Nature

The forests on the Kivalo fells are suitable for research: while representing a highland forest typical of southern Lapland, the tree species, sites and altitude conditions vary forming an exceptionally rich natural environment. The soil is mainly till, and the forests are dominated by Norway spruce.

Photo: Metla/Risto Jalkanen Rautulampi

There are lush herb-rich forests and long, narrow bogs with rich grass-herb vegetation in the ravines between the fells.

Conditions on riverfronts are favourable for growth, whereas fell-top conditions cause many problems to tree planting and seeding. The majority of the fell-top forests are so-called climax forest, in which natural regeneration is weak due to a thick moss cover and an unfavourable microclimate.

Climax forests contain plenty of dead and decaying wood, which provides valuable habitats to several rare species of plants and organisms.

Photo: Metla/Risto Jalkanen