Alnarps rehabiliteringsskog
ett gestalningsförslag
The understanding of the role of nature for rehabilitation of both physical and psychological
afflictions has greatly increased in the last few years. There?s a lot of science that describes
the healing effects of nature. The rehabilitation garden in Alnarp has contributed with very
positive results from the treatments of patients with burnout syndrome. In the first stages of
rehabilitation, the need for calm is very important and a demand-less and stress-free
environment is of essence. From this need rises a suggestion of a rehabilitation forest to be
planted in connection to the present gardens. The work process started with literature studies
concerning the subject which has been supplemented with phone calls, study visits and
lectures. The result has been presented to the chief of the gardens after meetings with the
supervisors whereupon the result has been adjusted. The forest area is inspired by the four
park characteristics the calm, the biodiverse, the wild and the spacious. The four
characteristics will together contribute to the right atmosphere for the first stages of
rehabilitation. The forest will consist of three different zones with a varied tree composition
and structure to attract as wide audience as possible. In the first zone, where the ground level
is at its lowest, a small lake will be constructed. The forest in this zone will be dominated by
alder, aspen and birch and the ground vegetation will be rich. The material from the lake
excavation will be used to construct a small hill in the middle of the area which will make a
fine resting place with easy access to the tree zones of the forest. Old fruit trees are left in the
second zone with a mixture of mostly aspen and birch. The forest will be bright with a lighter
canopy. In this part of the area, the ground level is at its highest and an artificial spring will
start the small stream that creeps down towards the lake. The third zone will be the most
mixed one with an even distribution among the species and will border to a small meadow
that slopes towards the lake. Generally the three zones have a fast growing canopy to fast get
the ?forest feeling?. The ?noble? broadleaves will grow into the canopy from below and the
fast growing trees can be taken out continuously for the desired structure and species
composition. Between the zones there will be transition zones where the composition in tree
species is mixed from both bordering zones to make as smooth transition as possible to avoid
the feeling of division. The forest is supposed to give the feeling of a rich and flourishing
grove, typical for southern Sweden. There will be a lot to se and smell to stimulate the senses.
The forest edge will be dense for a rich bird life and there will be plenty of flowers and
berries, both in bushes and trees.