Gillbergasjön, Naturreservat

Lake Gillbergasjön is an important habitat for a wide variety of species. Above all, a rich bird life is favored by grazed meadows, reeds and swamp forests.

The reserve was established to preserve a valuable resting and nesting place for wetland birds and to preserve the area's character of old cultural landscape and protect sensitive plant and animal species. The area is part of the EU's Natura 2000 network of protected areas.

Wildlife

Swamp forests and reedbeds contribute to biodiversity, but grazed salt meadows play a particularly important role. Variation in the structure of the saltmarsh is important. In the short-grazed wetland, waders such as lapwings and curlews can easily access insects and worms. The snipe, however, needs slightly higher tussocks to protect its nest. The salt meadows are also important for the many migratory birds that stop here to rest and feed during long migration routes. Lake Gillbergasjön is particularly well known for the large numbers of whooper swans that gather here during spring and fall migration. In recent years, the lake has also hosted large numbers of Greylag Geese during both spring and fall.

The open water areas created by the grazing between the reeds and the shore meadow - the blue border - attract many swimming birds. Whooper swans graze underwater plants in water half a meter deep, while swimming ducks such as mallards and teals use shallower areas.