Norra Mellby, Naturreservat

In Norra Mellby you will find oak and hazel forests with a flower-rich field layer and oaks that can be up to 200 years old. In the deciduous swamp forest you have the chance to spot the lesser spotted woodpecker. The reserve has no paths but is easy to walk in.

Oak and hazel forest

Norra Mellby's deciduous forest consists mainly of oak with an undergrowth of hazel. Most of the oak trees are around 100 to 120 years old, but individual trees are probably closer to 200 years old. The oldest oaks are a remnant from the time when the area was still pasture, but today the canopy is closing in ever more tightly.

Beautiful grove flora

In parts of the reserve you will find a beautiful grove flora with species such as lily of the valley, bluebell and small-leaved helleborine. In wetter areas, you can also find the red-listed plant desm bud.

Smaller part of deciduous swamp forest

A small part of the reserve consists of deciduous swamp forest with mainly birch. Here, an impressive carpet of foxgloves spreads out over the ground. It is also in this part of the reserve that you have the best chance of seeing the lesser spotted woodpecker.

Outdoor life

The reserve has no paths but it is possible to roam freely. Remember to take your rubbish home.

In English

Welcome to Norra Mellby Nature Reserve

In the beautiful leafy arcade you can walk beneath the tree crowns and enjoy tranquillity and birdsong. A simple, unmarked trail takes you around the nature reserve.

Until the late 19th century, the area was a sparsely wooded pasture. In autumn, domesticated pigs searched for acorns on the ground. A few large oaks are left from this time, but most of the trees are around 100 years old. Today, the tree layer has closed, forming a verdant grove. The moist parts may have been meadows where winter fodder for the animals was cut.

The deciduous grove is at its most beautiful in spring. Between the tree trunks a carpet of yellow and white spring flowers adorns the ground, including lily-of-the valley, yellow archangel, liverleaf and Corydalis intermedia. Hazel, hornbeam and beech grow below the

tall oaks. A deciduous swamp forest has sprung up with birch, alder and salix shrubs. Here, the ground is covered in interrupted clubmoss, glowing green against the white birch trunks.

Regulations

Within Norra Mellby Nature Reserve it is forbidden to:

• damage fixed natural objects or surface formations,
• bring unleashed dogs or other loose pets,
• dig up plants, pick or damage clubmoss, mosses, lichens or wood-living fungi,
• deliberately break up, or collect and remove dead wood.

Without permission from the County Administrative Board it is forbidden to:

• collect invertebrate animals, e.g. beetles. Occasional specimens may be collected providing it is not contrary to species protection regulations and that traps are not used,
• place out alien objects (e.g. geocaches or similar).

Furthermore, without permission from the manager it is forbidden to:

• put up boards, signs,