Stömne, Naturreservat

A scenic landscape, a varied nature and an interesting cultural history together with the area's easy accessibility make Stömne an attractive outdoor recreation and experience area.

Stömne Manor, which is located directly adjacent to the nature reserve, has an ancient history and is mentioned in the land register from 1540. The main building itself is privately owned and is not part of the nature reserve, but parts of the former manor park and grounds are within the nature reserve.

Stömne has one of Sweden's most northerly occurrences of continuous oak stands. This was one of the main reasons why the nature reserve was established. Additional aims are to preserve the cultural and natural environment in the vicinity of Stömne Manor, with oak groves, mixed forests, stream gorge and fields, and to promote nature study and outdoor recreation for the general public. The area is part of the EU's ecological network of protected areas, Natura 2000.

Animals and plants

Several of the oaks in the area are between 300-500 years old. Several heat-loving and rare lichens have been found on the sunlit oaks and several characteristic beetles have also been noted. In addition to the oak hedges, there are other interesting natural environments within the nature reserve, such as a lush ravine forest with a high proportion of deciduous trees and Styggbäcken with its rich grove flora. Several unusual species of vascular plants and fungi have been found in these natural environments.

Styggbäcken flows into Glafsfjorden, which is an important site for a native species of large trout. Other fish species such as minnow, perch and rock and/or stone fish have also been noted during surveys.

The nature reserve also has a rich bird fauna. Several species are registered on the Swedish Red List of Threatened Species, such as the lesser spotted woodpecker, wood pigeon, nuthatch, bittern and kingfisher. Stömnebygden is considered to be of high interest to cavity-nesting birds due to its good supply of deciduous forest.

Before your visit

The reserve has parking, an information board, a couple of picnic benches, a dry toilet and marked paths with stairs and bridges.