Bocksberget

Bocksberget nature reserve is made up of two different parts. Both parts have been subject to conservation burning. The smaller southern section was burned in 2005 while the larger northern part, the actual Bocksberget mountain, was burned in 2012. Bocksberget is situated between three lakes. In the southern section there is a barbecue area with views out over one of the lakes.

Old pines with traces of burning

Many of the old pines in the reserve bear traces of two fires, with some individual trees even having survived three forest fires. The most recent natural fire was around 150 years ago. This can be ascertained by looking at the annual rings on an old pine bearing traces of fires.

It is natural for pine forests like these to burn at regular intervals. In such a fire, most of the spruces are destroyed, as their branches are so low that they easily catch alight. Most of the pines survive, largely thanks to their thick, hard-wearing bark. The more fires a pine has been exposed to, the thicker and more durable is its bark. The bark produces resin when it is subjected to damage, making it harder and more resistant.

In an area such as this that is characterised by fires, the County Administrative Board conducts nature conservation burning in order for the forest to retain its character and ecology.