Bryngelsdalen, Naturreservat

Bryngelsdalen is one of Värmland's few remaining large coniferous forest areas that emerged naturally after fires and where the remaining forest has only been affected by forestry to a limited extent.

The area is varied with rift valleys and wetlands of various kinds, providing a mosaic of habitats. The forest is characterized by fire and has only been affected by forestry to a limited extent. The forest stands are conifer-dominated with a high proportion of deciduous trees, especially old, coarse aspen. In parts of the area there are also relatively abundant flames. There is a mosaic of different biotopes and a concentration of plant and animal species with requirements for long continuity, including old deciduous trees and dead wood.

The reserve was established to preserve a natural forest landscape characterized by fire, i.e. a mixed coniferous stand with a large element of aspen and other hardwood species. Parts of the area are included in the EU's network of valuable nature, Natura 2000.

Animals and plants

The aspen-rich stands are home to a rich bird fauna where several of Sweden's woodpeckers have been observed, such as the three-toed woodpecker and the grey woodpecker. Other birds worth mentioning are the sparrow owl, pearl owl, wolverine, capercaillie and black grouse. The quality of the area is underscored by the presence of the lichen jay, a northern species with high demands on the forest environment.

Many threatened species of lichens and wood fungi have been found, as well as several species that indicate that the forest has not been used for a long time, such as leather lichen, aspen yellow lichen, lung lichen, green shield moss, wood bustard moss and the fungi candelabra and starry tagging.