...in the heart of Risveden, about 1 mil north of Skepplanda, was Naturarvets second acquisition. Already in the winter of 07/08, Naturarvet averted a felling threat. The funds raised were not enough for the entire property so Naturarvet made a joint venture with Ale municipality and the Västkuststiftelsen and protected 85 ha of old coniferous natural forest, of which 30 ha in the southern part was acquired by Naturarvet in 2009.

The field biologists contributed to a collection, which was divided between Ale municipality and the West Coast Foundation. They showed that young people can raise funds to protect nature when society does not take responsibility. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency also contributed money. In the end, it was a successful collaboration in the spirit that different actors can complement each other when more resources are needed than a single party can provide.

Verleskogen is an oasis with old pine trees and a rich bird life including capercaillie in an area where most of the surrounding forest land lacks natural values due to modern forestry. It is a lifeline for allowing nature to rebuild an effective Green Infrastructure (GI) in the southern part of Risveden, where three large contiguous areas already constitute a well-functioning GI.

Where forest ecosystems have been largely destroyed by modern forestry, it is necessary, but very time-consuming, to allow forest land to return to a natural ecosystem. Therefore, we need to protect the remaining core values as a matter of priority to secure the most effective terrestrial carbon sinks and provide a safe home for endangered species. You can help by supporting Naturarvet.