Food forest

A new place for learning, community and sustainable food production in Skyttorp

Society is facing major challenges linked to climate change, loss of biodiversity and increasing ill health. At the same time, there is a need for more open and inclusive meeting places that strengthen community and faith in the future. Skyttorp is a commuter community with few social venues, and here the association Skyttorps skogsträdgård sees an opportunity to create a new gathering point.

During the years 2022–2023, an extensive feasibility study was carried out with study visits, lectures, information meetings and workshops. The work resulted in great local commitment, the formation of the Skyttorps forest garden association and a strong anchoring for the Matskog project.

The purpose of Matskog is to contribute to increased physical and mental health, security, community, biodiversity, carbon sequestration and local food production. By working practically with nature, the association wants to strengthen people's relationship with their surrounding ecosystems and increase understanding of why they need to be preserved.

The project will also serve as a source of inspiration and empowerment, especially for children and young people. Through participation in cultivation and nature conservation, it provides the opportunity to feel meaning, hope and active engagement in the transition to a more sustainable society.

The goal is to establish a long-term sustainable and actively managed forest garden that will provide a rich and varied harvest for many decades. The site will function as a social meeting place, a learning environment for schools, associations and universities, and a resource for biodiversity and climate adaptation. In the longer term, the association wants to inspire the creation of more similar sites elsewhere in the country.

The project implementation is based on joint planning, courses, workshops and practical work days. Participants gain knowledge about forest gardening, care and sustainable food production, while building a strong community. The site will be used by associations, scouts, schools and actors such as SLU, Uppsala University, Biotopia and Cemus, and will function as both a cultivation, classroom and meeting place.