Gränseskogen, Naturreservat

In the Gränseskogen nature reserve, the moss-rich coniferous forest resembles a real primeval forest, with tall old trees and a myriad of lying trunks and dead wood. The trees grow and die, fall over and are broken down by insects and fungi to return to the endless cycle of nature.

A heavily used crown park

Unlike today's younger, well-managed forests, this reserve is characterized by the fact that the trees have been left alone for a long time. The area was protected in the 1950s because it was already considered a unique primeval forest area within Kloten's large crown park. The fact that the Gränseskogen forest was difficult to access and had low growth probably also played a role - it was therefore of little interest to the Forestry Board. The reserve is surrounded by the Malingsbo-Kloten nature conservation area.

Versatile pine trees

Most of the trees began to grow around the middle of the 19th century, and the oldest age-determined pine tree was found sometime around 1770. The pine became part of our nature already after the last ice age and people have always used the tree for different purposes. It is rich in resin and both turpentine and resin have been produced from it. In the past, the vitamin C-rich pine shoots were valued as a cure for scurvy and gout, among other things. Lively in the old-growth forest The habitat of the old-growth forest favors a diversity of insects and fungi that have found it increasingly difficult to survive in today's well-cleaned and rationally managed forests. In particular, the very large pine trees that stand alone in sunlit locations are a haven for many rare insect species.

Diamond-patterned leaves

Turn your gaze from the towering trees to the small wonders of the ground. One of the many species typical of old-growth forests is the tiny orchid knapweed. Despite being one of our most common orchids, it is easily overlooked. But if you take a closer look, you'll notice its checkered leaves and small, hairy flowers.

Availability

Gränseskogen belongs to level 1 in the County Administrative Board's leveling of the county's nature reserves, which means that the reserve has a wilderness character and lacks outdoor recreation facilities.