Tegeldammarna/Lergravarna, Naturreservat

Tegeldammarna-Lergravarna is a municipal nature reserve in Höörs municipality. The reserve includes the old clay quarry that once belonged to Gunnarp's mill. Today, the reserve consists mainly of moist forest land with a large amount of dead wood and a rich bird and insect life.

Characterized by industrial clay extraction

The reserve is located just north of Tjörnarp, between the small villages of Ella and Gunnarp. During the Ice Age there was an ice lake here, where nutrient-rich clay was deposited. As early as 1850, small-scale clay extraction was taking place in the area, and a few years later, 16 kappland (0.5 hectares) were set aside as a common clay extraction site for the village of Gunnarp. The land was then more open and in some parts used as meadow. In 1898, the brickworks in Gunnarp started under industrial forms and then continued its operations until 1958. Traces of clay extraction are still evident, with holes and earth banks with topsoil excavated to access the clay. The remains of the mighty old brick kiln, a circular kiln with 18 firing chambers and brick-lined archways, lie adjacent to the reserve.

Deciduous forest with lots of dead wood

Today, the area is characterized by self-regenerated moist deciduous forest and swamp forest that has never been cleared or thinned. The special type of soil provides the conditions for demanding species such as woodruff, soapwort, black willow and beaked sedge. There is a large supply of dead wood, which provides opportunities for a rich fauna of wood-living insects, as well as insect-eating and hole-building birds. Wood pigeons and several species of woodpecker are found in the area. Whooper swans nest in the open pond.

Outdoor life

Part of the blue hiking trail Tegelbruksrundan (a total of 4.7 km) runs through the reserve. The trail passes several water-filled clay pits where clay was taken for brick making in Gunnarp nearby. The trail also passes the magnificent and historically interesting ring kiln for brick burning in Gunnarp. Then the trail continues to Tjörnarp where it passes Tjörnarp train station. If you choose to take the car to Tegeldammarna-Lergravarna, there is a small parking lot outside the gates to the treatment plant, right next to the reserve. Parking is also available at the train station in Tjörnarp, about 2 km to the southwest. Remember to take your rubbish home.

Three circular trails start from the train station. The blue Tegelbruksrundan, but also the red trail Tjörnarpssjön runt (5.8 km) and the green trail Bokskogsrundan (3 km), both of which go through the nearby reserve Prästabonnaskogen Link to another website. with swimming and barbecue facilities. The hiking trails start on the west side of the station area and are collected in the folder Hiking trails from Tjörnarp station Link to another website, opens in new window..