Ilstorp, Naturreservat

Ilstorp is an old sand quarry outside Sjöbo. The long period of exposed sand has created an eldorado for sand-living plants and animals. There are no less than 60 different kinds of wild bees and bumblebees. Horse riding and cross-country skiing create areas of open and bare sand, to the delight of species such as the haymaking sand bee and the great reed bee. However, activities are limited. Between March 1 and July 15, there should be peace and quiet in nature's nursery. It is not permitted to bring horses, dogs or other pets. At other times, you are welcome to ride in the area, provided that the horse is not under medication for parasites. Cross-country skiing is regulated by a special management agreement. The reserve lacks a marked trail but is easy to roam around in. A simple parking lot is located along the road in the southeast corner.

Photo: Alex Regnér

Old sand quarry

Ilstorp is a former sand quarry located in Sjöbosänkan. Here, the Klingavälsån river meanders through agricultural land and pine plantations. The sandy landscape has historically been open and had major problems with sand drift in the 18th and 19th centuries. The pine plantations were established to bind the sand.

Eldorado for sand-dwelling species

The diversity of sand-dwelling insects is great in the former sand trap. The dam has been open for over 50 years and has always had areas of bare sand. Before that, sand was taken from the other side of the road, which shows that sand-dwelling insects have had a long time to colonize the area.

Measures to keep the land open

To prevent overgrowth and maintain the open and sandy soil in the reserve, parts of the area will be dug over or plowed. Periodically, it may be necessary to graze animals and some years conservation burning. This is to ensure that there are areas of bare sand where insects can dig tunnels and nest. Horse riding and motorcycle riding are other activities that will also create sandy patches with soft and bare sand.

Around 60 different species of bees and bumblebees

Today, there are around 60 different species of bees, including bumblebees. The rarest of these are the common sand bee, the haymaking sand bee, the great reed bee and the island cuckoo bee. Other exclusive insects are the stubble hairstreak and the chub seed borer. Unusual butterflies include the meadow metalwing, the field moth, the meadow net butterfly and the lesser blue butterfly. Among the beetles there are rarities such as the long-armed bag beetle and the ox-tongue weevil.

Dry meadow flora with heath flowers and bluebells

The flora includes heath flowers and the tiny grass white alder, the latter with about 10,000 specimens. Other dry meadow plants are thyme and bluebell. There are also older and today unusual types of field weeds such as golden clover, field bindweed, rye poppy and spike poppy.

Birds and frogs

The bird life includes greenfinches, barn swallows, yellow sparrows and tree sparrows. There are also an unusual number of skylarks. The area also has the potential to become a nesting area for the rare skylark.

At the ponds you can see lapwing, teal, oystercatcher and gull. Dragonflies are also abundant here. Above the water level, you can see colorful species such as the blue emperor dragonfly, golden dragonfly and four-spotted dragonfly. The larger pond is also a good habitat for onion frogs and great crested newts. Perhaps the common toad and the common frog can also find their way back?

Outdoor life

The area lacks a marked hiking trail, but it is flat and easy to walk in the bottom of the old quarry. During late summer, fall and winter, you are welcome to ride in the area as long as the horse is not under medical treatment for parasites, which could damage the unique insect life. During spring-summer (1/3-15/7), when there are plenty of ground-nesting birds in the area, it is not allowed to bring horses or dogs to Ilstorp Nature Reserve. At other times, the dog must be kept on a physical leash. You are welcome to use the open-air kitchen, other burning is prohibited. There is a simple parking lot in the southeast corner of the reserve.