Kamptjärnsbrännan, Naturreservat

The Kamptjärnsbrännan nature reserve is located in the northernmost part of the county, near the border with Dalarna. It is a mountainous, roadless wilderness area with large boulders, bogs and small lakes.

Woodpeckers and capercaillie

In Kamptjärnsbrännan the forest burned about 120 years ago. Many types of insects, fungi and lichens thrive in the many old deciduous trees that grew after the fire. The area's old and untouched forest and the large amount of dead wood in various stages of decomposition mean that there are good opportunities for many species to find a good place to live. The green wren, great spotted woodpecker, common chough and three-toed woodpecker find good feeding and nesting sites in many old trees. Three-toed woodpeckers, capercaillie and black grouse nest in the area.

Lots of unusual species

The area is home to a large number of unusual beetles. These include the red fungus beetle Hylis procerulus, the tree rodent Anobium fulvicorne, the northern flatworm Dendrophagus crenatus and the mold beetle Corticaria lapponica, which lives well in decaying trunks. There are also many rare species of fungi, such as the star fungus and the wool fungus, which grow on dead, lying trees (barns). Among lichens and mosses, there are also unusual species associated with old natural forests. Examples include the violet-grey thorn lichen, a hanging lichen found on the branches of very old spruce trees, and the short-shafted spruce spike, which only grows on the wood of pine stumps. Among the mosses, we can mention the wood staircase moss, which also grows on flames. Orchids, such as the knotweed and the lady's slipper, grow on the mossy ground of the spruce forest. All this diversity of flora and fauna has benefited from the fire that swept through and changed the forest long ago. The fire kills many, but gives life to others.

Hike in the fire's footsteps

A 5.2-kilometer trail takes you around the reserve. You can also walk shorter loops. The northern loop is 2.5 kilometers long, demanding but adventurous, runs between large boulders and past many fire stumps. The southern loop is 3.5 kilometers and leads through younger forest past Kamptjärnen and over part of Kamptjärnsmossen.