Report on the Söderboda old-growth forest

At the end of April, it was time for a visit to Söderboda old-growth forest located on Gräsö in the Roslagen archipelago, Uppsala County.

A 110-hectare area comprising four separate acquisitions. It features large quantities of dead wood, old trees, and a mosaic of diverse habitats, providing environments for a wide variety of species. Particularly important habitats include the pine-covered rocky areas with their old-growth forest character. Here, one can find wood-dwelling insects and red-listed species such as the pine sawfly (NT) and the relict longhorn beetle (NT). In the more marshy areas with mixed coniferous and spruce forests, one can find the spiny finger fungus (VU) and the wood staircase moss (NT).

The Söderboda old-growth forest also old-growth forest alder swamp forest—the Nordic region’s own carbon-sequestering “mangrove swamp.” It grows on land that was once a coastal bay. Elsewhere, there are also marshes and swamps that are home to several protected species. The mosaic of alternating rocky outcrops and wetter habitats makes it difficult to reach certain areas, which has also contributed to a more protected environment for wildlife.

But in old-growth forest Söderboda old-growth forest also traces of a human-shaped cultural landscape. Here and there are meadows and pastures, and there are also two log barns. They were fitted with new thatched roofs two years ago, thanks to a collaboration with the Uppsala County Administrative Board. Re-thatching the roofs and preserving the log barns is important because they provide a substrate for endangered barn-dwelling lichens and help support wild pollinators such as wild bees, which like to build nests in the eaves of the thatched roofs.

Protecting old-growth forest Söderboda old-growth forest other similar old-growth forests is the most important step we can take to slow climate change with immediate effect. 

Reserve your own forest plot(s) in old-growth forest Söderboda old-growth forest. You’ll receive the GPS coordinates so you can visit the site.

With your support, we can purchase and preserve more forests like Söderboda for current and future generations. Support us by becoming a forest patron monthly donor) >>