the retention trees required for forest certification are left in the harvested area to ensure biodiversity.
Owner-members are entitled to a bonus paid in addition to the price of their wood trade when they have sold a minimum of 500 cubic metres of wood to the cooper- ative for four consecutive years. 500 m 3
Tauno Tuuppa Metsä Group’s forest specialist who has worked with the Sipari estate since the spring of 2020.
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