Forests

The City of Hämeenlinna owns a significant forest estate of approximately 5,800 hectares. The forests are located within the city centre area, in various districts, and partly outside the city boundaries.

The city’s forests are multi-purpose forests, where the objectives of biodiversity, recreation, landscape, economy, and sustainable forest management are harmonised. The use and care of the forests are guided by a balanced, long-term perspective and supported by the forest programme approved in 2023, which considers the needs of both residents and the environment.

Forest Programme

The forest programme guides sustainable forest management so that it serves residents, nature, the climate, and the economy. The goal is a vibrant and multi-purpose forest where different needs are integrated.

The programme is based on four objectives: recreation, biodiversity, climate, and economy.

Recreation

Providing good and safe outdoor recreation opportunities in the forests. Usage is specifically considered in popular areas, and management work is communicated openly.

Biodiversity

Securing forest biodiversity by increasing conservation areas as well as the amount of deadwood and deciduous trees. Valuable habitats and ecological connections are preserved.

Climate

Strengthening forest carbon sinks and keeping forests healthy. Structural diversity is increased, afforestation is promoted, and forest damage is prevented.

Economy

Utilising forests sustainably so that harvesting does not exceed growth. Forest area is maintained, and a steady yield is ensured in the long term.

Firewood Sales

In 2025, we launched firewood sales as a pilot through a booking system. You can book and pay for a wood lot directly in the system.

We add lots for sale to the service as they are produced during forestry work. In the system, you can see the location of the wood piles, the price, and other details and terms.

The firewood consists mainly of small lots generated during the management of nearby forests. The number and location of available lots vary depending on where work is currently being carried out. We do not reserve firewood for specific locations or quantities in advance.

We sell the wood as long-logs by the roadside. Lots are priced on a case-by-case basis. The price is influenced by factors such as the location, size, and quality of the pile. We follow general market levels in our pricing.

Nature Services Work Programme

Work programme for nearby forests, showing ongoing or soon-to-begin work sites

Site	Type of work	Area, ha	Status
Paroisten raitti	thinning pre-clearing	1.2 1.2	winter 2026–2027
Jäniksenpuisto	selective felling young stand management	3,2	2026-2027
Ruununmylly	thinning	14	autumn–winter 2026–2027
Lammi/Tuulos
Hauho

Monitoring of Spruce Bark Beetle Damage

We monitor damage caused by the European spruce bark beetle and accept reports of sightings. Please notify us if you see signs of bark beetles in living trees, such as resin flow, entry holes, or wood dust at the base of the tree.

We remove dead trees, particularly near paths and other heavily used areas. This improves safety and prevents the spread of damage.

Seedling Stand Management

We carry out seedling stand management in forests across the city over an area of approximately 100 hectares. This management ensures that young forests grow to be healthy and better withstand future weather and pest risks.