How Iceland Is Regrowing Forests Destroyed by the Vikings
Discover how Iceland is working to restore its forests after Viking-era devastation and centuries of erosion.
Centuries ago, Iceland was blanketed with lush, native birch forests, supporting a vibrant ecosystem and protecting some of the world’s youngest soils. When Norse settlers—most famously known as the Vikings—arrived in the late 9th century, they encountered a densely wooded, uninhabited North Atlantic island. Over the next hundred years, human settlement and the demands of livestock transformed this landscape nearly beyond recognition. Today, a concerted national effort is underway to reverse that destruction, rehabilitate the environment, and bring Iceland’s forests back to life.
The Lost Forests of Iceland: From Woodland to Barren Land
At the time of Norse settlement, studies suggest that around 25% to 40% of Iceland was covered in forests, dominated by downy birch (Betula pubescens), willow, and aspen trees. This natural woodland ecosystem stabilized the soil, provided vital resources, and harbored diverse plant and animal life.
- When Vikings settled in Iceland, they rapidly cleared vast tracts of forest, driven by a need for timber and to create grazing land for sheep and cattle.
- Trees were cut down for housing, boatbuilding, and firewood; lands were burned to create new pastures.
- Sheep introduced by settlers fed on young saplings, drastically slowing any potential natural reforestation.
Within just a century, nearly 97% of these original forests were gone. By the modern era, less than 0.5% of the land remained forested, making Iceland one of the least wooded countries in Europe.
Deforestation’s Environmental Toll: Soil Erosion & Desertification
Few places on Earth have seen such dramatic post-settlement environmental change. The combination of volcanic soils, intensive grazing, and catastrophic tree loss made Iceland’s landscape uniquely vulnerable to erosion and desertification.
- Volcanic ash and loose soil, once anchored by root networks, became susceptible to strong winds and frequent storms.
- With little vegetation cover, up to 40% of Iceland’s nutrient-rich soil was lost to erosion, severely compromising agriculture and water retention.
- Grazing pressures kept tree seedlings and native grasses from regenerating, leaving much of the countryside barren and prone to sandstorms.
- In some regions, entire villages were buried by moving sands.
The absence of forests also had indirect effects on climate, carbon storage, and water quality—a cascade of ecological consequences that became increasingly evident as Iceland’s population grew.
Soil Conservation: The First Step to Recovery
Efforts to repair the damage began more than a century ago. Recognizing their country’s ecological fragility, Icelanders founded the Soil Conservation Service of Iceland (SCSI) in 1907, one of the world’s oldest such agencies.
- SCSI works to stop desertification and actively restores vegetation using a combination of native plants, fencing, and managed grazing.
- Early strategies included planting invasive lupine to quickly stabilize loose soil, although recent projects favor native grasses and birch seedlings for long-term restoration.
- Stone walls, fencing, and collaboration with local farmers help reduce the impact of livestock browsing on regenerating landscapes.
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Birch Forest Restoration: Methods and Strategies
Restoring Iceland’s original forests is a complex, long-term project involving science, government policy, and local partnerships. The main approaches include:
- Direct planting: Native birch, aspen, and willow trees are grown in nurseries and transplanted to degraded sites, often protected by fencing.
- Natural regeneration: In some areas, simply excluding sheep allows remnant birch stands to slowly spread via seed and suckers.
- Foreign species: To accelerate cover in exposed regions, some reforestation programs introduced Lodgepole pine or Sitka spruce. However, recent policy emphasizes native species for greater biodiversity and resilience.
- Community involvement: Farmers, schoolchildren, and volunteers participate in tree planting events—spreading knowledge and helping foster pride in the nation’s environmental stewardship.
- Soil amendments: Fertilizers, mulches, and protective mats are sometimes used to give young seedlings a fighting chance in Iceland’s harsh environment.
The Icelandic Forest Service: Coordinating a Greener Future
The Icelandic Forest Service (IFS) leads many of the nation’s major woodland regeneration projects. Since the 1950s, the IFS has managed planting, education, and land management initiatives with a vision to quadruple the area under forest cover.
- IFS collaborates closely with landowners, environmental organizations, and international partners, including the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
- The IFS headquarters manages nurseries, demonstration sites, and public engagement campaigns to build national consensus around reforestation goals.
- Despite resource constraints and Iceland’s remote geography, their collective efforts have significantly expanded tree cover since 1990—the woodland area has grown approximately fourfold, now accounting for about 2% of the country.
| Period | Forested Area (%) | Major Events |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Viking Settlement (around 900 CE) | 25–40% | Birch woodlands dominate |
| ~1000–1100 CE | <3% | Vikings clear forests for grazing, fuel, building |
| 1950 | 0.5% | Forestry efforts begin, SCSI active |
| 2020 | ~2% | Reforestation quadruples wooded area |
Facing Natural Challenges: Volcanic Eruptions, Climate, and Grazing
Even with focused intervention, Iceland’s geography makes large-scale woodland recovery difficult.
- Volcanic activity: Eruptions intermittently cover the land in ash and lava, resetting reforestation progress.
- Harsh climate: Short growing seasons, cold temperatures, and wind exposure challenge young trees.
- Ongoing sheep grazing: Sheep remain a vital part of Icelandic tradition and agriculture, but their numbers and grazing patterns often conflict with forest regrowth objectives.
Despite these obstacles, lessons learned from early reforestation efforts—such as the limits of introducing non-native species and the need for erosion-resistant native plants—are helping practitioners design better, more sustainable approaches today.
Why Reforest? The Environmental Benefits
- Soil stabilization: Root systems prevent further erosion and restore arable land.
- Water retention: Forests trap more water, reducing floods and improving quality.
- Carbon sequestration: Expanding tree cover helps Iceland fight climate change by absorbing atmospheric CO2.
- Biodiversity: Woodlands provide essential habitat for birds, insects, and native flora.
- Community well-being: Green spaces boost mental health and national identity, connecting present generations to Iceland’s rich ecological history.
Community Involvement and Shifting Attitudes
Once seen as a barren, unchangeable condition, the loss of forests is now recognized as a reversible mistake—if the nation commits to long-term restoration. Icelanders’ pride in this renewal is growing:
- Tree planting days have become an annual event, drawing citizens of all ages.
- Education campaigns introduce children to the science and value of woodland ecology.
- Landowners are offered incentives and technical guidance to turn their degraded pasture into future birch woodlands.
Public support, international partnerships, and the integration of traditional and scientific knowledge are proving vital in regaining what was lost.
The Path Ahead: A Vision for 2100
Restoring an ancient forest is a task that unfolds over generations. While current goals are modest compared to the pre-settlement landscape, experts view every woodland as a living experiment in resilience.
- By 2100, Iceland aims to increase total forest and woodland cover significantly, though natural regrowth will always be limited by geography and climate.
- Research continues into the best tree species, planting techniques, and landscape management strategies for maximizing both ecological and economic benefit.
- Ongoing challenges—such as balancing grazing rights with forest expansion—require cooperation from all sectors of Icelandic society.
The Icelandic reforestation experience offers valuable lessons to countries worldwide facing similar challenges of historical deforestation, erosion, and climate change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How much of Iceland was forested before the Vikings?
A: About 25% to 40% of Iceland was covered by native birch forests before Norse settlement.
Q: What caused the forests to disappear?
A: Forest loss was driven by Norse settlers who cleared land for grazing, harvested timber, and burned trees. Sheep grazing further prevented regrowth.
Q: What are the biggest challenges to regrowing Iceland’s forests?
A: Volcanic soils, a harsh northern climate, ongoing sheep grazing, and centuries of soil erosion create major obstacles for large-scale woodland recovery.
Q: What types of trees are being replanted?
A: The focus is on native birch, as well as willow and aspen. Some non-native conifers have been tried for faster coverage, but current emphasis is on native species.
Q: How has the public responded to reforestation efforts?
A: Community support has grown markedly, with widespread participation in planting days, education, and local partnerships driving ongoing progress.
Conclusion
Iceland’s journey to restore its ancient forests is a moving story of resilience, science, and commitment. What was once written off as irreversible damage is now yielding to decades of patient work by foresters, scientists, and everyday citizens. As forest cover gradually expands, the country is repairing its soils, renewing lost ecosystems, and passing on a greener legacy for future generations.
References
- https://phys.org/news/2019-07-iceland-trees-razed-vikings.html
- https://www.green.earth/blog/iceland-regrowing-forests-destroyed-vikings
- https://commons.erau.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1081&context=student-works
- https://www.mossy.earth/projects/reforesting-iceland
- https://landlifecompany.com/en-us/updates/lost-vikings-hungry-sheep-and-volcanic-soil
- https://www.optimistdaily.com/2017/10/how-iceland-is-regrowing-forests-destroyed-by-the-vikings/
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