Forests and Dead Wood
Forest and dead wood play a crucial role in the forest ecosystem. Did you know that two-thirds of Norway’s species are found in forests? Forests are the foundation for a diversity of species, from small insects to large mammals, and act as a natural filter for air and water. Dead trees in various stages of decomposition and in different positions are especially important, as they provide food and habitat for many organisms, including fungi, lichens, and insects. These organisms contribute to decomposition and nutrient recycling, which enriches the soil and supports new growth. By preserving forests, we ensure a healthy and balanced ecosystem that can be enjoyed today and in the future!
Forests play an important role as carbon stores
Trees and plants in forests absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and store the carbon in their biomass (trunks, branches, leaves, and roots). This helps reduce the amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere, which is important for combating climate change.
As trees grow, they capture more carbon, and the forest acts as a “carbon sink.” Even dead trees and plants contribute to carbon storage, as they decompose and the carbon is stored in the soil. Preservation and sustainable management of our forests are therefore crucial for maintaining their function as carbon stores and for protecting our climate.
Large Predators
Wolf
In 2013, it became known that a wolf pair had settled in Østmarka, and since then, wolves have roamed in and out of the area. Several wolf litters have been born in Østmarka, making it an important habitat for the species. Wolves are very shy and adept at hiding from humans, so even though they are present, sightings are rare. The best signs of a wolf’s presence are tracks in the snow, droppings, or remains of prey. Wolves primarily feed on moose, roe deer, and other wildlife, helping to keep the deer population in balance.
Lynx
It is rare to spot a lynx in Østmarka. This large cat has extremely sharp senses and can detect hikers from a long distance. Like the wolf, it avoids humans and often moves off established trails, making it very difficult to see. The lynx is also an expert at “pressing,” meaning it can lie completely still and hide at close range from humans without being detected. It can live near settlements and cabins without anyone noticing. The lynx primarily hunts roe deer, hares, and small game, playing an important role in the ecosystem as a top predator.
Ungulates
Moose
The moose is Norway’s largest land mammal and is known as the “king of the forest.” Its long legs allow it to move easily through Østmarka’s forests, even in deep snow.
Roe Deer
Roe deer thrive in the summer with abundant access to herbs, leaves, and berries. In winter, they feed on twigs, heather, and whatever they can find under the snow, but deep snow can make it difficult for them to move and find food.
Red Deer
Red deer have become more common in Østmarka in recent years, although they are still less abundant than moose and roe deer. They are most active at dusk and during the night, preferring open forest areas and meadows. In winter, red deer often move to lower-lying areas where food is easier to find.
The Beaver’s Important Role in the Ecosystem
In the early 20th century, the beaver was extinct in Østmarka due to intensive hunting. In 1975, a change occurred when Sverre M. Fjelstad, a member of Oslo’s city council, proposed reintroducing the beaver. The proposal was quickly approved, and in late summer of the same year, two pairs of beavers were released in Østmarka’s core area. These pairs reproduced rapidly, and today, traces of Europe’s largest rodent can be seen at many waters in Østmarka.
The beaver plays an important role in nature by modifying the landscape around it. By building dams and canals, beavers create wetlands that provide habitats for many other species. These wetlands also help regulate water flow and improve water quality.
Birdlife
Østmarka hosts a diverse birdlife, especially in areas with old natural forest and dead wood, which provide good nesting sites and abundant food. Several species that are rare in more managed forests thrive here.
Galliformes
Hazel grouse, black grouse, and capercaillie can be found in the area.
Woodpeckers
Great spotted woodpecker and black woodpecker are common, while three-toed woodpecker, green woodpecker, lesser spotted woodpecker, and grey-headed woodpecker breed in varying numbers, depending on the availability of old trees and dead wood. The European wryneck prefers open forest.
Birds of Prey and Owls
Eurasian sparrowhawk, northern goshawk, common buzzard, peregrine falcon, and European honey buzzard breed in Østmarka, and white-tailed eagles are regularly seen. Golden eagles and sea eagles are occasionally observed. Among owls, the little owl and boreal owl are common breeders, while the tawny owl is rarer.
Small Birds
Østmarka has a rich small bird population, including coal tit, blue tit, crested tit, long-tailed tit, willow tit, great tit, and treecreeper. Nightjars are found in sparse pine forest, and common loons are observed at several lakes.
Plants and Vegetation Types
Østmarka has a rich and diverse plant life. Due to the varied topography, many different vegetation types can be found within relatively small areas.
Scots Pine Heath Forest is one of the most barren forest types, where the ground layer is dominated by lichens such as reindeer lichen and Iceland moss. The pines here grow slowly due to nutrient-poor soil.
Heather Pine Forest is another type, where heather blooms beautifully in purple among the pine trees. This forest type has slightly thicker and more nutrient-rich soil.
Moving down from the pine hills, one finds mixed coniferous forest with both pine and spruce. Here, blueberry and lingonberry shrubs grow, and the soil is moderately nutrient-rich.
In more fertile areas, blueberry spruce forest can be found, where blueberry shrubs may dominate. This is the most common vegetation type in Norwegian coniferous forests.
Østmarka is also home to small fern spruce forest, where small ferns such as bird’s-nest fern and hanging spleenwort adorn the forest floor along with white-flowered wood sorrel.
