Orkarebäcken, Naturreservat

The Orkarebäcken nature reserve is a limestone coniferous forest with a large number of deciduous trees and very high natural values. Among the fungi in particular, there are many rare and exciting species associated with old forests with calcareous soil. The lime richness is also evident in the herb-rich flora.

Many thorny fungi

Several different species of terrestrial thorn fungi are a typical feature of calcareous, older coniferous forests. The Orkarebäcken stream is home to, among other things, the scented thorn mushroom, the zontag mushroom and the yellow thorn mushroom. Other exciting fungi include the purple violet spider mite and the more inconspicuous but rare spruce spider mite. The limestone coniferous forest is also rich in herbs, with a clear presence of tall and lush species such as witch hazel, spring pea and fern. One of the most beloved flowers of spring, the cornflower, is also one of the species favored by the limestone.

Rare mosses

In the untouched forest, with high and even humidity, many lichens and mosses thrive that have difficulty surviving in the managed production forest. For example, the long-limbed moss and the rare small woodland moss grow on fallen, decaying logs. Many rare wood-living mosses need coarse flames in order not to be immediately outcompeted by large, ground-dwelling plants that can quickly grow over flames of smaller dimensions.

Traces of cultivation

The oldest forest in the reserve is located east of the power line route. West of the power line is the foundation of a croft, Lövfallet. Here the forest is younger and has probably grown up since the croft was abandoned. Old paths, cairns and overgrown fields are reminders of a time when the forests were populated in a completely different way than today.

Mining-rich area

The area around the reserve is rich in mining remains, including the Lövfalla and Svarthytte mines. There is also a blast furnace ruin at Svarthyttan. Within the reserve, there is only a small area of so-called pits, where test mining has been carried out and valuable ores have been sought.