Geijersdalsmossen, Naturreservat

Geijersdalsmossen is a large, untouched bog with sand dunes. The seemingly barren wilderness environment has a characteristic bird life.

The area is part of Brattforsheden's mighty marginal delta, which was formed when the ice sheet melted. The entire bog rests on sand, which is particularly noticeable in the flying sand dunes that stretch across the southern parts of the bog. The dunes were formed when the flat delta surface rose above sea level. The wind then affected the surface and high sand dunes were formed.

Geijersdalsmossen is a bog complex where most of it consists of bogs, while other parts are marshes. One only receives water from precipitation, while the marsh is in contact with the groundwater in the soil. Few plant species that live on the bog are adapted to the extremely nutrient-poor environment of the bog. In contrast, a more species-rich and lush vegetation can develop in the fens, as the nutrient supply is better.

The reserve was created to preserve the mire landscape with its surface forms, flora and fauna and to provide the public with opportunities to study these natural conditions. The area is part of the EU's Natura 2000 network of valuable nature sites.

Animals and plants

Geijersdalsmossen is a so-called gölmosse, which means that the area has a lot of small "ponds" with open water. Together with the marsh areas, this means that birds such as the little ringed plover, whooper swan, golden plover, curlew, lapwing, greenfinch, black grouse and crane thrive on the bog. Among the birds you will find mainly yellow wagtails, meadow pipits and chiffchaffs.

The vegetation is species-poor and consists mainly of white mosses, which also build up the entire bog. Examples of typical plant species are heather, hemlock, roselle, tufted down, reed canary grass and cold grass.

Facilities

The Brattfors trail (24 kilometers), which is the area's large circular trail, goes straight through Geijersdalsmossen. During the walk you walk on a long sand dune, Långa manen, which runs in a north-south direction. From the back of the dune there is a good overview of the area. In early summer there is a good chance of seeing and hearing the birds of the bog.