Vitabäckshällorna, Naturreservat

A bubbling spring meets the visitor right next to the parking lot in Vitabäckshällornas nature reserve. The reserve is located in the northernmost part of Fyledalen. An old easy-to-walk dirt road runs through Vitabäckshällorna. This footpath and cycle path is bordered by wooded slopes (hells) and open, moist pastures at the bottom of the valley. During spring-summer (1/2-15/8), it is forbidden to enter parts of the reserve, but you are always welcome to walk and cycle on the dirt road that takes you through the area.

The springs

Vitabäckskällan has been used as a health spring and a bathing place. It is best known as the gathering place for the peasant revolt against Archbishop Absalon in 1182. In the hay meadow just next to it, several springs with calcareous water run up and make the meadow rich in orchids, other lime-demanding herbs and shells. The pasture at the bottom of the valley is also affected by calcareous water.

Forest and grazing

The dry slopes (outcrops) down to the valley floor have been forested for a very long time. Beech is the dominant tree species with elements of pine. In the parts of the reserve that have been planted with spruce, the beech forest will once again be allowed to spread. The valley floor has long been used as grazing land. It is relatively moist with tall sedges.

Wings, claws and hooves

The reserve, like the whole of Fyledalen Link to another website., is known for its abundance of birds of prey. Birds such as wood pigeons and bats find suitable nesting sites in the old trees. Reptiles, insects and spiders thrive on the warm and sandy soils. In damp areas and in the wild waters on the valley floor, you can find tree frogs and great crested newts. There are wild boars in the area and it is not too rare to see Skåne's regional animal - the red deer.

Outdoor life

Vitabäckshällorna is located in Fyledalen between Sjöbo and Tomelilla. A walking and cycling path runs along the valley floor through the entire reserve. It is forbidden to enter the central parts of the reserve between February 1 and August 15 on both sides of the footpath and cycle path (map with no trespassing Pdf, 2.1 MB.). The road is bordered by wooded slopes and open, wet pastures in the valley bottom. There is a parking lot in the far southeast. Right next to it is Vitabäckskällan and the hay meadow Vitabäckskärret. Remember to take your rubbish home.

In English

Welcome to Vitabäckshällorna Nature Reserve

A babbling spring meets visitors directly by the car park in Vitabäckshällorna Nature Reserve. The site is situated in the northernmost part of the Fyledalen Valley. An old track runs through the Reserve providing easy walking.

The springs

Vitabäckskällan (The Vitabäck Spring) has been used as a healing spring and washing place. It is most well known as a meeting place for the peasant uprising against Archbishop Absalon in 1182. In the hay meadow nearby, there are several flushes where water rich in calcium comes up to the surface, which makes the meadow rich in orchids, other calcareous plants and snails. The pasture in the valley bottom is also influenced by the calcium rich water.

Woodland and management

The dry slopes (given the name hällorna in Swedish) running down to the valley floor have long been covered in woodland. Beech is the dominant tree species with patches of pine. Beech shall expand into the areas of the Reserve that were once planted with spruce. The valley floor has long been used for grazing. It is relatively damp with hummocks covered in tall sedges.

Wings, claws and hooves

The Reserve, like the whole of Fyledalen, is renowned for the high numbers of raptors. Birds such as stock dove and bats find suitable homes in the old trees. On the warm sandy soils, reptiles, insects and spiders thrive. In the wetter areas and ponds in the bottom of the valley you can find common tree frogs and great crested newts. There is wild boar in the area and now and again you may catch sight of the majestic red deer.

Regulations

Within Vitabäckshällorna Nature Reserve it is forbidden to:

• During the period from 1st February to 15th August enter or spend time in the areas where access is prohibited, with the exception of the track through the area,
• dig, bore into, paint or in any other way damage boulders, stone walls, geological formations or structures,
• remove wood, break branches, fell or in any other way damage living or dead, standing or lying trees and bushes,
• intentionally disturb the wildlife,
• light a fire,
• pick anything other than single plants or one off samples of wood-living fungi, or dig up plants,
• camp, or park up caravans, camper vans or equivalent,
• bring dogs or other pets not on a lead,
• horse ride,
• ride a bicycle other than on tracks marked on the map ,
• drive a motor vehicle,
• put up signs, notices, poster or other equivalent items.

Without written permission from the County Administrative Board it is also forbidden to:

• Catch insects, spiders, snails or other invertebrates other than with nets, by hand or other selective methods, with subsequent re-release within the Nature Reserve. This latter requirement does not apply to one off specimens of each species on the condition that the record is registered in Artportalen (Species Database) and that the collection does not contravene any wildlife protection regulations. All Arachnids must be replaced and no samples may be removed.