It is hypothesised that the recent heatwave in Oslo, Norway, may have been intensified by the decrease in the city's tree population in recent years, potentially increasing the effects of solar radiation. As a result, city officials are focusing on projects aimed at improving urban vegetation and expanding green spaces.

Bone meal distribution in Árnes and Rangárvallasýsla counties' land reclamation projects has proven successful this year, covering 736 hectares. In select areas, birch seed was incorporated with the bone meal to accelerate reclamation.

The Land Reclamation Association of Biskupstungur (Landgræðslufélag Biskupstungna) celebrated its 30th anniversary last year. Early initiatives focused on experimental hay bale erosion control techniques to stabilise erosion scarps and promote new vegetation growth. Documentary footage of these projects provides valuable historical context.

Land and Forest Iceland recently hosted a productive visit from a group of Irish agronomy students who undertook reclamation work in Hítardalur.

Rapidly increasing land degradation is leading to a rapid loss of soil quality and biodiversity, with significant negative consequences for human health worldwide. All three major environmental threats must be addressed if humanity is to have a future on Earth.

Four division head positions at Land and Forest have now been filled following an open recruitment process announced in December. A new organisational structure came into effect at the institution at the turn of the year.

The Forest Encouragement Award will be awarded for the second time on the 21st of March, the International Day of Forests. The three nominations for the award can be cast until 10 March.

Early thinning in farm forests increased over the past year, and thinning work is continuing this January due to favourable weather conditions across the country. At the same time, Icelandic forest farmers planted more than two million trees during the year.

Today, 2 February, marks World Wetlands Day. The protection and restoration of wetlands is one of the Icelandic government’s key measures in climate action, and preparations are underway for a wetland restoration initiative on state-owned land under the management of Land and Forest Iceland.

Land and Forest Iceland is seeking a Specialist to join its Climate Accounting Team. Application ends October 20th 2025.