"It was the Scouts that sparked my interest in forests and nature. That passion grew even more when I attended a high school in Åre to study mountain environments and outdoor life," Gunnar explains.
The Dream of Becoming a Forest Manager
Gunnar has always known that working with forests was an option, especially since his grandfather owns a forest in Småland. However, it wasn’t until he began exploring different educational paths that he found his calling.
"I knew forestry careers existed, but I had no idea about the range of opportunities in the field. When I started researching, I came across the Forest and Landscape program, and it felt like the perfect fit. It’s close to Helsingborg, and it’s one of the paths to becoming a forest manager," he says.
As a future forest manager, Gunnar dreams of working with sustainable forestry. He wants to help the industry find better ways to balance timber production with preserving biodiversity.
"My vision is to integrate continuous-cover forestry methods into Swedish forestry. It’s still a relatively new approach, but I believe it has great potential to make forestry more sustainable," he shares.
A Unique Program Combining Forests and Landscapes
What drew Gunnar to the Forest and Landscape program was its comprehensive approach, offering students both forestry and landscape perspectives.
"The unique aspect of the program is that you gain insights into both forestry and land-use planning. The forestry side focuses on production and timber harvesting, while the landscape side emphasizes planning and designing areas like parks or recreational spaces. It provides a broad understanding that’s invaluable when making decisions about land use in the future," he explains.
One of Gunnar’s favorite courses explores the history and future of Swedish forestry. He also values the program’s practical orientation, which gives a glimpse into professional life.
"Right now, we’re taking a GIS course where we use satellite imagery to analyze changes in forestry over time. For example, we can compare maps from the 1800s with today’s forests to see how land use has evolved. It’s fascinating," he says.
A Campus with a Focus on Sustainability
For Gunnar, who has always been interested in nature and the environment, studying on a campus where sustainability is part of daily life is inspiring.
"It’s great to be here, where many people are conscious of environmental issues. Many buy second-hand, use public transport, and think about their carbon footprint. You can see how the education influences how we view the world," he says.
In his free time, Gunnar plays the trumpet, but forests and the environment are always on his mind. He looks forward to continuing his studies and eventually contributing to a forestry industry that is in harmony with nature.
