Östra Kvallåkra, Naturreservat

Östra Kvallåkra offers natural forests on blocky ground and on steep slopes. Several different tree species grow here, and there are plenty of old, rough trees and dead wood.

The three nature reserves Kvallåkra, Östra Kvallåkra and Persgärde protect a large contiguous area of valuable forest. There are old trees and dead wood, which many birds, insects, mosses and lichens appreciate. The reserves are linked by several marked paths.

Natural forest in blocky terrain

The area is located in Blekinge's rift valley terrain and oak forest area. The forest grows on the heights and on the blocky slopes. The natural forest consists mainly of deciduous forest, mixed deciduous forest and swamp forest. The broadleaf forest is dominated by oak, beech and hornbeam with large areas of aspen. There is also pine on mountainous ground and spruce in swamp forest.

Until the 1940s, animals grazed in the forests around Kvallåkra village in the summer. Since grazing ceased, the forest has developed freely into a natural forest, where trees die of old age and new trees sprout where old trunks have fallen. The natural forest is also characterized by the presence of several different species of trees and the abundance of old, coarse trees.

Home to many species

Natural forests are a sanctuary for plants and animals that have been pushed aside in modern forests. The decaying wood of the trees makes it easy for birds to peck out nest holes. The wood is home to beetles and other bugs, which are important food for many birds. If you look closely at the bark of old trees, you can discover a variety of mosses and lichens.

In the western part of the reserve there is a valley with old farmland. It extends up towards Sandsjön. To the north-east is another small lake, Svartagyl.