Biofore Magazine 2022

40

THROUGH THE L ENS

thrive in forests with a wide range of tree ages and diversity, and with suitable forest gaps. Forests that are popular with pollinators and other insects have a variety of hardwood trees, which is why Turunen recommends leaving thinnings and end-cuts on the forest floor in the form of cover. Reserve trees can be allowed to mature, die and, over time, turn into decaying wood. “It’s also a good idea to leave the trimmed treetops in place as groundwood,” Turunen explains. A thriving insect population andmeasures to promote forest well-be ing are not only commonplace in Harviala, but also in other UPM for ests. The farms follow a biodiversity programme and forest health is regularly monitored. One of the key objectives is to double the amount of broadleaved trees growing in the company’s own forests. Promoting forest biodiversity is not only important for nature; it also helps forests adapt to a changing climate – and tiny insects are a big help.

The vapourer moth (Orgyia antiqua) lives in water holes, on the forest edge and in grasslands, among other places. The adults do not eat anything but gather all their energy as caterpillars (pictured), making the leaves of willows and many other trees suitable for consumption.

Up to a quarter of Finland’s forest species depend on decaying wood – up to 80-90% of these organisms are fungi and insects.