Stormorvallen, Naturreservat

Northeast of Fulufjället National Park lies this steep, forested slope adjacent to the village of Mörkret and the Stormorvallen mountain pasture, which gave the reserve its name.

Several advantages foster lush flora

These steep slopes provide ideal conditions for vegetation. The limestone in the bedrock acts as a fertilizer, and water seeping down the steep slope ensures that the area rarely dries out. Combined with a slope that creates a warmer local climate, this provides several advantages for the flora. Here you’ll find the stately Nordic monkshood alongside other tall species such as northern fern, wood sorrel, marsh marigold, bridal wreath, and elder-leaved saxifrage. In the damp areas, this also creates a lush spruce forest with high site quality. Site quality refers to the land’s natural ability to produce timber.

Untouched Forest with Natural Trails

The forest is old and untouched by modern forestry practices. However, there are traces of past logging throughout the area, and in some parts, even more recent logging. Forest grazing, which in the past originated from Stormorvallen, has also left its mark on the forest. Overall, however, the forest can be described as a natural mountain forest, with a large proportion of truly old trees and, in places, a great deal of both standing and fallen deadwood. The forest therefore gives an overall impression of being untouched, an impression reinforced by the abundant hanging lichen flora, where, in particular, string lichen—often in meter-long garlands—creates a beautiful scene.

Birds, Beetles, and Butterflies of All Kinds

Typical birds of the Storskogen forest, such as the Siberian jay, goshawk, Tengmalm’s owl, and coal tit, make their home here. Hazel grouse and woodcock thrive in the wetter areas. Along the Björbäcken stream, you’ll find dippers and grey wagtails. There is likely a species-rich and valuable fauna of beetles and small butterflies associated with the large amount of dead wood and the abundance of lichen.