Svaneholm, Norrskog, Naturreservat

Svaneholm Norrskog is a reserve with old broadleaf forest. The land previously belonged to Svaneholm Castle and has been wooded at least since the 18th century. Due to the age of the forest, the area has very high biological values and several rare species. Two circular trails take you around the area. Parking is available at the castle a short distance away.

Forest with ancient origins

The nutritious beech forest in Svaneholm Norrskog has a long continuity. As early as the 18th century, the Svaneholm estate set aside the area as a production forest and protected the forest from grazing animals. The long forest continuity and the great age of the trees have given rise to a high level of biodiversity. The broadleaf forest dominates in the area, but there are also swamp forests and planted areas with larch and spruce.

Unusual fungi and bats

Many rare, so-called red-listed species live in Svaneholm's forests. Many of the most exclusive are either fungi or wood-dwelling insects. More than 350 species of fungi have been recorded in Norrskog alone, including the coral chrysanthemum, saffron finger mushroom and southern sooty fungus. The Svaneholm area is also an important site for bats. Six different species have been observed in the area, including the common pipistrelle, little pipistrelle, long-eared bat and water bat.

Frog water and bird life

There are several small lakes in the reserve that are home to various amphibians. In the ponds surrounded by deciduous forest, leaf frog and edible frog thrive, as well as greater and lesser newts. Norrskog is also home to a large number of birds. More than 50 bird species have been recorded nesting in the reserve. The most common are chaffinches and warblers, but rarer species such as greenfinches and stonechats have also been observed in Norrskog.

Rutger Macklean and the juniper

The Svaneholm estate dates back to the Middle Ages and is of great historical value due to its importance for the agricultural development of Sweden. At the end of the 18th century, the estate was owned by Rutger Macklean, who initiated the agricultural reform known as the enskifte. The purpose of the single shift was to make farming more efficient and the farmers' many small plots were merged into larger contiguous fields. This often meant that farmers moved out to newly built farms closer to their land and that many villages therefore disappeared.

The single shift was a success

In connection with the single shift, Norrskog was also set aside as a production forest with the aim of rationalizing the use of the estate's land. The shift was a great success for Macklean and the population on the estate doubled in the following decades. The shift reforms meant major changes to the agricultural landscape in large parts of Sweden, and it all started here at Svaneholm Estate.

Outdoor life

The nature reserves Norrskog, Hästhagen Link to another website. and Vassen Link to another website. are part of a larger outdoor recreation area around Svaneholm Castle and are mainly used for hiking and horseback riding. The area is close to the town and can be reached by bus via the local line to Svaneholm Castle from Skurup town. At the castle there is a large parking lot with information, rest area and catering. Norrskog does not have its own parking lot but is within walking distance of the castle. In Norrskog there are two circular loops: Blue loop (2.3 km) and Yellow loop (2.3 km). Remember to take your trash home.

In English

Welcome to Svaneholm-Norrskog Nature Reserve

Much of the Nature Reserve consists of old oak and beech woodland dating back to the 18th century. The area is home to many plant and animal species linked to the ancient trees.

The birthplace of modern agriculture

Landowner and politician Rutger Macklean at Svaneholm initiated a key agricultural land reform known as enskiftet at the end of the 18th century. The reform led to much bigger harvests and greater prosperity in Sweden, and changed the way the landscape and settlement patterns developed. Villages were split up when farms moved out and became individual holdings.The agricultural reform also had an impact on the forest.

Outdoor recreation

There are two loops of just over 2 km in Norrskog Nature Reserve. The Jaktstigen Trail (2.6 km) goes around Lake Svaneholmssjön closer to the castle (in Svaneholm Nature Reserve). It is adapted for accessibility and equipped with rest areas, lookout platforms and informational signs. The red loop continues into Vassen Nature Reserve (4.2 km). Fishing enthusiasts can buy a fishing license and hire a boat.

Regulations

**The regulations apply for the protection of nature. You'll find a selection of the most important visitor regulations here. They are also posted on a separate sign at each entrance. The full/complete regulations are available in swedish on this web page - below the heading "Föreskrifter / Fullständiga föreskrifter för besökare".

• All dogs must be on a physical lead.
• You are not permitted to ride bicycles here.
• You are not permitted to ride or drive horses in the reserve.