Sölvahraun past and present

Retrospective analysis of land reclamation efforts in the Sölvahraun lava field, spanning two decades, reveals significant progress in vegetation establishment. In 2003, the dominant plant species in the area was lyme grass, with loose pumice prominently visible amidst gravel mounds and lava rocks. However, a recent photograph taken on May 23rd of last spring from a comparable vantage point showcases a remarkable transformation. Young birch trees have now achieved substantial growth, indicating the success of revegetation efforts in the region.

Over the past two decades, the region has seen the distribution of both artificial fertilisers and bonemeal, as well as extensive birch planting. This has resulted in a largely intact ground cover and the stabilisation of the pumice. The birch trees are thriving, and several new plant species have appeared in the area that were not present 20 years ago. Trials of the native nitrogen-fixing species beach pea in these areas have shown promising outcomes.

Below are additional comparative images from Sölvahraun, further demonstrating the contrasts between the years 2003 and 2024. The photographs were captured by Magnús H. Jóhannsson, a specialist within the Research and Development division of Land and Forest Iceland.