Karlaby mosse, Naturreservat

Karlaby bog is an oasis for many wild plants and animals in the arable landscape outside Simrishamn. In its pastures there are wet areas with so-called rich marshes. The calcareous soil water contributes to the presence of many unusual species, not least among plants and shells. White flowering grass wool and wild linden grow in the carpets of delicate scorpion moss, as well as pinkish-purple mayweed and meadow lilies. Fields spread out all around. The reserve has no facilities for outdoor recreation.

Rich marsh - tough environment with many species

There are three calcareous marshes in Karlaby bog, known as rich marshes. They are both unusual and unusually rich in species. The rich marshes of Karlaby bog are also extremely calcareous and are therefore called extreme rich marshes. Here, the pH is above 7, while there is a lack of nitrogen and phosphorus. The extreme environment, together with mowing and grazing, creates an exciting mix of rare flowers, mosses and shells.

Small water meadow - one of the pearls of the fen

There are plenty of reeds and rushes in Karlaby bog. At the same time, there is an abundance of rare marshland species such as beaked sedge, meadow water lilies, grass wool, wild linden, water lily, mayweed and the exclusive species is small water lily. Other uncommon flowers include May lilies, marsh marigold, marsh willowherb and hay flower. The more common marsh plants include meadowsweet, fleabane, meadowsweet and sedge. A common moss in Karlaby bog's fen is the common scorpion moss. Other rich marsh mosses include the golden spear moss, fat pine moss, lime lung moss, sausage scorpion moss and spring tufa moss. This calcareous environment is also home to snails such as the calcareous marsh snail and the marsh pupa snail.

Once the lands of the curlew

As recently as 2005, the curlew played in the area. It is a very rare bird that depends on an open agricultural landscape with wet meadows and wetlands. Will it come back?

Outdoor life

The area is difficult to access and wet in places. Animals periodically graze in the fields. Parking and outdoor facilities are lacking and will not be provided. There are many trample-sensitive species in the reserve, so visits are discouraged. Respect the privacy zone around the farms in the area.