Tjuvhultskärret, Naturreservat

Tjuvhultskärret is one of the county's most species-rich hay meadows, with a fantastic array of flowers in summer. Visitors are advised to be careful and avoid stepping on the orchids when walking in the area.

Tjuvhultskärret is part of a mosaic of forests and wetlands on the Hallandsåsen plateau. During the last ice age, the land ice moved southwest and brought limestone from chalk deposits on the Laholms plain up onto the ridge. When the material was deposited, elongated elevated areas were formed, known as drumlins, of which there are several in the area around Tjuvhultskärret. The calcareous soil contributes to the reserve's rich flora and fauna.

Blomstrand colorful splendor

During the summer, the marsh blooms and there are both heath-favored and lime-demanding species. In early summer, the eye-catching orchids May lilies and meadow lilies bloom with their magnificent bright purple stems. Night violet, green-white night violet, coralroot and soapwort are also orchids, although their names might suggest otherwise.

At the beginning of summer, the candelabra-like inflorescences of the spirea are in bloom, and in July, the white flowers of the spirea and the lesser celandine can be seen in clusters. White is also the ornamental mowing flower. The whole area is very sensitive to trampling so be careful where you put your feet so you don't step on the orchids.

Diversity through the link

Tjuvhultskärret has a long tradition of grazing. Until the 1930s, the area was mowed and grazed, but when management ceased, the marsh slowly began to grow back. In the 1980s, management was resumed and today Tjuvhultskärret is one of the county's richest marshes. Many of the plants found here are dependent on management in the form of grazing or mowing.

Emerging natural forest

Several of the alders in the swamp forest stand on so-called plinths. Pedestals consist of roots that form a network that "supports" the trunk. Since pedestals are formed in older trees, they are a sign of old, untouched forest. Swamp forests have historically been used by humans, both for haymaking and for grazing. Alder trees were used as fuel or sold for making slippers. Today, the forest has closed in and taken on the character of a natural forest, with ferns, marsh marigold, meadow frenchman and maidenhair fern growing in the lush field layer.