Kyrkbergen och Gubbängen

The slope rises steeply and you have to climb over both logs and stones to get to the top. You have to keep your wits about you as you navigate between giant spruces, decaying flames, moss-covered boulders and mysterious crevices.

Some spruces have broken off in the middle and stand like chimneys up the hill. If you keep to the left when climbing, you enter a more leafy area with late-growing oaks and maples. On several of the tree trunks, the green leaf-shaped lungwort grows in protruding shoots. The lungwort indicates a long continuity of old deciduous trees. It thrives in areas with good light and high humidity, an environment that seems to be abundant in the slopes of Kyrkbergen. In addition to the lungwort, there are a large number of species here that show that the natural values are high.

There is no marked path, so you have to choose your own way up the slope. But staying to the left is a tip. The origin of Kyrkbergen's name is not difficult to understand if you have reached the top of the mountain. From here you can see Åtvidaberg church, just over half a mile away. If you turn back, there is an alpine meadow just below the slope of Kyrkbergen where, among other things, the small, fine golden plover grows. Goldenrod grows in swampy forests, often by streams or watercourses. During flowering, the bracts have a beautiful bright yellow-green color. The mosses grow high up on the tree trunks and lie like fluffy blankets over the stones. A small stream runs down into the marsh from a higher area.

If you go over to the other side of the gravel road, you will find the remains of Gubbängen. This deciduous area was previously used as a hay meadow and pasture. The flora, coarse hazel bushes and some trees that have previously been felled are evidence of past land use. It is much easier to stroll around here.