17.04.2020
A tree-hugging photo of one of the Icelandic Forest Service forest workers Bjarki Sigurðsson, sparke…
A tree-hugging photo of one of the Icelandic Forest Service forest workers Bjarki Sigurðsson, sparked this encouragement project to go hug a tree. Photo: Skógræktin

At the times of the Coronavirus crisis, The Icelandic Forest Service recommends to people to go out in the woods to hug a tree and enjoy all the benefits of being around trees. This Tree-hugging initiative has caught the attention of media all around the world.

The aim of this project on behalf of the Icelandic Forestry Service is to encourage people to hug trees while social distancing measures prevent them from hugging other people. Forest rangers in the Hallormsstaður National Forest in East Iceland have been diligently clearing snow-covered paths to ensure that locals can enjoy the great outdoors without coming in too close a contact with other guests, but can also get up close and personal with their forest friends. All the Icelandic National Forests are open to people for recreation all year round (see map). 

“When you hug [a tree], you feel it first in your toes and then up your legs and into your chest and then up into your head,” enthuses forest ranger Þór Þorfinnsson in a news interview with the Icelandic Broadcasting Service RÚV . “It’s such a wonderful feeling of relaxation and then you’re ready for a new day and new challenges.”

Below you find some links to media coverages from around the world on this tree-hugging initiative which is intended to bring joy to people at the time of the crisis and encourage them to go out and enjoy the woods.

#knusumtre #hugatree #treehugging

Texti: Pétur Halldórsson
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