Norway planted millions of North American Sitka spruce after the 1950s to expand timber production along its windswept coast, but scientists now say the trees are invading ancient coastal heathlands, shading out native vegetation that has been maintained for more than 5,000 years

Imagine walking along a rugged coastline where purple heather, moss, and shrubs cover the ground. These open landscapes are more than scenic hiking areas. They are living pieces of history, carefully maintained by traditional farming, controlled burning, and livestock grazing for thousands of years. Today, coastal landscapes in Western Norway are changing. Vast networks of historic open fields are slowly disappearing under a thick canopy of dark evergreen needles, prompting restoration efforts along the coast.

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