Allarps mosse, Naturreservat

Allarps mosse lies like a postage stamp in the open field landscape north of Kävlinge. The bog is a remnant of a larger fen area that has been drained several times. Today, the unique and species-rich fen environment only remains in the central parts of the nature reserve, with exclusive species such as black cohosh, honeyflower and mayflower. The area is wet and lacks facilities for outdoor recreation.

Allarps mosse was once part of a large wetland area with species-rich extreme marshes. According to the locals, the area could periodically be so wet that a large lake was formed here, a lake that you could skate on in winter.

After extensive drainage in the 1970s, all that remains is today's bog with its centrally located extreme rice marsh. The species-rich marsh is surrounded by wet meadow with a trivial and species-poor flora.

Today, rich marshes are rare throughout Skåne and extreme rich marshes are unique. Many threatened species are linked to this calcareous environment.

In Allarps bog there are still a few specimens of the critically endangered species black fog. Allarps mosse is one of five sites for the species in Sweden. There are also many specimens in the area that look similar to the black kite, but they are probably a hybrid with the rufous kite. In order to conserve the black kite, there is a specific action program for the species (Action program for the conservation of the black kite).

Another rare species is the honey locust. It is only found here and at one other location in south-western Skåne. Other rare, so-called red-listed species in Allarp's bog are small-leaved cranesbill, corn vetch, ground thistle and fleabane.

The bottom layer of the bog consists of mosses such as marsh bryophyte, spring tufted moss and ribbon moss. Spear moss is also present in large quantities.

Older map material suggests that Allarps bog has mainly been used as a hay meadow since the 17th century, but as pasture for much of the 20th century and even today.

To protect the unique rich marsh, the county administrative board has contributed to the clearing of shrubs and bushes on four occasions between 2011-2022. An important purpose of forming the nature reserve (2025) has been to be able to rewet and restore the bog and to establish a lasting and long-term grazing. Overgrowth, together with fertilization, drainage and tree planting, are the biggest threats to our disappearing few and small fen.

The area is located along the road between Kävlinge and Marieholm. The ground is wet and lacks facilities for outdoor activities. Remember not to bring your dog among the grazing animals if you visit the area. Also remember that it is not allowed to dig up plants.