The Guardian of Generations

In the heart of the Sävidsbo Forest in southern Sweden, where pine and birch trees rise in quiet rhythm, Bertil Svensson tends a piece of land that’s been in his family for more than ten generations. Some say it goes back even further. What’s certain is that Bertil carries with him a legacy of care; for the land, the trees, and the life that depends on them. 

For most of his life, Bertil was a farmer. But alongside the fields, the forest always called. Over the decades, he has grown into both roles - farmer and forester - with a deep respect for balance. His approach is rooted in a Swedish philosophy: bruka utan att förbruka - to use without depleting. 

His bond with the forest was forged early. As a child, he followed his father, a botanist, through the undergrowth, learning to read the language of the land. But it was the great storm of 1969, which tore through the forest and left devastation in its wake, that marked a turning point. In the aftermath, Bertil and his uncle worked shoulder to shoulder to restore the woods. 

That was the beginning, he says. That was when I understood the forest must be cared for like something living. Because it is. 

The birds tell the story 

Over the years, Bertil has come to see the forest not just as a source of timber, but as a living, breathing system - an insight shaped in part by a book that changed his perspective: Silent Spring by Rachel Carson. “She opened my eyes,” he says. “No birds were singing in her story. Everything was poisoned.” That stayed with him. 

Birds, to Bertil, are more than creatures of beauty; they are messengers of balance. As a lifelong birdwatcher, he sees them as indicators of forest health. “You can tell the state of a forest in a second,” he says. “Look at the birds. Listen. They’ll tell you how the forest is doing.” 

He watches them season after season: small woodland songbirds flitting through the canopy, woodpeckers drumming against old trunks, and higher up the chain, the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus): a personal favorite. “It’s the fastest bird in the world,” he says proudly. “Strong, sharp, living at the top of the pyramid. If it’s here, it means things are in balance.” Every year, he visits a nearby lake to observe a nesting pair. He and local conservationists sometimes band the chicks, tracking their movements and health over time. 

Through it all, Bertil continues to manage his FSC-certified forest with care. Certification means following strict environmental and social standards; protecting biodiversity, maintaining water quality, and ensuring that harvesting is done responsibly. It’s not a stamp, but a system - a way of working that aligns with Bertil’s lifelong philosophy: sustainability isn’t a trend, it’s a responsibility. 

A quiet hero of responsible forestry 

Bertil’s care for the forest extends beyond his own land. As a member of Södra, Sweden’s largest forest owner association, he’s part of a wider network of forest owners who share his commitment to sustainability. Södra holds FSC certification, ensuring its forestry practices meet high environmental and social standards. For Bertil, being part of this community is a way to stay connected, share knowledge, and help promote responsible forest management on a larger scale.  

Forests aren’t just ours, he says. They belong to the future.

Bertil Svensson may not seek the spotlight, but his work speaks volumes. In a time when forests face unprecedented threats, he stands as a testament to what it means to truly care for the land. He is one of the unsung heroes of responsible forestry, proving that a single steward, armed with knowledge, patience, and respect for nature, can shape the future of our forests for generations to come.

Click on the image below to meet more passionate individuals working in FSC-certified forests, and discover how they’re helping shape a more resilient future for forests and communities alike.