Urban agroforestry

Multiple uses of forest
is a foundation for
Nordic settlements

agriculture VS forestry
civilisation VS wilderness

Idea:
investigate if agroforestry can be used to benefit ecosystem services in urban forest

approach

• Determine if agroforestry is reasonable within urban forests
• Investigate development in Northern latitudes
• Present potential in Östersund
• Literature review and excursions
• Making suggestions for locally adapted systems

Urban forest:

“... the forest that is near and within an urban area and whose main feature is that it is used by the agglomeration population.”


(Swedish Forest Agency, 2014)

“... recognize that the future of our globe will be won or lost in the cities of the world.”


(Copenhagen, 2009)

Ecosystem services:

Supporting
Provisioning
Regulating
Cultural

In urban forests
ecosystem services is a combination
of
general services from forest
and services from
urban green areas

Agroforestry:

“A dynamic, ecologically based, natural resource management system that, through integration of trees on farms and in the agricultural landscape, diversifies and sustains production and builds social institutions.”

(World Agroforestry Centre)

agroforestry in Sweden

• 1987
• Skogsträdgården på Holma [Holma Forest Garden]
• Agroforestry i MittSkåne [Agroforestry in MidScania]
• Agroforestry Väst [Agroforestry West]
• Örebro University

Some notes

• Forestry products are decreasing in economical significance
• Conventional agriculture is aim for environmental concern
• Bioregionalism is increasing
• Growing interest in urban farming
• Greening of cities is highlighted

Urban agroforestry can connect interests and increase use of green areas

high VS low intensity:

high → provisional
ecosystem services

low → cultural
ecosystem services

The purpose of the urban agroforestry system
must be defined, as it affects its components and construction

change in cultural ecosystem services value
+ change in other ecosystem services value

Östersund

• 1 100 hectare of urban forest
• Interest and trademarks in local food
• Historical use of summer pastures
• Northern system
• Demands frost resistance

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Lillsjöskogen

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Minnesgärde

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Lövbergaparken

Agrisilviculture

• Plantation of fruit trees instead of ornamental species
• Alley cropping along walking trails
• Plantations in forest edges
• Having vines growing on recreational structures
• Create better conditions for natural production

Silvopastoral System

• More requirements and maintenance
• Beekeeping
• Sheep and goats
• Cows
• Aquaculture

Suitable species

• Naturally occuring or garden-like
• Plants working as spice is easier to provide
• Seed prices, maintenance need and perennial growth

Why?

• More recreational possibilities and values
• Safeguard ecosystem services in urban forest
• Provide locally produced food
• General need for cooperation in urban forests
• More arguments for preservation

Agroforestry represents an interesting way of developing urban forests,
meaning a more versatile use of ecosystem services, while better preserving them

Urban agroforestry in Östersund should be focused on the social, recreational potential to be most successful

... by connecting outdoor recreation and local landscapes to the interest in artisan food

Keep the world green and growing!



Susanne Tellström
susanne.tellstrom@gmail.com