Rovenlamm, Naturreservat

Nutrient-poor, rainy, and high-altitude—three words that sum up Rovenlamm. It doesn’t sound all that exciting, but many rare species, both large and small, thrive here. Maybe you’ll spot the fearless lichen jay or see the poison-green wolf lichen? And the area’s desolate beauty and tranquility make it well worth a visit.
Photo: Dalarna County Administrative Board

Marshes and Forests on a High Plateau

The Rovenlamm Nature Reserve is located on a high plateau above the Ämån valley, with isolated mountain peaks reaching around 675 meters above sea level. Here, vast marshlands alternate with moist spruce forests and drier pine forests.

A Home for Lichens of Various Types and Appearances

The moist, spruce-dominated forests are richly covered with hanging lichens, often the red-listed string lichen. The violet-gray tassel lichen, which is also on the Red List, is widely distributed. The dead standing trees in the pine forests, known as “dry trees,” often host abundant populations of wolf lichen, and on fire-scorched stumps, one can find the small brown-lobed coal lichen. In a few places, there are several large willow trees beautifully covered with green lobes of lung lichen.

Birds, Fish, and Everything in Between

Otters have been observed in Rensjövasslan, as well as the fearless Siberian jay and the three-toed woodpecker in Rensjöberget. In Hemra Rensjön and Norra Rensjön, test fishing has yielded brook trout, minnow, and perch. The lake bearing the same name as the reserve, Rovenlamm, appears to be devoid of fish. It is possible that the fish may have become extinct due to a combination of acidity and oxygen depletion.

Fish Traps from the Past

An interesting archaeological find has been reported from Rensjövasslan, approximately 200 meters downstream from the outlet of Norra Rensjön. However, judging by the text describing the find, the site appears to be located on a ridge on the map: “According to information provided by former Captain A. Grindal of Orsa, there have been ‘fish houses’ or fish traps in the stream between South and North Rensjön or in the stream that serves as the outlet for North Rensjön. The traps work by draining a certain section of the stream so that the fish can be collected. They were likely constructed by Finns. Mr. Grindal saw remnants of the ‘fish houses’ about 40 years ago. Similar traps are said to have existed along other streams.” The note was made in 1969.

Fishing and Hunting

Moose hunting and other types of hunting take place in the area, and fishing is organized through the Orsa Fisheries Conservation Area. Other outdoor activities are not yet very widespread, but the area’s desolate beauty and tranquility make it well worth a visit!