Örnberget, Naturreservat

The forest in Örnberget Nature Reserve is largely unaffected by modern forestry and strongly characterized by recurring forest fires. It is a valuable environment for many endangered species. There are no paths in the area, so you can roam freely in the forest. Örnberget Nature Reserve is about 110 hectares in size and is located about 14 kilometers southwest of Hamra, east of the E45 road and Sandsjön. Nearby is Kvarnbergets nature reserve.

The terrain in the area is relatively difficult and there are no prepared rest areas or parking lots. There are no trails in the area, so you can roam freely in the forest. However, as the ground is hilly and sometimes rocky, it can sometimes be difficult to get around.

Bearded spruces and large pines

The spruce forest has grown up after the last fire at the turn of the last century. Many of the spruces have long lichens hanging like large beards from the branches. There are also plenty of tall pines with rough branches and thick armored bark. Some are around 250 years old and bear traces of fires in the form of so-called fire sounds, self-healed injuries to the trunk.

Examples of species found in the area are violet-gray thorn lichen, blue-gray black spike and the protected small orchid knotweed.

Fire-affected environment to be preserved

Örnberget is located in the area known as Orsa Finnmark. Finns immigrated here in the 17th and 18th centuries and made a living from farming through slash-and-burn agriculture. The forests have also been exploited for charring. In order to benefit the plants and animals that depend on forest fires for their survival, controlled burning will be carried out in the nature reserve.