Högsveden

Högsvedens nature reserve is located a little southeast of Svartnäs, on the border with Gästrikland. Here, on both sides of a small stream that flows into the southern end of Sundsjön, this fine little forest area with old-growth forest spreads out. North of the stream grows a mixed forest with pine and spruce, but also with some deciduous trees. The most striking feature is the large, old pines, with many trees over 300 years old and 25-30 m high. The oldest pine has been dated to the end of the 16th century!

Traces of fire are scattered throughout the area and the recurrence of fires is the reason why the northern parts have so many pines. They can withstand fires better than spruce. However, the lack of fire in modern times has led to the growth of spruce, which has begun to outcompete the pines. Therefore, the County Administrative Board plans to carry out conservation burns in the area.

Throughout the reserve there is plenty of dead wood of various sizes. Some remains as stately dry branches, while others have fallen and are lying on the ground, so-called flames. Thanks to the large supply of dead wood, there are many species worth protecting here. Woolly tick, wolf lichen and wavy-banded bark beetle are some of those that thrive here.

Magic pine trees - a number of the pines have cultural-historical traces in the form of carvings made to cure pain. These were seen as magic trees and believed to cure toothache, among other things. The pine trees are classified as ancient monuments under the Cultural Heritage Act and are thus protected from any actions that may damage or alter them.