Benestads backar , Naturreservat

Benestad's slopes are located on the steep northern slope of Fyledalen. The soil here is unusually rich in lime, which has led to the existence of both "extreme rice marshes" and "steppe-like dry meadows". These are two vegetation types that are otherwise very unusual in Sweden. The area is mostly open pasture with some trees and shrubs. Access is prohibited in large parts of the area between February 1 and August 15.

Calcareous soils

High up on the slopes, limestone-rich groundwater emerges. When the water reaches the surface, calcium carbonate is precipitated and lime tufa is formed, a calcareous soil that is rock hard in places. Lime tuff, which looks like stone with small air bubbles, has been used as building stone in at least twelve Scanian churches and for lime burning. In the south-western part of the reserve are the ruins of a lime kiln that was used until around 1870. Further to the northwest at the foot of the slope are the ruins of Skvattemölla, an old mill that was abandoned in the 1930s.

The high lime content of the soil makes the reserve rich in shells and butterflies, with many rare species. Deer and rabbits are common mammals in the area.

Extreme rice marsh with orchids

The extreme rice marshes are found on the southern slopes where the groundwater emerges. Here you can distinguish two different plant communities. In the high-growth bracken communities, there is a lot of four-leafed St. John's wort, luddonwort and water mint. In the flatter parts, the vegetation is more low-growing and dominated by the tufted axagen. Typical species here are, for example, hay flower, thorn sedge, button sedge and reed canary grass. Some species are found in both plant communities, such as mayweed, tufted knapweed, bloodroot, marsh thistle, cabbage thistle and hemp-nettle. The area is also rich in orchids.

Warm slopes to the southwest

The south-west facing position of the slopes means that they heat up considerably during the summer. In dry areas, steppe-like dry meadows have formed with meadow oat communities. Common species here are ground thistle, thyme, wild cinquefoil, chickweed, cinquefoil, solstice, sheep's fescue, yellow daisy, red clover, buttercup, buckwheat and pimpernel. Among the rarities in the flora is field bindweed in dry areas.

Outdoor life

There is a small path and stairs that lead to the first limestone pond. Here you can see species such as axagus and waterweed. From a distance you can admire the slopes with cowslips and mayflowers in spring. **Trees are prohibited in large parts of the reserve from February 1 to August 15. The steep slope in combination with springs means that it is sometimes difficult terrain to walk in. Remember to take your trash home.

Map of the no trespassing area Pdf, 400.7 kB, opens in new window

In English

Welcome to Benestads backar Nature Reserve and Stenby Wildlife Sanctuary

No admittance February 1 - August 15 - You are welcome to visit the southernmost area in Benestads backar nature reserve, outside the Wildlife sanctuary, during this period.

Rare species, sensitive to human presence, breed within this area. It is vital that they are

undisturbed during the breeding season to successfully rear their young. Between February 1

to 15 August, it is forbidden to enter the area marked on the map with red stripes.

Funded by the European Union