Pannkakan, Naturreservat

The pancake is a unique delta with great species diversity.

About 200 years ago, the Klarälven river formed a low-lying delta area at the outlet to Lake Lusten. The delta, which consists of lightly eroded so-called alluvial sand, is built up gradually, mainly during the fall and spring floods.

Over time, the area has taken on the character of an island and today the river runs in two channels around Pannkakan. Inside the island you can see remnants of the old river channels that previously crossed the delta.

The nutrient-rich soil and good access to water meant that Pannkakan quickly became overgrown, mainly with holm oak, beech and various willow species. Today, the dominant gray alder forest has never been felled and can therefore be regarded as primeval forest.

The reserve was established to allow a primeval forest-like deciduous forest vegetation to develop freely in a living delta. The nature reserve is part of a larger area that is part of the EU's ecological network of protected areas, Natura 2000.

Animals and plants

The dense, ancient alder forest provides a good environment for fungi and insects. The fungal flora has been found to include 150-200 different species, and among the insects, endangered species have been found that have very high demands on the environment they live in. The deciduous forest's range of wood in various stages of decomposition also creates important nesting conditions for birds. This means that the area has become of great importance for many bird species. In addition to insectivorous small birds, such as warblers, hole-nesting birds such as wood pigeons, sparrow owls and woodpeckers are an important part of the bird fauna on Pannkakan. Characteristic species are the common duck, black-tailed godwit and stone curlew.