Forest data is scaling up. Insights from Elmia Wood 2025

This article is based on our Foresting Tomorrow podcast episode recorded live at Elmia Wood 2025 in Sweden, featuring a panel conversation with Bolette Pedersen (CEO) and Mads Esbensen (Investment Specialist) from Aeon Group. [Listen to the full episode here.]

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Every three years, 30,000 forestry professionals, landowners and innovators head deep into the woods of Småland for Elmia Wood—a world-class forestry fair held entirely in the forest.

This year marked its 50th anniversary, and the theme—AI and innovation for the future of forestry—couldn’t have felt more timely. From drones and simulators to smart sawmills and satellite data, we saw just how fast the industry is changing.

We weren’t just there to watch forwarders at full throttle. Together with Aeon Group, we hosted a live podcast conversation about how forest data can power better decisions, scalable solutions—and serious capital.

Here are our five biggest takeaways.

Forestry has a long memory. Data helps us make better long-term decisions

Forest and landscape engineer Benjamin Lauridsen sees it clearly in his daily work: good data builds good decisions.

“Forestry is unique,” he says. “You plant a tree—and harvest it 100 years later. Every choice you make early on matters.”

Having precise, up-to-date forest data is no longer a luxury. It's what helps managers plan thinning schedules, evaluate biodiversity impacts, and communicate clearly with contractors, landowners and regulators.

Or as Benjamin puts it: “Without data, it’s like managing blind.”

Documentation is your license to operate

With growing pressure on forest owners to prove sustainability, documentation isn’t just a box-ticking exercise—it’s a survival strategy.

“Many landowners want to do things right,” says Mads Esbensen. “But they need tools to show how. Data enables traceability, transparency—and peace of mind, all the way down the supply chain.”

Whether it’s for biodiversity credits, carbon reporting, or sustainable sourcing claims, robust data helps landowners tell their story—and avoid accusations of greenwashing.

“It’s not about showing off,” adds Bolette Pedersen. “It’s about showing up—with facts.”

From the Red Book to real-time: forestry tech is catching up

In Denmark, forestry has long relied on a small, red yield table handbook. And while it’s served the industry well, it’s now being replaced.

“We used to joke that the Red Book was the Bible,” says Mads. “Now, with drones, LiDAR and AI, we’re entering a whole new era.”

Instead of storing decades of expertise in someone’s head—or scribbled in a notebook—today’s forest data can be digitised, modelled and scaled. The result? Better forest inventories, carbon forecasting, biodiversity tracking—and smarter, data-driven decision-making.

Investors are knocking. Forest owners need to be ready.

With growing interest in nature-based investments, from carbon markets to biodiversity credits, investors are entering the forest space—but they want proof.

“Pension funds and corporates aren’t buying vibes,” says Bolette. “They want quality data, audit trails, and a clear value proposition.”

Some invest to meet sustainability goals. Others seek long-term, impact-driven returns. But all need solid documentation—especially in the face of EU regulations, greenwashing fears, and the growing demand for comparable, credible reporting.

And that’s where forest owners can gain an edge—by being ready with the data investors need.

Data is the language that lets us collaborate

Forestry is no longer a solo job. It involves landowners, investors, tech companies, public agencies, and end users—all with different needs and skillsets.

“Data creates a shared language,” says Mads. “It helps each party contribute and understand the bigger picture.”

And when we stack objectives—biodiversity, carbon, water quality, recreational value—data helps identify synergies, unlock subsidies, and tap into new markets. From groundwater protection to selective thinning, the potential is vast.

As Bolette sums it up: “Data is gold. It’s power. And it’s key to building the forests of the future.”

Looking ahead

Where will all this lead in the next 10 years?

More AI. More remote sensing. More blockchain-backed traceability. But the real shift might be cultural:

• From gut feeling to insight.
• From isolation to collaboration.
• From paperwork to platforms.

Elmia Wood 2025 reminded us that forestry isn’t stuck in the past—it’s charging into the future, chainsaws and satellites side by side.

And if we get the data right, we might just bring the whole forest with us.