New habitats for pool frogs and forest management in Forsmark 

To protect the frogs, SKB has created six new ponds years in advance to strengthen the conditions for this and other amphibian species, ensuring that the population of pool frogs continues to exist in the area.

As an add-on, a hibernacula or ‘frog hotel’ was built to provide shelter for the frogs during winter. Before the pond infilling starts, amphibians living in the pond are caught and transferred to the new ponds.

This relocation project was finalised in 2025 after three years. In total, 200 pool frogs and about 580 great crested newts have been relocated.

In addition, SKB has also developed a forestry plan aiming to enhance biodiversity around Forsmark and preserve high-value forest areas. Efforts include, for example, maintaining habitats for the protected lady’s slipper orchid through targeted clearance and maintenance.

SKB also carries out habitat management measures to create and maintain good living conditions for protected wetland species on the company’s land in Forsmark.

 In autumn, reed cutting is carried out in selected wetlands to benefit rich fen plants such as the rare fen orchid (Liparis loeselii). Reed cutting was also performed in two of the constructed ponds during winter 2025 to maintain the right conditions for frogs and salamanders.

We are participating in a regional initiative by the County Administrative Board called “Roadmap for a sustainable county” where SKB in 2024 signed five so-called “sustainability promises” showing our commitment to protecting biodiversity

Building the final repository in Forsmark involves extensive ecological work, which SKB has been committed to for a long time.