The total area for felling notifications and applications reached 22,721 hectares in December 2024, an 18% increase compared to the five-year average for December and a 12% increase compared to the ten-year average. Applications for montane forest felling permits alone represented 3,154 hectares, a sharp rise from 392 hectares in December 2023, according to the Swedish Forest Agency.
Regionally, all areas experienced increases in felling notifications and applications. Northern Norrland saw a 115% rise, adding 3,587 hectares, and Southern Norrland recorded a 44% increase, equivalent to 1,771 hectares. In Svealand and Götaland, the increases were 27% (1,040 hectares) and 5% (269 hectares), respectively.
While the December statistics highlight significant growth, total felling notifications for 2024 declined by 6% to 245,473 hectares compared to 2023. Notifications for montane forests also fell from 12,533 hectares in 2023 to 9,115 hectares in 2024. Regional data show decreases in Northern Norrland (-12%), Svealand (-11%), and Götaland (-10%), while Southern Norrland experienced a 9% increase.
Compared to the five-year national average, the total 2024 notifications represent an 8% decrease and a 9% drop relative to the ten-year average.
