Hammarmossen, Naturreservat

The Hammarmossen and Knuthöjdsmossen nature reserves are bogs located almost in central Hällefors. Just a stone's throw from the steelworks are the tranquil bogs with their hundreds of small pools. Both bogs have a rich bird life.

A bog with ancient eyes

Hammarmossen, like the nearby Knuthöjdsmossen, is an arched bog with an unusual number of pools. The moss layer, which is several meters thick, rests on a flat sandy plain left behind by the Ice Age. Later, when the climate became wetter, a marsh formed on top of the poorly drained sand. In the next stage, when the surface water was no longer in contact with the sand, white moss began to grow and the marsh was transformed into a bog, which quite quickly began to grow in height. Like eyes, around 200 pools are clustered around the highest part of the bog. The pools probably formed very early in the bog's development.

Meat lovers

The bog smells of water hemlock, and the tassels of the tufted duck glow white. Many different mosses grow here and there are plenty of reindeer lichens. In late summer you can find both cloudberries and cranberries. On the rocking mats next to the puddles, willowherb and round willowherb grow. Each plant can catch up to 2000 insects in one summer! The leaves hold the insect in place with the help of a sticky glandular secretion that then dissolves the animal so that the plant can absorb the nutrients. The slime was used in ancient times as a remedy for warts and had the poetic name of Virgin Mary's Tears.

Sensitive bird life

Hammarmossen is an eldorado for birdwatchers. Among the birds that nest here are the little ringed plover, the ringed plover and the greenfinch. Keep in mind that many birds are very sensitive to disturbance while they are incubating eggs and raising their young. According to the Species Protection Ordinance, it is not allowed to disturb these birds at the nest during the nesting period, which usually lasts between April 1 and July 15.

Experience the moss in winter

Wetlands, bogs and fens are usually difficult to access during the warmer seasons, especially those without paths. But with the help of snow, ice and frost, they become easier to explore in winter. Once the snow has settled, our bogs are perfect for a skiing trip, where you can enjoy the peace and quiet and the open expanses of bog. In fact, if there's no snow, snowshoes are a great way to get across the bogs. Keep an eye out in the sky, you might catch a glimpse of a bird of prey or two.

Accessibility

Hammarmossen belongs to level 1 in the County Administrative Board's leveling of the county's nature reserves, which means that the reserve has a wilderness character and lacks outdoor recreation facilities.

Sign language interpreted information

About winter excursions in the nature reserve Hammarmossen.