Storebjerten Habitat Forest

High above the lakes and valleys of Southern Norway, where mist drifts between ridges of spruce and pine, lies Storebjerten – a forest landscape bridging the ecological gradients from fertile valley forests to higher-altitude woodlands and small mountain lakes.

In this part of inland, traditional forestry has shaped communities for centuries, but remnants of old forest still remain: quiet stands of spruce and pine over a carpet of bilberry and moss, home to species such as capercaillie, black woodpecker, and red squirrel.

The combined forest area includes productive and non-productive forest as well as smaller wetland and mountain sections, providing varied habitats and structural diversity. The dominant species are spruce and pine, with some broadleaf elements in lower terrain. A significant share of the forest exceeds 110 years in age, contributing to carbon storage and ecological stability.

Through a unified long-term preservation agreement between Fossagrim and the landowner, the Storebjerten preservation area is secured for a minimum of 30 years. No logging, drainage, or land conversion will take place during this period. The contract ensures continuous forest growth, biodiversity preservation, and natural carbon sequestration across the landscape.

Storebjerten will thus serve as a Fossagrim Habitat Forest – a symbol of how connected conservation areas can restore landscape integrity, strengthen ecosystem resilience, and safeguard both nature values and climate benefits for future generations