CLIMATE ACTION IN FINLAND
Hesburger has been involved in climate action projects in three locations in Finland: Kankaanpää (Satakunta), Reisjärvi (Northern Ostrobothnia) and Rautalampi (Northern Savonia).
- Kankaanpää: more than 16,000 seedlings planted in 2026
- Rautalampi: more than 10,000 seedlings planted in 2025
- Reisjärvi: more than 15,000 seedlings planted in 2023
Kankaanpää
The Kankaanpää area consists of former peatland agricultural fields. In spring 2026, 710 Scots pine and 710 Norway spruce seedlings were planted per hectare, along with 202 black alder seedlings per hectare.
The total area is 12.5 hectares, of which 9.91 hectares is agricultural land designated for planting. The area also includes approximately 1.5 hectares of existing forest and a one-hectare wetland, which was left untouched to enhance biodiversity.
The plantations will be inspected and replanted during the first two years if significant damage is detected. The first thinning of competing vegetation will be carried out approximately 5–7 years after planting. At the same time, naturally regenerated broadleaved trees, such as birch, rowan and alder, as well as smaller amounts of willow, will be retained to support biodiversity in the area.
Rautalampi
The Rautalampi area consists of former mineral-soil agricultural land that is being converted from agricultural use to forest. The fields had been used for grass cultivation for several years.
The land-use change and the preparatory measures required for planting the tree seedlings — including the removal of grass vegetation, soil preparation and fertilisation — were carried out in spring 2025. The area of agricultural land designated for planting in Rautalampi is 5.67 hectares.
Reisjärvi
The Reisjärvi area consists of former agricultural land with deep peat soil that is being converted from agricultural use to forest. In autumn 2023, the area was prepared and approximately 1,000 Scots pine and 1,000 Norway spruce seedlings were planted per hectare.
The area of the agricultural field designated for planting in Reisjärvi is 7.59 hectares. The growth of the seedlings and the development of surrounding vegetation are monitored regularly to ensure that competing vegetation that may hinder the growth of the seedlings is removed.
The first thinning of competing vegetation will be carried out approximately 5–7 years after planting. Broadleaved trees that have naturally regenerated in the area will be retained to promote biodiversity.
A 99-YEAR COMMITMENT
A long-term forest management plan with a minimum 99-year commitment is implemented in line with climate forestry recommendations. Management measures are chosen to support the optimal climate impact pathway, except in cases of forest damage or risk prevention. The plan also supports biodiversity protection. The project continuously incorporates the latest research on forest carbon sequestration and biodiversity, and the management plan is updated accordingly.