Gråtbron naturreservat

Gråtbron is the municipality's newest nature reserve and the area is located in Hedströmsdalen just south of Kolsva. The reserve covers a section of the wooded western slope down to Hedströmmen. What makes the area so interesting is its topography and hydrology. There are small gorge formations along the streams. A number of diffuse springs and the moist, silted-over soil support a distinctive and often herb-rich flora. This moist environment means that the forest consists of mature deciduous and spruce trees of the fresh to moist low herb type. The deciduous trees in particular have begun to take on characteristics associated with older natural forests. In places, there is a lot of dead wood here, which benefits crowded woodland species. The forest is usually of high quality and therefore has upright trees. The forest consists mostly of aspen, spruce, birch and gray alder and a field layer with elements of calcareous plants as well as interesting plants such as big bluestem and spring barley. In places, there are also stands of hazel with the plant water lily attached to it. The area is home to valuable butterflies, mosses and fungi. As the management plan states, the nature reserve, with its distinctive natural environments and sometimes wild forest stands, can be an important destination for excursions. However, the sometimes dramatic topography and lack of hiking trails mean that the area is currently considered less suitable for developed outdoor recreation.