Ställbergsmossen, Naturreservat

The Ställbergsmossen nature reserve consists of open bogs, marshes and swamps alternating with old-growth forest, where both capercaillie and three-toed woodpecker nest. Rare lichens also thrive in the unspoiled forests. On the steeply sloping Ställbergsmossen bog, exciting formations of so-called strings and flarkar have developed.

Strings and flanks

The reserve's mires consist largely of different types of marsh, with elements of higher moss areas. The bogs receive water and nutrients only from precipitation and are therefore very nutrient-poor, while the fens are in contact with groundwater and are more nutrient-rich. There are very fine examples of so-called string fen in the southern part of Ställbergsmossen. Up on the strands, the vegetation consists of various white mosses and sedges. Down in the wetter flats, waterclover, meadow grass and meadow wool grow, which require slightly more nutritious conditions. In the nutrient-rich bluebell bogs, the dwarf buttercup

and the orchid meadowsweet.

Species that thrive in ancient forests

The forests in the area are old and relatively unaffected by forestry. Several pine trees are over 200 years old. There are also many old pine stumps with clear traces of forest fires. Sometimes there are traces of several fires on the same stump. The age and untouched nature of the forest means that many species associated with coniferous forests thrive in the area. Perhaps the most interesting is the ring lichen, a rare species that requires old forest with high humidity. The area's birds also include several species that thrive in old-growth forests, including capercaillie and three-toed woodpecker. Cranes nest out on the bogs.

Fire as nature conservation management

In the past, forest fires were a common occurrence in our forests, here and there in the reserve you will find traces of old pines after older forest fires. Fire is a necessity for a large number of plants and animals, which over the millennia have adapted to the habitat provided by fire. In order to benefit and preserve the area's fire-favoring species, the County Administrative Board conducts controlled conservation burns in the nature reserve. Between 2015 and 2019, the area was included in a project focusing on conservation burning, Life Taiga.

Traces of charcoal burning and old roads

The forest and marshes were once used in a different way than today. In the area there are remains of hay barns, charcoal huts and coal bunkers. The coal was used in iron production, which has also left its mark in the form of several mine holes in the area. At the reserve's northern boundary, there used to be the "Ställberget iron mine". If you look carefully, you can also find traces of old travel routes. The traces mainly consist of so-called rolling bridges that were laid out to get over wet areas. These bridges are now overgrown with a thick layer of moss.

Experience the moss in winter

Wetlands, bogs and fens are usually difficult to access during the warmer seasons, especially those without paths. But with the help of snow, ice and frost, they become easier to explore in winter. Once the snow has settled, our bogs are perfect for a skiing trip, where you can enjoy the tranquillity and open expanses of bog. In fact, if there's no snow, snowshoes are a great way to get across the bogs. Keep an eye out in the sky, you might catch a glimpse of a bird of prey or two.