Hajdhagskogen, Naturreservat

Hajdhagskogen consists of a piece of typical northern Gotland outback nature. There are old-growth forests, alpine meadows and wetlands with very high natural values.

The forest consists of mixed coniferous forest with many old trees. A large number of unusual fungi have been found in the forest. These fungi make root contact with the roots of the trees to access sugar and in exchange they help the trees to absorb water. The cooperation between fungi and trees is called mycorrhiza and is built up over a long period of time. Several of the fungi species in Hajdhagskogen are only found in true old-growth forests on land that has been continuously covered with forest.

Here and there in the woodland are open areas in the form of alvars and bogs. Out on the alvars are juniper bushes that are several hundred years old, and these old bushes are home to the rare ring lichen. The bogs in the area are rich in minerals and show a diversity of orchid species and other herbs.

There are plans for two new car parks for visitors to the reserve, one in the south-western part and one in the north-eastern part of the area. A hiking trail is also to be built.