Mean annual pollen influx values are presented for 20 sites within the open spruce dominated forests of Kuusamo, Finland. These are seen to reflect the local vegetation in terms of small-scale differences, particularly in the NAP but to have dominant features which represent the regional vegetation. A pollen analogue is suggested for this regional forest expressed in terms of pollen influx, species representation and percentage presence. This is then compared with results from other areas and seen to be sufficiently different to be characteristic. Some aspects of pollen trapping with respect to the sedimentary environment and length of sampling period are examined and recommendations for future trapping programmes are made. The advantages of influx values over percentage ones are emphasized.