Norra Sandskogen, Naturreservat

Norra Sandskogen is a municipal nature reserve in Ystad municipality. The reserve is located just east of Ystad town and consists mainly of pine-clad sand dunes. Norra Sandskogen is one of the most important recreational areas for the people of Ystad due to its location close to the town.

Planted forest on sand dunes

The pine forest in Norra Sandskogen originated in the early 1800s. To prevent sand from escaping in the area, the bare dunes were planted mainly with pine. Today, the sand forest also has elements of deciduous trees, mainly oak and birch. The ground vegetation is dominated by stiff grasses and sedges, but heather, lingonberry and bilberry grow here and there. Wood anemone, swallow-wort, eyebright and lily of the valley are also found in the reserve.

Insects and beetles

Norra Sandskogen is home to a rich insect fauna, including many rare beetle species. The relatively mild coastal climate and proximity to the continent may be two of the reasons for the rich insect life. The many insects in turn attract a variety of insectivorous birds.

Birdlife

Over 200 bird species have been observed in Norra Sandskogen. The most common are warblers and chaffinches, but there are also several species of woodpecker, such as the woodpecker, green wren and great spotted woodpecker. A pond on the edge of the forest is also the nesting place of Ystad's municipal bird, the gray-headed grebe.

Outdoor life

There are several exercise trails of varying lengths in this nature reserve close to urban areas. Paths marked "path for all" are accessible even for wheelchair users and walkers with prams. See the map of the trails in the leaflet "Norra Sandskogen Link to another website, opens in new window.". There is also an accessible footbridge and jetty at the Marietorp nature school at the far eastern end. These can be used by the public when the nature school does not have any activities, normally after 16:00.

There is also a bridle path through the reserve if you want to get around the area on horseback. In Norra Sandskogen there are several simple rest areas to take a break at. Remember to take your rubbish home. There are parking facilities next to the area and Ystad station is about 2 km west. In the adjacent nature reserve Ystads Sandskog Link to another website., the Skåneleden trail (SL4 Österlen, stage 1) runs from the north and continues east along the coast.