Backåkra, Naturreservat

Backåkra Nature Reserve is located on the south coast of Skåne. Here you can look out over the sea and roam freely among the hillocks, heath bees and grazing cows. Through the grazing of the animals, the unique sandy heath landscape is kept open and welcoming to both visiting humans and corn buntings. In the middle of the reserve is the farm Backåkra, made famous by Dag Hammarskjöld. The meditation place built in his memory is a place for reflection and expansive views.

Skåne's history and world history

Backåkra became well known when it was bought by the then UN Secretary-General, Dag Hammarskjöld, in 1957. He was keen to preserve the open landscape. In his memory, the meditation place was built, a place for reflection and expansive views.

Agriculture and livestock farming

Parts of Backåkra have been farmed in the past, but the poor soil has meant that grazing has long since taken over. The well-grazed, sandy, dry heaths with their special flora and fauna are now a rare natural type.

Spring colors and summer buzz

During the spring, field and hill flowers bloom in Backåkra. In summer, the moorland shows flowers in all colors. Here you will find most of the typical plants of the dry meadow, such as heath flowers, maidenhair fern and honeysuckle.

The flowers attract insects of many species. Butterflies contribute to the colorful display and share the nectar and pollen of the flowers with bees and other insects that depend on the sandy soils. Here you will find, among other things, the comb-weed butterfly and the small bee, the hedge bee.

Birds of the open cultural landscape

The birds of the open cultural landscape thrive in the reserve. Skylark and meadow pipit are often seen in the reserve, as well as yellowhammer and hobby. The characteristic sound of the cuckoo is heard over Backåkra in early summer, and kestrels regularly ride over the fields in search of prey. The corn bunting, which is very rare in Sweden, is a regular visitor to the reserve.

Outdoor life

In Backåkra you can roam freely in the open landscape or follow one of the small paths that take you around the reserve. The meditation place is a nice place for a break. There is also a rest area adjacent to Backåkra farm. Remember to take your rubbish home. There is a parking lot in the reserve and the nearest bus stop is Backåkra, which is a few hundred meters north.

Backåkra is one of several nature reserves located along the coast in this area. The Skåneleden trail (SL4 Österlen, stages 2 and 3) runs through the reserves and is the obvious choice for a longer hike. Remember to show consideration for the grazing animals.

In English

Welcome to Backåkra Nature Reserve

At Backåkra Nature Reserve, you wander among grazing cows that eagerly conserve the traditional sandy heath. Backåkra farm, with the traditional long houses, is located in the middle of the reserve.

Skåne's history and world history

Backåkra became renowned when it was bought by the former UN secretary general, Dag Hammarskjöld, in 1957. He was anxious to conserve the open landscape. A meditation site was created in his memory, a place for reflection and with an extensive view for both the mind and the eye.

Farming and livestock management

Parts of Backåkra were once cultivated, but the poor soils, meant that grazing took over long ago. The well-grazed, sandy dry heaths with their special flora are a rare habitat in Sweden today.

Spring colors and summer buzz

In the spring pasque and dwarf pasque flowers come into bloom at Backåkra. In the summer the heathland is full of flowers of every color. The majority of the typical plants associated with the dry meadows can be found here. The flowers attract insects of many different species. The butterflies contribute to the brilliant colors and share the nectar and pollen from the flowers with bees and other insects' dependent on sandy habitats.

Regulations

Within Backåkra Nature Reserve it is forbidden to:

• drive a motor vehicle other than along the entrance road to Backåkra to the designated car park,
• park a motor vehicle other than in the designated parking places,
• pick flowers,
• dig,
• camp or park a caravan,
• light a fire,
• leave litter such as paper, plastic, metal, glass or other waste,
• bring a dog or a cat other than on a lead.