Sätraskogens naturreservat

Plants and animals in Sätraskogen

The nature in Sätraskogen is varied. There are small damp swamp forests, drier pine forests, spring-affected sections and overgrown farmland. Large areas are covered by coniferous forests up to 140 years old, rich in various deciduous trees, and the oldest forest areas with thick moss cover are home to the unusual forest orchid, the knotweed.

Originally, this land was a natural, unspoiled wetland. When humans arrived, they started cutting grass and herbs to provide winter feed for their animals. The wetland became meadowland. Over time, the wetland was drained to produce larger hay crops, and the meadow became drier. After a long period of overgrowth, Gävle municipality has now restored part of the old meadow to wetland. This is to compensate somewhat for the great loss of wetlands that has occurred over time. At the same time, we get back some of the wetland's natural values and function.

Shallow water shimmers between tufts of different grasses and herbs. In early summer, it glows yellow with reef buttercups and white-pink with marsh marigolds. You may also see a pair of mallards on the water or a lapwing on the shore. In a wetland, water is always close by - under, in or just above the ground. This provides a habitat for a wide range of plants and animals that are more or less dependent on water. Birds such as ducks and waders, frogs, insects and other small creatures thrive here.

Sätraskogen nature reserve is located 2.5 km north of Gävle center. Parking is available at the connection to Gavlehovshallen.

Special rules apply in the nature reserve. Within the reserve it is not allowed to:

• drive a motorized vehicle,
• take firewood or make a fire other than at the designated fireplace. Only your own firewood or firewood from the municipality's firewood store may be used,
• break branches, fell or otherwise damage living or dead standing or fallen trees or bushes,
• damage, pick or collect plants and fungi. However, picking berries, edible mushrooms and flowers for personal use is permitted, with the exception of protected species, red-listed species and all species of finger fungi,
• climbing trees, staying near a bird of prey's nest, lair or burrow, collecting animals or otherwise deliberately harming or disturbing wildlife
• bringing an off-leash dog or other unleashed pet
• riding on marked exercise trails or groomed ski trails.

For complete regulations, see the reserve decision: Decision and management plan Sätraskogen