Ekås's oak-beech forest is now receiving extra protection

On April 24, 2026, Ekås oak-beech forest in Gällared Parish in Falkenberg Municipality, Halland Nature Reserve. This means that this beautiful old-growth forest is old-growth forest protected by both Naturarvet the Halland County Administrative Board/Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. Establishing nature reserves in the forests we have acquired is something we at Naturarvet in accordance with our bylaws.

It was in the fall of 2025 that we met with Mattias Lindström and Viveka Strand from the Halland County Administrative Board for a tour and inspection of the Ekås oak-beech forest. This was followed by some paperwork, and now we have a new nature reserve as a result. Both parties are very pleased.

A small parking lot will be built adjacent to the reserve, and a sign will also be posted at the entrance to the area. Otherwise, the forest will, of course, retain its character. Ekås’s oak-beech forest covers 25 hectares, 17 of which consist of older hardwood forest, and represents a small remnant of the formerly dominant deciduous oak-beech mixed forest and beech forest typical of the nemoral zone in southern Sweden. Traces of the cultural landscape can be found throughout the property, which has largely consisted of cultivated farmland and pastures. Stone-walled farmyards, cairns, old roads, a flax-drying shed, and other structures stand as reminders of times past.

The old meadow is currently grazed by the neighbor’s livestock to continue promoting biodiversity associated with this type of habitat. The old oak trees will continue to be nurtured through careful clearing of the undergrowth around them. No walking trails will be built, so the forest will retain its natural feel. However, it is easy to find your way around the area.

Together with the County Administrative Board, we have also developed a plan to restore the wetlands in the northern parts using traditional, time-tested manual labor. We look forward to seeing long-term development that promotes carbon sequestration and biodiversity at the natural pace of this old-growth forest.

Reserve your own forest plot(s) in Ekås's oak-beech forest >>