Table 23.1 - Overview of significant and potentially negative environmental impacts of forestry

Source: EEA-TF, ERM

Forestry practices Water Soil Landscapes Nature and wildlife
Wood production: 
Planting Accumulation of litter from acidifying tree species -> soil acidification -> groundwater acidification Accumulation of litter from acidifying tree species -> soil acidification Uniform planting -> major changes in form, colour and texture arising from sharp boundaries of evergreen forest stands Plantation of monoculture and introduced tree species -> uniformity, loss of biodiversity
Cultivation of productive water-demanding tree species reducing groundwater availability
Clear felling Bare land after clear felling -> water erosion -> increased sediment and organic matter loads -> eutrophication, sedimentation Bare land after clear felling -> wind and water erosion Large clearances -> scarred landscapes If dead/decaying wood removed -> loss of plant and animal species which depend on this -> loss of biodiversity
Use of vehicles -> compaction
Sudden decrease in water demand following clear felling -> waterlogging
Draining Lowering of groundwater level reducing water availability Oxidation of organic soils -> acid-sulphate formation -> soil acidification Drying of land causing changes in plant communities and hence landscape Lowering of water table -> loss of wet forests and wetlands high in biodiversity
Oxidation of organic soils -> soil acidification -> groundwater acidification
Weeding, cleaning, thinning Use of herbicides -> groundwater pollution Increased frequency of vehicle use -> erosion, compaction Removal of greenery -> uniformity Removal of understorey, an important habitat for many animal species -> loss of biodiversity
Pesticide and fertiliser application Leaching of applied substances -> groundwater pollution Fertilisation in waterlogged conditions -> denitrification -> greenhouse gas emission -> contribution to climate change Changes in plant communities and hence landscapes Release of chemical pesticides -> poisoning of non-target species
Fertiliser applications -> changes in plant communities
Heavy machinery use Soil erosion -> increased sediment load in surface waters Increased frequency of vehicle use ->soil compaction and erosion   Increased frequency of vehicle use -> disturbance of wildlife
Oil leakage/spills -> water pollution Oil leakage/spills -> soil pollution
Soil sealing -> increased runoff, decreased infiltration to groundwater
Recreation: Increased use of water -> reduction of water availability and pollution through effluent from tourist centres, camping grounds, etc Trampling leading to erosion and compaction Infrastructure development (access roads, recreation centres, etc) -> changes in landscape Increased number of visitors in forests -> wildlife disturbance
Recreational infrastructure development -> increased groundwater abstraction affecting tree growth
Hunting:  Soil contamination from lead pellets Reduced access to forest at hunting periods Removal of some animal species (eg, wolf, bear, lynx) from original range -> loss of biodiversity
Selection of hunted species to other species detriment -> loss of biodiversity
Poisoning of avifauna from lead pellets
Damage from overstocked game
Grazing and browsing: Overdensity of grazing/browsing animals -> soil erosion and compaction -> increased sediment load, decreased infiltration to groundwater Overdensity of grazing/browsing animals -> soil erosion and compaction Overdensity of grazing/browsing animals -> erosion and changes in landscape Overgrazing and browsing (overpopulation of game) animals -> damage to young plants, trees and habitats