Abstract:

Forecasting forest growth under specific conditions is a key competence not only in forestry, but also in fields such as ecology, agricultural sciences, sustainability studies, and landscape planning. It is typically conducted using growth models implemented in specialized software. Integrating simulation tools into teaching would enable forestry students to engage in practical problem solving during their studies.

While a wide range of forest simulation tools exist, many are outdated, proprietary, lacking user manuals, or tailored to a specific location. We present a selection of freely available, English-language forest simulation tools that are accessible, well-documented, and based on diverse modeling approaches.

By bridging theory and practice, these tools can help students deepen their understanding of forest growth and management principles. When integrated into well-designed learning activities, they also support the development of data management, communication, and other soft skills essential in today’s working life. Moreover, accessible digital tools are particularly valuable in distance learning.

The presented tools are actively used in scientific research and provide realistic, data-driven modeling environments. As such, they are not only effective for teaching but also valuable for supporting research in higher education. Because they are freely available and easy to use, these tools can be utilized by educators, researchers, and anyone interested in applying scientific knowledge to real-world forest-related questions.

Keywords:

Forest growth, simulation, software, ecological modeling.