Photos trace Reykjavík’s transformation into a forested city

Photographs documenting Reykjavík’s forestry history will be displayed at an exhibition opening at Reykjavík City Hall during Culture Night, mbl.is reports.

The Reykjavík Forestry Association is the city’s guest for Culture Night and will host an open house at City Hall under the title “Shelter in the forest”. The exhibition, “From erosion banks to urban forests”, will run for two weeks and shows how Reykjavík has become greener over time.

Tree planting began in the late 19th century and expanded as the economy improved, access to tree seedlings increased and successful examples became more common. Public parks were also developed, while outdoor areas including Öskjuhlíð, Elliðaárdalur and Heiðmörk were cultivated.

Areas with little vegetation still exist within the city, but their number is declining.

“Land reclamation, tree planting and forestry in Reykjavík and its surroundings have changed the daily environment of the city’s residents. Instead of soil blowing over the city from Elliðavatnsheiði when the wind picks up, woodland now provides shelter and enjoyable opportunities for outdoor activities,” the Reykjavík Forestry Association said in a statement.

“The green areas we enjoy today are the result of the work begun by people many decades ago,” the statement said.