The history of the forest and nature technician profession
From forest felling to modern nature management
As a forest and nature technician you work in the middle of nature with a trade that has roots in centuries of forestry. People have always used forests for timber and fuel — today the work is about both harvesting and caring for nature.
§The forest's path through time
Previously, forestry was hard physical work with hand tools. Over time came the chainsaw and machines, and the view of the forest changed: from pure raw material extraction to more holistic care of both forest and nature.
| Period | Development. |
|---|---|
| Earlier times | Forest felling with hand tools and draught power |
| 1900-tallet | Chainsaw and machines change forest work |
| Sen 1900-tal | Greater focus on sustainable forest management |
| Modern times | Nature management and biodiversity become central tasks |
| Today | Broad education with forestry, nature management and machinery work |
§From exploitation to care
Where the forest was once mostly seen as a source of timber, there is today also a focus on nature management, wildlife management and caring for animal and plant life. You work both with harvesting and with protecting.
§The craft today.
You learn to plant and fell trees, care for natural areas, manage wildlife, and operate machines. It's a versatile trade with outdoor work in all kinds of weather, where you see the result of your work in the landscape.
“The one who works in the forest often plants trees others must harvest — it requires patience and consideration.”