Småbrukarkultur i björkskogsregionen : historiska bilder från Jämtlands län

Abstract

In the Swedish mountains there are three different vegetation zones, the prealpine, subalpine and bare mountain. Between the prealpine zone, where the coniferous forest ends, and the bare mountain, there is the subalpine zone, or birch forest region. This work is based on an archival study, where a description and an analysis of historical photographs are made, in order to gain a deeper knowledge of how previous generations' use has shaped the cultural landscape of the Jämtland birch forest region. As a starting point for the collection of image material, various digital archives were visited. A selection of 33 photographs were made based on relevant parameters in cultural landscapes. With the help of a table, a summary was created from the cultural elements that could be deduced from each photo. The result of my research shows that human land use in the mountain birch forest region has taken place for many years not only on the inland but also on the outlands through grazing, agriculture and herding. Shepherding played a crucial role in the livelihood of these areas and was the basis for the increasing number of grazing animals. Winter fodder was the basis for the maintenance and sustenance of the animals and was gathered on the inland and outland areas through leaf harvesting, marsh mowing, and mowing in the forest and in the fenced-in pasture. In hay harvesting operations, haystacks, stacks and meadow barns were important elements in both inland and outland areas for drying and storing the hay. The fences were important in both inland and outland areas to protect the hayfields from animals. The land was also used as arable land for the production of products other than hay, such as potatoes.