Immeln, Djur- och växtskyddsområde

Lake Immeln, with its many islands and magical surroundings, is a popular destination. Many outdoor enthusiasts come here to experience a bit of wilderness, not least by a campfire next to the lake or in a canoe on Immeln's dark waters. Immeln's many islands are also important for the area's rich bird life. The most sensitive islands have bird protection with a ban on entry during spring and summer. The two nature reserves Skärsnäs and Brotorpet in the north are also surrounded by special regulations. In order for Immeln to continue to be a paradise for both humans and wildlife, we need to show extra consideration here.

Immeln - a lake with many islands

Immeln is about 2240 hectares in size and the lake contains around 90 islands and skerries of varying sizes. A total of 41 islands and skerries, as well as two headlands, are off limits during spring and summer. Most are part of the Immeln wildlife protection area, but a handful belong to the Skärsnäs nature reserve. Visitors are not allowed to go ashore on these islands during times when boarding is prohibited.

Birds sensitive to disturbance

Many birds worthy of protection nest along the shores of Immeln and on the islands in the lake. Examples of species are the common guillemot and the common tern. These are species that are very sensitive to disturbance. Spending time on or near an island with a nest is a direct disturbance. A more indirect disturbance is altered sight lines after, for example, felling trees and changes in the natural environment after recurring logging for bonfires, as well as the erection of foreign objects, such as stone towers and huts. It is important that birds are not disturbed either during the incubation period or when they have young, otherwise there is a high risk that they will abandon both their nest and their young. In order for the chicks to survive and grow to a size where they can fend for themselves, we as visitors need to respect and follow the regulations (rules) that apply.

Islands where access is prohibited

Of the 41 islands that have bird protection and no trespassing, 36 are included in the Immeln Animal Protection Area. On these islands it is prohibited to go ashore between 1 April and 31 August. You can recognize the protected islands by the yellow signs on the beaches. The remaining five islands are part of the Skärsnäs nature reserve. These islands also have bird protection and a trespassing ban, but for a slightly shorter period.

Detailed maps of the Immeln animal protection area

**You are not allowed to stay in the animal protection area (black lines) between April 1 and August 31.

Outdoor recreation

Immeln is a large lake in north-eastern Skåne with many islands. The lake is very popular with canoeists. In winter it is popular to skate on the lake. There are five specially prepared rest areas with shelters and toilets. It is not permitted to camp or make fires in other places. Remember that it is forbidden to collect firewood and sticks, so bring your own firewood or charcoal if you want to make a fire/barbecue. Avoid getting close to the islands with a trespassing ban in spring-summer to protect birds worthy of protection.

Brotorpet and Skärsnäs nature reserves

Along the Immeln shore and just north of the Immeln animal protection area are the two nature reserves Brotorpet and Skärsnäs. Skärsnäs also includes five islands, all of which are bird-protected and off-limits from April 1 to July 15. The islands are Högön, Norra Getön, Södra Getön, Gerkön and a smaller island southwest of Högön. The reserves, including the five islands, are recognized by the symbol of a white snow star, either painted directly on tree trunks or on a badge on a pole. On tags and signs, the white snow star has a blue background. In each reserve there are signs indicating the rules (regulations) that apply. The regulations can also be found on each reserve's website here at lansstyrelsen.se. Under the tab Visitor destinations, each reserve has its own page with in-depth information about the nature of the reserves, experience values, outdoor facilities, regulations and directions.