Nytebodaskogen, Naturreservat

Nytebodaskogen is an unusual sight with its over 200-year-old pines and the only natural coniferous forest in Skåne. Cranberries and the fragrant marsh lily grow next to Lommagylet. The old forest is home to the orchid knotweed and linnea. However, the reserve is best known for its many owls. In early spring you can hear both the sparrow owl and the barn owl. Nytebodaskogen is located north of Lake Immeln and the Skåneleden trail, together with another marked trail, takes you on a tour of the reserve.

Storm-ravaged natural forest

In Nyteboda, the forest has largely been left to look after itself. Many trees are around 200 years old, but some pines are over 250 years old. Parts of the two small lakes Norra and Södra Kroksjön are also included in the reserve, as is the small bog lake Lommagylet. The ground is very rocky and in many places covered with a thick layer of moss.

Nytebodaskogen was hit hard by the storm Gudrun in January 2005. Many trees, mainly spruces, were felled in the storm and the following year spruce bark beetle began to establish itself among the wind-felled trees. The progress of the spruce bark beetle, together with further storms, has given rise to the large number of dead and fallen spruces that we see in the reserve today. The purpose of the reserve is to allow the old forest to develop freely and therefore the dead trees are left where they fell. Along roads and paths, dead trees have been cleared away, but otherwise the forest is very inaccessible.

Linnea and fragrant marsh lilies

For those who still go to Nytebodaskogen, there is much to discover. The reserve offers environments that are otherwise unusual in Skåne. Cranberries and the fragrant marsh lily grow next to Lommagyllet, and in the forest you can find both the orchid knotweed and linnea. Many insects thrive in the old forest with its abundant dead wood.

Birds of the coniferous forest

Nyteboda is also home to the birds of the old coniferous forest, including the kingfisher, tufted titmouse, black tit and several woodpecker species. However, Nyteboda is best known for its many owls. From February to April, you can hear both the pearl owl and the sparrow owl, but in the reserve you can also meet the barn owl and the great horned owl.

Traces of burning

Although the trees in Nyteboda are old, there has not always been forest here. Before the current forest generation, the forest land was used for both grazing and cultivation. Carbon particles in the soil and small cairns show that there has been swiddening here.

Outdoor life

Skåneleden (SL1 coast to coast, stage 5) runs through Nyteboda in an east-west direction. There is also a circular walk of a few kilometers in the reserve. The circular trail takes you past the eastern shore of Lommagylet and on via Södra Kroksjön. Apart from these trails, the terrain is difficult to access. Be aware of falling trees and branches. Parking is available adjacent to the reserve. Remember to take your rubbish home.

**There is a high risk of parts of trees or whole trees falling very quickly and suddenly, especially during windy days and the period afterwards. Always be aware of the risks of falling trees and branches if you walk in the reserve!

In English

Welcome to Nytebodaskogen Nature Reserve

Trees have been rooted for centuries on the stony slopes of Nytebodaskogen. People, storms, and beetles have ravaged, but some trees have still managed to survive. Rare wood-decay fungi and beetles, woodpeckers and owls thrive here. A walking trail leads you past the spookily dark waters of Lommagylet and Kroksjöarna, while the Skåneleden Trail passes to the south. Large parts of the Reserve contain standing dead spruce trees, which will eventually fall over, so be alert and careful, especially during storms.

250 years old pine trees

Nytebodaskogen has never been clear-felled and there are pine trees here that are around 250 years old. They germinated in the 1700s in a more open and light woodland - with occasional small arable fields and pastures, and meadows next to lakes and streams. Since then, the woodland has become denser and both spruce and beech have established on the wooded slopes.

Large numbers of dead trees

During the 1900s, Nytebodaskogen was known for its, by Skåne standards, impressive old conifers. In the early 2000s, several storms hit, and many spruce trees fell over. This provided a feast for the spruce bark beetle, which has since killed more trees. Large numbers of dead trees are a given in natural woodlands. Nytebodaskogen has become a haven for many wood-living insects and fungi that are excluded from the modern intensively managed commercial forests.

Lommagylet or Kroksjön provide peace and quiet

Take a break at Lommagylet or Kroksjön - they provide peace and quiet. Beneath the glittering surface of the water, are rare diving beetles and dragonfly larvae.

Regulations

Within Nytebodaskogen Nature Reserve it is forbidden to:

• disturb wildlife, such as by taking close-up photographs of birds' nests, dens, setts or equivalent, or by climbing trees with nests,
• bring a dog or any other pets not on a lead,
• horseride,
• light a fire,
• drive a motor vehicle including mopeds other than on the entrance road past Granatorpet to the car park marked on the map,
• park other than in designated car parking spaces,
• camp or park up a caravan,
• take cuttings, break branches, fell or in any other way damage living or dead trees and bushes or damage any other vegetation such as by picking or digging up herbs, grasses, mosses, or lichens,
• put up signs, plaques, posters, notices, inscriptions, or any other equivalent items,
• use radios, sound systems, musical instruments, or equivalent, in a disturbing way,
• organize orienteering controls, taped trails or equivalent, as well as
• use the Reserve for organized outdoor activities of any kind, without permission from the site manager.

The regulations which apply in the reserves are set out on the notices displayed at the entrances.