About a third of Finland’s breeding birds are now considered endangered, and the population of seabirds has declined by 50 percent since the 1990s.
– If the trend continues, more species will disappear, says bird researcher Aleksi Lehikoinen.
Of Finland’s more than 250 bird species, 86 are estimated to be endangered and 34 near-threatened. Common species such as the chaffinch and the willow warbler have declined significantly, while the golden sparrow, for example, has not been seen nesting in the country for several years. Among breeding forest birds, five percent are thought to have disappeared since 1996, and among mountain birds the figure is minus 18 percent since the same year.
– We have more bird species whose populations are declining than those whose populations are increasing. We can speak of a loss of birds. If the trend continues, more species are in danger of disappearing, Aleksi Lehikoinen, one of Finland’s leading bird researchers, told the national newspaper Yle.
In the case of breeding farmland birds, populations have declined by 21%, with the ortolan bunting, for example, estimated to have declined by 99% since 1996. In the case of breeding marshland birds, the decline has been 23%, with species such as the Brent Goose and the Greenfinch being radically reduced.
“Birds are warning signals”
For seabirds, however, the figure is much higher, with an estimated 50% decline since the 1990s. About half of Finland’s waterbirds and wading birds are considered threatened. The brown duck, for example, has declined rapidly. One reason is thought to be that aquatic vegetation is becoming more monotonous and water bodies are being over-fertilized. The birds also have to compete with cyprinids for food.
Lehikoinen argues that a decrease in the number of birds indicates that nature is not doing well, for example, the decrease in the number of birds that eat insects may also mean a decrease in the number of insects, which in itself is harmful to ecosystems.
– I see birds as messengers. A canary that dies in a coal mine is a sign that humans are not doing well in the mine either. Birds are warning signals for us, says the researcher.
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Billions of face masks were used every month during the coronavirus crisis without being properly recycled. Now researchers are warning about the microplastics and hormone-disrupting chemicals released when the masks begin to break down in nature.
During the coronavirus crisis, a large portion of the world’s population was forced to use face masks to move around in society in the belief that it would reduce the risk of infection spread, something that authorities strongly claimed despite there being very weak support for that hypothesis. In many places, children were also required to wear face masks, despite experts warning that there could be health risks for young people wearing masks for extended periods, such as oxygen deficiency and brain damage.
In many countries it was a legal requirement with fines as a consequence, while in other countries it was implemented as a strong recommendation – such as in Sweden. After the coronavirus crisis, however, it has been proposed to introduce some form of “pandemic law” in Sweden where requirements for face masks would be included.
Although washable face masks began to be sold, disposable masks were the ones used most frequently, and in some countries, such as Austria and Germany, such masks were specifically required. However, it was quickly established that these surgical masks created environmental problems – in just 14 months, the number of discarded masks in nature had increased by 9,000 percent in a number of Western countries including Sweden.
Billions of masks every month
During the coronavirus crisis, an estimated 129 billion face masks made primarily of polypropylene and other plastics were used every month worldwide. Since there has been no recycling system, most have ended up in landfills or as litter in nature, and have begun to break down.
Researchers from the University of Coventry in Britain have investigated how many substances are released from face masks in water. They did this by leaving newly purchased masks of various types, which were used during the coronavirus crisis, in purified water for 24 hours. They then filtered the liquid to see what came out.
The results, which have been published in Environmental Pollution, show that all the examined face masks released microplastics. FFP2 and FFP3 masks leaked the most – that is, the face masks that were marketed as having the best protection against infection.
Hormone-disrupting substances
What worried the researchers most, however, was that the face masks also released bisphenol B, which is a hormone-disrupting chemical. Anna Bogush, who is one of the researchers behind the study, believes that the study underscores the urgent need to reconsider how we produce, use and dispose of face masks.
— We can’t ignore the environmental cost of single-use masks, especially when we know that the microplastics and chemicals they release can negatively affect both people and ecosystems, she tells The Guardian and continues:
— As we move forward, it’s vital that we raise awareness of these risks, support the development of more sustainable alternatives and make informed choices to protect our health and the environment.
Last year, a record amount of pesticides containing PFAS was sold. The Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (Naturskyddsföreningen) warns that a large share of these “forever chemicals” now risks leaking into the groundwater.
Within Swedish agriculture, sales of pesticides containing forever chemicals have increased markedly in recent years, according to a compilation by the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation based on figures from the Swedish Chemicals Agency (Kemikalieinspektionen). Last year, 76 tons were sold, compared to 47 tons five years earlier.
— This is a very alarming development, says Karin Lexén, Secretary General of the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, to TT.
In Sweden, 19 active substances that are PFAS are used in approved pesticides. According to the Society for Nature Conservation, the 76 tons of pesticides sold last year could result in more than 25 tons of TFA (trifluoroacetic acid) ending up in groundwater. Denmark recently decided to ban six PFAS agents in a total of 23 products, citing that they break down into TFA.
Harm to fetuses
TFA has been shown in studies to cause damage to fetuses and also affect reproductive capacity. Like many other PFAS substances, they are very difficult to break down. In Sweden, PFAS agents are primarily used to combat late blight on potatoes, against weeds, and also insects that damage crops. However, Lexén believes Sweden should follow Denmark’s example and ban TFA substances.
— I understand that you need some time to adapt, but at the same time it’s incredibly alarming that sales are increasing and that we see PFAS spreading in the environment as it does. Therefore, Sweden should follow Denmark’s example, says Lexén.
The agricultural organization LRF (Federation of Swedish Farmers) argues that as long as plant protection products are approved for use in Sweden, they should be considered safe.
— The only reasonable approach, as we see it, is that we follow what authorities, research and development show. As long as they say things are safe, we feel secure, says Fredrik Andersson, board member of LRF’s federal board.
After ten years of decline, Sweden’s moose population is increasing, according to the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). This means that more moose can be shot during this year’s moose hunting season, but despite the increase, the moose may still be red-listed as a threatened species.
In 2012, Sweden introduced new moose management policies aimed at finding compromises between different interests and setting population targets. The moose is often seen as a national symbol of Sweden and is one of the most important animals for hunting. At the same time, they cause wildlife accidents, often with fatal outcomes, and damage forests – according to SLU.
Every five years, the Species Information Centre at SLU compiles a red list of species considered threatened. SLU has also been calculating changes in the moose population since 2021. As recently as last year, researchers believed that the species had declined so significantly that it would risk being red-listed in the next compilation, scheduled for this year. This was due to the moose population decreasing in large parts of the country over the past ten years.
More hunters abstain
Now the population has increased, according to the latest report from SLU. Before last autumn’s hunt, Sweden had approximately 300,000 moose, representing an increase of about ten percent compared to the previous year.
One reason, according to the report, is that more and more hunters have refrained from shooting some of the moose they encounter. In particular, they have avoided shooting cows that are expected to give birth to next year’s calves.
– It’s naturally expected that the moose population increases if we shoot fewer moose. But it’s important to find out by how much, and to try to understand why hunters no longer seem to comply with shooting targets, says Fredrik Widemo, university lecturer at SLU and coordinator of the moose research project, in a press release.
May still be red-listed
This means that for this year’s hunt, which began this week, more moose can be shot than last year. This year, 72,328 moose may be shot in the country, an increase of just over 9,000 moose compared to last year.
Despite the increase, the moose may still be red-listed, but the preliminary proposal is to place it in the red list’s lowest category as “near threatened”.
Despite the end of summer, there is still plenty to pick when it comes to edible plants.Heather grows in the forest, which according to Swedish folklore should not be brought into the home, but which can be effective against gastritis.A common lawn weed that grows in the autumn also contains a lot of nutrients.
As summer turns to autumn, much of the Swedish vegetation begins to wither as the heat fades. However, there are a lot of herbs and other plants that grow into autumn, and also a lot to pick all year round in both forests and fields.
The article was originally published in The Nordic Times on September 14, 2024.
Sweden’s “right of public access” (allemansrätten) allows people to pick many plants, mushrooms and berries in the country’s forests and fields. Remember, however, that one needs the landowner’s permission to pick the fruits of trees and certain other plants. Also, never pick more than you need, and remember that many plants are food for other animals.
One thing that is always important is to never eat anything you are unsure about, as many of the country’s plants can actually be very poisonous.
Chickweed (Stellaria media)
Harvested: All year round
This herb is a very common weed and grows mainly in gardens throughout the country. It grows in large stands and has egg-shaped leaves with small white flowers. It can also be recognized by the hairs on one side of the stem. In Sweden, it is the most common herbaceous weed.
It has many different names, but is most commonly called chickweed because it is often eaten by birds. It is also called fat grass and reed grass.
You can eat its leaves, flowers, shoots and stems. It is rich in carbohydrates and protein with a good amino acid composition. The herb also has a high content of ascorbic acid, i.e. vitamin C. The leaves also contain minerals and trace elements such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, copper, magnesium, iron and zinc. It is also said to be rich in antioxidants. In short, it has a high nutritional content compared to other green plants.
The plant is often used raw in salads where you can mix in the whole plant, flowers and all. It is also said to be great for making pesto. The flavor is described as mild, grassy and spinachy. It is best to cut the tops and avoid getting the slightly coarser parts of the stalk further down. It should also be good to fry in butter and then flavor with salt, lemon and nutmeg.
The chickweed is said to be expectorant and therefore good for coughs. It has also been used to treat rheumatic pain, kidney problems, hemorrhoids and asthma. It is also said to have been used in folk medicine to bandage wounds. The leaves also have a moisturizing mucilage that makes it effective against sunburn or eczema, for example.
Chickweed. Photo: Harry Rose/CC BY 2.0
Hairy bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta)
Harvested: March to November
This herb, often considered a weed, grows along the coastal strip up to the central parts of Sweden. It grows in various places such as forest edges, rock outcrops and gravel fields. It flowers in spring, but continues to grow until November. It is paired at the base and then has up to seven pairs of small leaves, as well as some hairy stem leaves and white flowers. It can be easily confused with other brambles, but all in the genus are edible.
The flavor is mildly peppery and you can eat the leaves, flowers, seeds and shoots. It can be used raw in salads, but also in soups or stews. However, it can lose some of its flavor if cooked, so it’s best to add it towards the end. The seeds can be used as a spice.
It contains some carbohydrates and proteins, but also potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc. It is also said to have antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antioxidant properties.
Traditionally, it has been used for inflamed hemorrhoids, coughs, whooping cough and indigestion. It is also used to make a paste that can be applied to wounds.
Hairy bittercress. Photo: Andreas Rockstein/CC BY-SA 2.0
Heather (Calluna vulgaris)
Harvested: July to October
Autumn heather, as it can also be called, is a dwarf shrub found throughout the country. It often grows in poor soil on moors, in sparse forests, pine bogs and rocky ground. Heather grows to a height of between 20 and 80 centimeters, has coniferous leaves and light purple flowers. It can be confused with the bell heather, but it has urn-shaped flowers instead.
Heather is a common decorative plant, especially in autumn and winter. It is also the landscape flower of Västergötland.
According to Skogsskafferiet, you can eat the stem, flower and leaves of heather. The plant is mainly used as a herbal tea, which is said to have a calming and anaesthetic effect. It is also said to be effective against gastritis, in which case the tea should be taken 30 minutes before meals. Traditionally, heather has also been used for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is also said to be used to make an infusion of heather and to bathe wounds. Drinking heather tea can also provide relief from urinary tract infections.
The name “Calluna” comes from the Greek kallyno, meaning “to beautify”. According to Swedish folklore, however, it was not a good idea to bring heather into the home as an ornament, writes Sydved. It could lead to both poverty and death, according to the saying: “Pick heather – die young”. On the other hand, the seeds could be used to enrich flour and the roots were used to make baskets. The plant is also said to have been used for coloring yellow and brown.
Heather. Photo: Tero Karppinen/CC BY 2.0
Daisy (Bellis perennis)
Harvested: March to November
It grows on many lawns and pastures, but mainly in southern and central Sweden. They flower almost all year round. The flowers are usually white, but sometimes with pink radius and yellow disk floret.There are also several cultivated varieties in different colors, but the most common is red.
They resemble ox-eye daisies (leucanthemum vulgaris) commonly known as prästkrage in Sweden, but are smaller in size. Daisies also grow closer to the ground and often form “carpets” of flowers, while ox-eye daisies often grow higher up with one flower per stem.
Both flowers and leaves are edible. They can be used in salads and the flowers can be sprinkled on any dish. The flower petals can also be used as sprinkles or instead of coconut on chocolate balls.
In folk medicine, it has been used to treat fever and as an expectorant for coughs. It has also been used to treat eczema and fungus. The stems contain a sap that is said to have been effective against pimples.
The daisy. Montage. Foto: New York State IPM Program at Cornell University, Conall/CC BY 2.0
