Ubbalts naturreservat, Naturreservat

The Ubbalt nature reserve is located on Verumsåsen east of Vittsjön. The area consists of densely lying pebble ridges with ridges in several directions. Beech forest dominates the reserve and in the parts of the forest where the beech trees are over a hundred years old there is a rich lichen and moss flora. Traces of extensive medieval iron production from lake and bog ore have also been found in the reserve. There is an entrance in the north via Gundrastorp and one in the south. The Skåneleden trail runs through the reserve, as does the Vittsjön round loop. Vittsjön round is about one mile and starts at the train station in Vittsjö.

Both beech forest and coniferous forest

In addition to beech, spruce, pine, birch, oak and rowan also grow in the reserve. The spruce is here at the southern limit of its natural range. Some of the spruces are self-sown, but the majority are planted.

Older forest with high natural values

The older parts of the beech forest are home to lung lichen, among other species. The lung lichen is a sensitive species that only grows in forests with long continuity and clean air. It is therefore a suitable indicator of a forest with high natural values. The old trees are also home to various woodpecker species, such as the common woodpecker and the great spotted woodpecker. Birds such as the swift, kingfisher and black tit can also be found in the reserve. Just outside the reserve, along the Vieån river, you can often see white-tailed godwits and common terns.

Ridge landscape formed by the inland ice

Ubbalt's ridge landscape was formed about 14,000 years ago when the last ice sheet melted and retreated. During that time, mighty ice rivers flowed through the area, carrying gravel, sand and stones that sank to the bottom in the calmer parts of the river. Over time, this deposited material built up the pebble ridges we see in the area today.

Ancient remains

In the lakes in the Vittsjö area, several tons of sea ore are deposited every year, usually in the form of pea-sized grains. During the Middle Ages, there was therefore extensive iron ore processing in the area. However, traces of this activity are barely visible today. Much clearer remains of human activity are the cairns on the ridges. Most of these cairns were built during the Bronze and Iron Ages, when stone was cleared to make way for more arable land.

Outdoor life

In Ubbalt's nature reserve there is a red-marked circular loop of 5 km that goes out on Näset. The approximately 10 kilometer long circular loop Vittsjön around passes through the reserve as well as Skåneleden (SL1 coast to coast, stage 9). All three pass the campsite with shelter and fireplace. Rundslingan Vittsjön runt starts at the lake near Vittsjö train station about 2.5 km away. Here is a sign map of the unmarked trail that follows roads and existing trails. In the north, the circular trail passes Vittsjön around the building monument Gundrastorp and Ekholmens kvarn Link to another website. and at the campsite in Vittsjö it goes over the well-preserved arched bridge Gustav Adolfsbron.

In English

Welcome to Ubbalt Nature Reserve

The Ubbalt nature reserve is characterized by eskers lying in several directions. The landscape was formed during the end of the last ice age, 14.000 years ago, when the icecap retreated. Today the area is dominated by beech woodland but it also houses norway spruce, scots pine, birch, rowan and oak. In the oldest parts of the forest, where the beech trees are more than a hundred years old, there is a rich flora of moss and lichen. The lungwort lichen is one of the rare species of lichen you can find in this nature reserve.

During the middle ages there was an extensive production of limonite in the region. Remains of this activity have been found in some parts of the reserve. The piles of stones that you may encounter on top of the ridges are usually older, dating from the bronze age or the iron age.

The Ubbalt nature reserve is situated 4 km east of the town of Vittsjö. On the road between Vittsjö and Verum you head north towards Gundrastorp. After about 700 meters you will find a parking spot.

Regulations

Within Ubbalt Nature Reserve it is forbidden to:

• Bring dogs or other pets not on a lead,
• Light a fire outside of the designated places,
• Drive motor vehicles other than on designated roads and car parks,
• Camp or park up a caravan or camper van,
• Break branches, fell or in any other way damage living or dead trees and bushes, or to damage the vegetation in general, such as by picking or digging up flowers,
• Put up posters, signs, plaques, notices or other equivalent items,
• Use radios, tape players, or other equivalent in a way that will be disturbing.