Lejakärret, Naturreservat

The Lejakärret nature reserve is as close as we can get to Öland's orchid fields in our county. On an old mining field where, among other things, chalcopyrite was mined until 1919, a number of orchids grow, many in large numbers. An easy path leads around the area, which offers many wonderful experiences of some of our most beautiful orchids. The best time to visit Lejakärret is in early July.

There are many orchids here

The bedrock in the area includes chalcopyrite and limestone. Lejakärret is a so-called rich marsh, which means that there are plenty of minerals such as lime, but less nutrients. Many of the species that grow here are specially adapted to these conditions. We don't know if they thrive because of these minerals, or if they are more resilient than other plants. If you visit Lejakärret in early July, it's a good time to look for orchids, as you'll find an unusual number of them in one place. In the marshes you will find, among other things, maidenhair orchids, two-leaved orchids, bride's spurge and marsh marigold. The latter has one of its richest growing areas in the county here. In the marsh you will also find other plants such as mayweed, white willowherb, small fern and marsh willowherb, as well as calcareous semi-grasses such as grass wool, tufted sedge and hairstar.

Remains of a copper mine

Mining of chalcopyrite in the area started in the 1550s, when the Leja mine just south of the reserve was opened. Mining then continued for short periods until 1919. In the area there is an approximately one-hectare desert-like silt field with shimmering green sand containing lime and copper. The silt is a fine-grained residue from the processing of copper ore. In the area there are also ruins of buildings and mine holes as clear traces of the former mining operations. More remains of the area's older mining operations can be found in the surrounding Lejaskogen nature reserve.

Stick to the trails

Within Lejakärret there is a marked trail about 1 kilometer long. To protect sensitive plants, especially some orchids, it is important not to go outside the paths in the marsh areas.