Beijershamn
the former harbour area that has become a paradise for birds
Beijershamn is, together with Ottenby, one of Ölands best and most well known bird habitats. A failed harbour project in the 1850s led to the area becoming silted up, which subsequently resulted in the development of reedbeds and coastal meadows that provide a perfect place for bird life.
The dream of a large port
In the 1850s, Otto Wilhelm Beijer, the crown equerry on the State demesne Ottenby, initiated a major seaport that could outcompete Färjestaden. A two kilometer long pier with a port at the far end was built at the place we now call Beijershamn. Because of a design flaw the dock area began to silt up so that it eventually became impossible for the larger ships to enter the port and the operation was closed.
Valuable bird habitats
Perhaps Otto Wilhelm Beijer had rejoiced after all, if he had known what the future would give. On the silted up sand, rushes and reeds began to establish, and eventually the area developed into a mosaic of coastal meadows, reedsbeds and open spaces which are appreciated by wading birds, ducks, geese, and birds of prey. Thanks to cattle grazing, clearing and reed harvesting in recent years, Beijershamn is today one of Öland’s finest bird habitats. A total of 250 bird species has been observed there.
The area is primarily an important resting and breeding habitat for waders, but ducks, terns and gull birds is also breeding here. Examples of unusual species that visits Beijershamn is Bar-tailed godwits, Garganeys, Caspian terns, and Peregrine falcons. The area has much to offer to the visiting nature lovers. There are observation towers, bird platforms, hides, information boards, trails, and a much appreciated trail for the disabled.
Butterflies and Bats
Beijershamn is one of Öland’s finest butterfly premises. On a narrow strip of dry, open grassland, between the meadows and the woods, the Handmaid (Dysauxes ancilla), have its single occurrence in the Nordic countries. In total, more than 650 of Sweden’s 950 butterfly species have been found here. Thanks to the good insect availability, Beijershamn is also a paradise for bats, twelve of Sweden’s eighteen species have been found in the area. Of rare bats that are present here includes Whiskered bat and Nathusius pipistrelle bat..
Facts:
Size: 1 618,54 acres (The Natura 2000 area)
Year of decision: 2000
Mission: Protect and preserve the typical character of the open land and pasture and nurturing the unique aquatic environment, so that all the plant and animal communities, characteristic of these habitats can survive in viable populations. The area is part of the EU’s ecological network of protected areas, Natura 2000
How to get here:
The area is located approximately 7 kilometers south of Färjestaden. It has parking space, information boards, observation towers, bird platform, hides, trails for Disabled etc..
GPS coordinates to the parking lot WGS 84 decimal (lat, lon): 56.58650, 16.41456
Map: Naturcentrum AB, Stenungsund.
Download: the County administrative boards brochure over (in Swedish only) (330kB): Beijershamn
Download: the entire brochure (in Swedish only) (19MB): Utflyktsguide Öland
© Lantmäteriverket, Ur Geografiska Sverigedata, översiktskartan Dnr. 106-2004/188”
Source: County Administrative Board, Kalmar
Translation: Visitoland.com
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