Stockholm's Almstriden - The Elm Conflict

In Stockholm’s centuries-old Kungsträdgården (“King’s Garden”), once the private garden of the royal family, but now a busy public park, we searched out and found a very special stand of Scots elm trees. Much like Ithaca’s Redbud Woods campaign in 2004-5, this is the site of a well-known 1971 effort to protect nature from development.

Elms trees today in front of cafe (where we ate a great lunch)

It is called Almstriden, “The Elm Conflict,” also known as the “Battle for the Elm.” At that time, as they still do today, the dozen or so Elms surrounded a local outdoor café. It was a popular hang-out for young people and the only place in Stockholm open at all hours. But committed to expanding public transportation, City Planners had decided that it was the only spot viable to build a new train station entrance, and so the trees had to go.

In May 1971, large crowds gathered in protest, primarily young people but others as well, all united in their desire to preserve the park’s integrity. The grassroots movement included direct action, with people climbing and staying up in the trees.

Several days of intense protest ensued and at the last moment the government pulled back. Actually, it was not quite at the last moment. In fact, crews started to chain-saw one of the trees, and it bore those cutmarks for years. But the crowds forced them to stop. The train station was still built, but in a location just outside the park.

A photo of the protest (image from Stockholm Artwalk)

The protest highlighted the growing public willingness to protect natural spaces within urban settings and to challenge decisions perceived as environmentally destructive.

And the trees? They are still there, but older. We were struck by the official notice tied to one of the trees. Because of disease, city foresters will cut it down next week. Well, at least it was saved and could live over 50 more years to enjoy and be enjoyed by many Stockholmers.