Sjölidens sandtäkt

The old sand quarry here at Sjöliden has a special plant and animal life. Many species are dependent on sandy soils with some periodic disturbance, so despite the fact that quarries have often involved major interventions in nature, they can provide important habitats for various species. However, both naturally occurring sandy habitats and sand and gravel quarries are declining in abundance and distribution, with consequences for biodiversity. More than 300 red-listed species in Sweden thrive in sand and gravel pits, mainly various insects but also vascular plants and birds.

Here on the open sandy soils grow, among other things, the rare plants dwarf lily and beach lily, two small and inconspicuous species that thrive where it is sandy and moist, and where competition from other plants is not too great. The flora also includes species such as bluebells, cowslips and eyebright.

The area also has a rich insect fauna with species such as the pygmy blue bee, the willow cuckoo bee and the red-listed butterfly, the lesser bastard swallowtail. In the slope towards the pine grove, nesting of both kingfishers and humpback swallows has previously been observed. Willow grows in the fringe environments and is an important food source for pollinators flying in early spring. Welcome here to the sandpit on the tour along the white-marked Sjörundan or Växjö Runt.