Hjärthalla, Naturreservat

The Hjärthalla nature reserve is a scenic and hiking-friendly area on one of Listerlandet's remaining mountains. Beech forest grows on the slopes and at the foot of the mountain there are species-rich natural pastures.

The varied nature provides a high biodiversity in the area. There are species of fungi and insects worthy of protection. A path leads up to the top of Hjärthalla, 60 metres above sea level, with views eastwards towards the vast agricultural landscape. The reserve is located on the southern part of Hjärthalla/Mörby backe.

Geological shaping over millions of years

Hjärthallaberget, which rises markedly above the plain, is one of the so-called residual mountains of varying height found on Listerlandet. The bedrock consists of Karlshamns granite, which is over 1000 million years old. When the last ice sheet melted 14,500 years ago, the highest coastline in the Baltic Ice Lake was formed, about 52 meters above sea level at Hjärthalla. Below this level, there are beach formations with gravel and shingle as well as sand deposits along the southwest slope.

Cultural-historical traces in the landscape

There are many traces of prehistoric activities in the reserve. There is a Stone Age settlement from the early Neolithic period, around 4,400 years ago. On the top of the mountain there is a stone settlement from the Bronze Age or early Iron Age, about 2,500 years ago. The rock formation has had a function both as a burial site and as a territory marker. Stone walls from the boundary demarcations of the parcel era, in the mid-19th century, are preserved. Cultivation cairns are remnants of older times' agriculture.

A rich plant and animal life

Hjärthalla is dominated by deciduous forest with mostly beech, both on nutrient-poor and nutrient-rich soils. In the more fertile parts below the slope, bluebells and yellow anemones bloom in spring. The fungus resin stick, which is a highly endangered species, grows on a blown-over beech.

Dead and dying wood is important for wood-dwelling insects, for example. Several species that are signs of old forests live in the forests. The variation between deciduous forests, swamp forests, buffer zones, shrublands and open natural pastures is a positive feature of the landscape for both flora and fauna and outdoor recreation. Riparian zones are a good habitat for many wild animals, but it is important that they are not allowed to overgrow.