Gärdån, Naturreservat

Gärdån’s mixed forests of old pine and spruce are home to an abundance of rare plants and animals. This is likely due to the abundance of dead trees and lush ravines and streams.

The Forest

Broadly speaking, the forest can be divided into two types. One section was clear-cut in the 1840s. Today, it is mostly populated by spruce of various ages. This forest is found in the more productive areas along streams and in the lower elevations, where surface water flow is more pronounced. The other forest type is found higher up in the terrain. Here, selective logging and dimensional logging have shaped the forest. There are abundant pine trees ranging in age from 200 to 275 years, as well as spruce trees that are 160 years old.

Many Interesting Species Discoveries

Although the area has not been inventoried very thoroughly, several interesting species have already been found. The vulnerable species wood-step moss, cat’s-foot lichen, and violet mussel are found here.

Fauna

The abundance of dead trees has benefited species such as woodpeckers. At least the great spotted woodpecker and the three-toed woodpecker have a stable population here. This is evident from the countless nest holes now used by other cavity-nesting species that are abundant in the area. Along the Gärdån River itself, both dippers and grey wagtails have been observed, though it is uncertain whether they nest within the reserve.

Cultural History

Adjacent to the walking trail toward Tandö-Råberget is a stone-built dam that was historically used, among other things, for log driving. Log driving, which had been practiced since the turn of the century, ceased in the 1950s. Today, the dam embankment and its wooden bridge serve as a convenient starting point for the hiking trail to the Tandö-Råberget mountain pasture. It also serves as a good entrance to the nature reserve from the west. The well-used and well-signposted old mountain pasture trail toward Tandö-Råberget connects further east to additional mountain pasture trails between Råberget and Ofors-Råberget to the north.

Outdoor Recreation

The area is little known today and will likely continue to be visited only sporadically by the public. A hiking trail winds through the area toward Tandö-Råberget, making it easily accessible. Immediately east of the dam embankment is a footpath that runs south along the eastern side of Gärdån. This footpath was used by log drivers from the very beginning but is now frequently used by visitors. Given the area’s uniquely high proportion of dead trees and the variety of forest habitats within a small area, it would make an excellent destination for school field trips and visitors with a general interest in nature.