Storön, Naturreservat

Storön Nature Reserve covers most of the island of Storön in Lake Storsjön, south-east of Bergsjö. The area offers many different types of nature. From managed hay meadows and grazed forests with rich flora, to dark natural forests with a primeval forest feel. The wings of history can be seen in several ancient remains from the Iron Age. In the area you can swim, canoe and take a dip at the Högen bathing area.

Storön's nature reserve contains several different types of nature on its 50 hectares. The greatest natural values are found in the distinctive and rich flora, the natural forests, and the managed meadows.

The natural forests are best developed along the north side of the island and on the south-western cape. The woodland is dominated by spruce forests with a strikingly high proportion of deciduous trees such as aspen, birch and willow.

In the central parts of the island, the forests are sparser and testify to the grazing of cattle and, more recently, sheep, which was carried out on the island on and off throughout the 20th century. There is also a large proportion of deciduous trees in these parts.

Valuable for many

Throughout Storön there are remains that testify to the human use of the island for a long time. This is most evident at Surängsviken on the western side of the island, where an open meadow remains. The meadow has a rich flora of vascular plants with species such as celandine, cuckoo pea, meadow bell and red clover. The meadow will be mowed annually to maintain its openness and rich flora.

Adjacent to the meadow are most of the island's ancient remains. These consist of house foundations from the Iron Age. The meadowland adjacent to the old settlements probably has a very long history as cultivated land.

Bird life on the island is rich and varied. Of particular value is the good availability of coarse trees and deciduous trees, which are of great importance for birds of prey and cavity-nesting birds, including woodpeckers.