Forest management for the preservation of natural values
Forestry, meaning the felling of trees for commercial utilisation, is not practised on Ruissalo. Instead, certain small sites on the island are managed to preserve natural biodiversity and threatened species. For example, the branches of old lime trees that are in poor condition are cut to protect the rare East European hermit beetle. This ensures that the trees do not fall over during autumn storms and that the beetle larvae, which are dependent on decaying wood, have plenty of food and shelter available. The practice also protects other fungi and insect species that live in standing decaying trees. Norway spruces that threaten the renewal of English oaks by shading are also removed, as necessary. However, often the best form of forest management is simply letting the forest develop in peace.
