Äspet

Welcome to Äspet Nature Reserve

A large coastal dune landscape starts in Åhus and stretches 20 kilometres to the south. The old dunes in the nature reserve are now covered in a Scots pine woodland. Furthest out towards the sea are lagunes and sandbars, a paradise for both resting and breeding birds.

Woodland

The sand dunes in the western part of the reserve are wooded with pine. The pines were planted more than a hundred years ago to stop the sand from drifting and are now accompanied by oaks and other deciduous trees. At the centre of the forest is Kungslunden (the King’s Grove), dominated by large beeches and occasional oaks. The meagre, sandy woodland floor results in a species-poor flora. Common woodland species such as May lily, chickweed wintergreen and wood-sorrel grow in the shade of the trees. Crested tit, coal tit and willow tit thrive in the pine woodland, together with stock dove and black woodpecker. In the southern part of the nature reserve the pine woodland is replaced by open dunes with lyme-grass and marram. Here at Snickarehaken is a public beach.

Bird paradise

Furthest out towards the sea, at the mouth of the river Helge å, is Korran, a shallow reed-covered area with a large lagoon. In late summer and autumn, the area is full of waders and small birds resting on their way south. Little tern and pied avocet are among the birds that nest in the lagoon area and on the sandbars. This part of the reserve is a bird sanctuary, and access is forbidden between 15 March and 30 September. But you are welcome to visit the bird tower by using the marked trail through the pasture. There is also a bird tower in the western part of the lagoon which can be reached via a path alongside the pasture.

Regulations

Within Äspet Nature Reserve it is forbidden to:

• enter the area marked Bird Sanctuary on the map, during the period 15 March to 30 September, with the exception of marked trails leading to the bird towers. In addition, passage through the water area and temporary landing is permitted in a 20-metrelong x 10-metre-wide zone of the outer sand bar, located closest to the jetty pontoon, in connection with organised sailing instruction,
• without permission from the County Administrative Board, carry out scientific or other investigations than can disturb the natural environment,
• dig or in any other way damage fixed natural objects or surface formations,
• pick or dig up plants; it is, however, permitted to pick fruits, berries and mushrooms,
• remove dead wood, break off branches, fell or in any other way damage trees or shrubs,
• collect or catch insects or other animals or in any other way disturb wildlife,
• bring unleashed dogs or other loose pets,
• bring dogs on unwooded shores during the period 15 May to 15 September,
• light fires with the exception of camping stoves, spirit stoves, gas stoves, grills, etc. or in designated fireplaces,
• drive motor vehicles or motorised vehicles on land other than on designated roads,
• ride on bicycles, MTB (off-road bikes) or similar other than on roads designated for vehicular traffic,
• camp,
• park other than in designated parking areas,
• park caravans or campers in parking areas within the reserve between midnight and 4 a.m.,
• ride or drive with horses,
• land with aircraft,
• damage fencing, signs or other constructions,
• put up boards, placards, posters, signs or similar, or make inscriptions, with the exception of measures according to the following point,
• mark trails with paper strips, organise orienteering check points or competitions without prior consultation with Kristianstad Municipality,
• organise competitions which could have a disturbing impact on the natural environment,
• in a disturbing manner use radios, music players, musical instruments or similar,
• moor boats or other craft,
• install any form of jetties or mooring devices

Information Board - Äspet Pdf, 2 MB.

Area marked Bird Sanctuary, access prohibited 15 March to 30 September in Äspet Pdf, 2 MB.

The regulations are set out on the notices displayed at the entrances.