Kaplansholmen, Naturreservat

Kaplansholmen, on the eastern outskirts of Karlstad, is a prime example of the natural development of vegetation and environments that occurs in a delta landscape.

The Klarälven delta is the country's largest active delta outside the mountain range. Kaplansholmen is one of the few areas in the delta that has had a relatively unaffected development until now. The island exhibits a number of the surface forms created by the delta-forming processes, including river embankments, banks, stream channels and sea walls.

The reserve was established to preserve an active part of the Klarälven delta in Lake Vänern with its flora and fauna. The area is part of the EU's network of valuable nature, Natura 2000.

Animals and plants

On the highest part of the island grows deciduous forest consisting mainly of birch with elements of pine, aspen and alder. The vegetation creates conditions for a rich bird life. Characteristic species are the green warbler, black-and-white flycatcher and red-winged blackbird. Of the birds of prey, brown harrier and goshawk stand out. The activities of beavers in the area are also striking.