Latorpsängarna, Naturreservat

The Latorpsängarna nature reserve attracts hundreds of visitors every year at the end of May and beginning of June, when the magnificent orchid guckusko blooms in large numbers.

The guckusko thrives in lime-rich soil

The Latorp meadows are located on a bedrock consisting of limestone. The soil here is therefore rich in limestone, which affects the area's vegetation. There are species that thrive here, or even depend on the presence of lime in the soil. The area's main celebrity is the guckuskon, which was once common in the area. It has been introduced to the reserve in modern times. The guckuskon is found mainly in the wooded Kantängen, where cowslips and bluebells are also found in large numbers, as well as thistle, soapwort and wood sedge.

Annual mowing keeps the meadow open

Closest to the road is Torrängen - a slope facing south with open meadowland and shrubs. The plants growing here include ground thistle, darnel grass, summer saxifrage, bush violet, red campion, rosebay tansy and the fern snake tongue. To keep the area open and favor guckusko and other meadow plants, the dry meadow and the southeastern part of the edge meadow are managed with annual mowing in late July and early August.

Old limestone quarry

Until the beginning of the 20th century, limestone and the underlying alum shale were mined in the area east of the reserve. In the northern part of Kantängen there is an old water-filled limestone quarry that today provides a habitat for frogs and salamanders. A signposted path has been set up by the Latorp village association. The path starts on the other side of the road at the reserve parking lot.

Wildlife with variety

Latorpsängarna is also home to many types of birds and insects, including several butterflies. Birds such as shrikes, warblers, starlings and lapwings thrive in Torrängen. Various warblers, such as blackcap, garden warbler and green warbler, thrive among the trees in Kantängen.

Accessibility

From the information sign at Fyrbacken, follow a level path for about 500 meters through Torrängen and further into the deciduous forest. If you don't want to walk that far, there is a picnic table in Torrängen.

Stick to the path!

Both the guckuskon and many other meadow plants are sensitive to trampling, so follow the paths on your walk through the reserve.

Take the bus to the reserve

Länstrafiken bus 506 stops just outside the reserve, at the Gjuthuset stop.

Sign interpreted information

Summer excursions in Latorpsängarna