AN INTERREG PROJECT PART-FINANCED BY EU

THE CULTURAL LANDSCAPE SOUTH OF LAKE BOREN, ÖSTERGÖTLAND,

SWEDEN

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Title: The cultural landscape south of lake Boren, Östergötland, Sweden Author: Emma Hagström Front page photo: Marie Kristoffersson Printed in Motala, May, 2007 www.eurowetlands.org

This report is a transnational document issued within Work Package No 2 in Milestone 6 according to BIRD project June 4, 2004

THE REPORT REFLECTS THE

AUTHORS VIEWS AND NO EU

AUTHORITY IS LIABLE FOR ANY

USE THAT MAY BE MADE OF THE

INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN.

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Content 1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................................... 3 2 Land use .......................................................................................................................................................... 4

2.1 Habitats ................................................................................................................................................... 4 2.2 Reclaimed farmland ............................................................................................................................... 5 2.3 Management............................................................................................................................................ 6

3 Inventories of nature values ............................................................................................................................ 6 3.1 Nesting birds ........................................................................................................................................... 6 3.2 Migrating birds........................................................................................................................................ 8 3.3 Soft lakebeds ........................................................................................................................................... 8

4 Tourism......................................................................................................................................................... 10 4.1 Places of interest ................................................................................................................................... 10 4.2 Accessibility.......................................................................................................................................... 10

5 Local stakeholders......................................................................................................................................... 11 6 Discussion ..................................................................................................................................................... 11

6.1 Restoration potential ............................................................................................................................. 11 6.2 Tourism potential .................................................................................................................................. 11 6.3 Conclusions........................................................................................................................................... 12

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1 Introduction The BIRD-project is a co-operation between six countries around the Baltic Sea which main objective is to develop good links between high landscape values on one hand and rural development on the other. By using valuable cultural landscapes, nature reserves and bird-rich wetlands as a resource an increasing employment and growth will come out in the project areas. The municipality of Motala is carrying out a mapping and an inventory of the cultural landscape south of the lake Boren as a part of the BIRD-project. The cultural landscape south of Lake Boren is valuable in many ways (Figure 1). It is a rich agricultural region with a high production of cereals and beef production and the natural values are high with for example several species-rich meadows. The lake itself interesting with large areas of reed, which have a rich bird life. The landscape south of Boren has a very interesting medieval history and there are several ancient remains in the area. Saint Birgitta lived in the old castle of Ulvåsa, on the south shore of Boren, for 30 years. During the Middle ages the shipping in the lake was very important and it’s nowadays called the “medieval highway” by the author Jan Guillou. The area is also valuable for tourism with for instance a trail for bicycling “Sverigeleden” passing trough the area.

Figure 1. A map over the project area, the cultural landscape south of Lake Boren. In the left corner a small map of Sweden to find the project-area’s orientation in the country. The scale of the project-area map is approximately 1:35 000. GSD Gröna kartan. © Lantmäteriet 1999 Dnr. M99-2200. The BIRD-project consists of four different work-packages, the second work-package (WP2) handles planning, sustainable development and building up knowledge. The aim of this work-package is to describe the incentives to preserve the cultural landscape of today. One task is to study how the agricultural politics of the European Union affects land use in rural areas. The municipality of Motala will with this project in the second work-package obtain more knowledge about the area south of Lake Boren. The aim of the project is; 1) to map which habitats that occurs in the project area, 2) to find out how much of the farmland that is reclaimed, 3) to map the management status in the grazed areas and 4) to map accessibility. A mapping of local stakeholders will be carried out to know where resources and development possibilities are in the future. Furthermore inventories of nesting and migrating birds and soft lakebeds will be done. The report will be finished in time to Milestone 6, 2007-06-30.

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2 Land use 2.1 Habitats The project area, is in a restricted area, approximately 2 kilometres from the shoreline divided into several different habitats based upon the nature in the area. Farmland, pasture and arable land, are the dominating habitats (Table 1), reed areas, important for the bird life, are situated between Uddenäs and Fossala and at Vålberga bog.

Figure 2. The different habitats in the project area south Boren. GSD Ortofoto. © Lantmäteriet 1999 Dnr. M99-2200 Table 1. Habitats in an area 2 km from the shore of Boren and their area in hectares.

Habitats Area (ha)Grassland 99Arable land 1513Bog 62Forest 197Reed 194Brook 7No habitat, for example plots 85 The farmland closest to the shoreline is still influenced by the water level and is therefore used as pasture instead of arable land (Figure 3). The wet pastures are important for nesting and migrating birds, for example geese and lapwings. The most important area for birds is situated between Uddenäs and the cape of Fossala. A more careful mapping is needed to find out exactly which areas that are most important and how large they are.

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Figure 3. Grasslands, in the project area, that is still influenced by the water level of Boren. GSD Ortofoto. © Lantmäteriet 1999 Dnr. M99-2200

2.2 Reclaimed farmland As early as in the late 19th century the process of reclaiming land was initiated at the manor of Ulvåsa at the western part of the area. During the 1930´s several projects to reclaim more farmland from land areas highly influenced by the water level of Boren were carried out. The reclaim of farmland enabled greater areas to be managed as arable land. In the area seven project to reclaim more farmland were carried out. The total area that is influenced by the projects is 380 hectares. There is still farmland within the reclaimed areas that is highly influenced by the water level. The Water Rights Court has regulated the water level in the lake Boren. The regulation is carried out by Tekniska verken, which runs a hydroelectric power plant in Motala stream. According to the water rights the lowest level over the sea should be 73.10 metres and the highest 73,41 metres. Within these levels the water level can be regulated regardless of season.

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Figure 4. Reclaimed area south of Boren and the different habitats that is situated within the area. GSD Ortofoto. © Lantmäteriet 1999 Dnr. M99-2200

2.3 Management The grasslands in the area are in general well grazed but some objects would benefit from restoration and grazing. The county administration of Östergötland monitors the management status of grasslands that get compensation according to the politics of agriculture in the European Union.

3 Inventories of nature values 3.1 Nesting birds Nesting birds on potential wet meadows were invented during the early summer of 2005. The project area was visited twice, in early May and in the middle of June and indications of nesting were noted. Most of the lake is surrounded by arable land with only small areas of wet meadows where the pasture pass from a zone with carex to one with reed. In almost all places there is a bank or a strip of trees between the pasture and the vegetation zones. Even though natural wet meadows are missing the birdlife is rich and several threatened species where found during the inventory. Some of the species are noted in the Red list of Swedish species1, northern wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe (NT, near threatened), curlew Numenius arquata (NT), river warbler Locustella fluviatilis (VU, vulnerable), linnet Carduelis cannabina (NT), stock dove Columba oenask (NT), great reed warbler

1 The Red list of Swedish species is a of list species that are threatened and disadvantaged. It’s an instrument in the work with conservation biology.

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Acrocephalus arundinaceus (NT) and great bittern Botaurus stellaris (NT). The rails corncrake Crex crex (NT) is earlier observed in area. Table 2. Species found during the inventory of nesting birds, 2005. The number is a total of both inventory occasions.

Due to small open areas, to much vegetation and to dry ground the pastures can’t give the birds that much protection as they need but even though typical characters for grazed wet meadows are missing there are several areas important for birdlife. The pastures can be more attractive to birdlife with some simple restoration, especially the area between Ekebyborna old vicarage and the cape of Nässja which have high potential to develop into a natural wet meadow (Figure 5).

Species Number Acrocephalus arundinaceus 4 Acrocephalus schoenobaenus 4 Acrocephalus scirpaceus 2 Anser anser 124 Ardea cinerea 1 Botaurus stellaris 3 Carduelis cannabina 2 Carduelis chloris 1 Coccothraustes coccothraustes 9 Columba oenas 1 Cygnus olor 1 Emberiza citrinella 3 Emberiza schoeniclus 3 Hippolais icterina 2 Locustella fluviatilis 1 Luscinia luscinia 1 Mergus merganser 2 Motacilla alba 1 Numenius arquata 2 Oenanthe oenanthe 1 Pluvialis apricaria 150 Podiceps cristatus 20 Saxicola rubetra 4 Sterna hirundo 4 Sylvia atricapilla 2 Sylvia borin 2 Sylvia communis 2 Vanellus vanellus 8

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3.2 Migrating birds Geese and aquatic birds was invented in October 2005 during the international counting of migrating birds which is coordinated by the university of Lund. Table 3. Noted species during the counting of migrating birds, 2005.

Spieces Number Anas clypeata 2 Anas crecca 12 Anas penelope 1 Anas platyrhynchos 13 Anser anser 500 Aythya fuligula 18 Branta canadensis 80 Bucephala clangula 30 Cygnus olor 14 Fulica atra 545 Gavia arctica 5 Grus grus 4 Phalacrocorax carbo 10 Podiceps cristatus 195

Figure 5. The great crested grebe Podiceps cristatus is one the birds that where noted during the inventory 2005. Photo: Martin Larsson

3.3 Soft lakebeds During summer of 2006 the vegetation in the water along the south of Boren was invented. The aim of the inventory was to map the macrophytes in the lake and with that knowledge asses its nature value.

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A total of 37 species of flowing and submerged vegetation were found which is a high and divers number and makes Boren to one of the riches lakes in macrophytes in Östergötland. Three species are noted in the Red list of Swedish2 species; Potamogeton compressus (VU, vulnerable), Potamogeton rutilus (EN, endangered) and Potamogeton friesiik(NT, near threatened). Potamogeton rutilus is a very rare species which was found in great amounts in Boren and the find is therefore very unique. Table 3. Noted species during the inventory 2006. Their occurrence are noted in three classes; 1: occasional – sparse, 2: rather common, 3: common - abundant

Species OccurrencePotamogeton rutilus 3 Potamogeton friesii 2 Potamogeton natans 2 Potamogeton perfoliatus 1 Potamogeton obtusifolius 1 Potamogeton berchtoldi 1 Potamogeton compressus 1 Potamogeton pectinatus 1 Potamogeton alpinus 1 Isoetes lacustris 2 Littorella uniflora 2 Eleocharis acicularis 1 Lobelia dortmanna 1 Subularia aguatica 1 Myriophyllum alterniflorum 3 Myriophyllum spicatum 2 Myriophyllum verticillatum 1 Ceratophyllum demersum 2 Elodea canadensis 2 Stratiotes aloides 1 Utricularia vulgaris 1 Spargarnium emersum 2 Sparganium sp 2 Nymphaea alba 3 Nymphaea lutea 3 Persicaria amphibia 1 Schoenoplectus lacustris 1 Alisma plantago-aquatica 1 Hydrocharis morsus-ranae 2 Lemna trisulca 1 Lemna minor 1 Spirodela polyrhiza 1 Fontinalis antipyretica 1 Characeae 3 Nitella flexilis/opaca Chara aspera Chara virgata Chara globularis Phragmites australis 3 Glyceria maxima 1 Schoenoplectus lacustris 2 Typha latifolia 1 Typha angustifolia 1 Saittaira sagittifolia 1 Butomus umbellatus 1 Alisma plantago-aquatica 1

2 The Red list of Swedish species is a of list species that are threatened and disadvantaged. It’s an instrument in the work with conservation biology.

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The inventory of vegetation in south of Boren shows that the lake has very high nature values and is of national interest.

4 Tourism 4.1 Places of interest In the project area there are several places of interest for tourism (Figure 5) and some of them already have many visitors. The castle of Ulvåsa with its English park is an attractive sight for visitors due to its history and nature. The meadows at Ekebyborna with the old oaks shadowing the graves from the Iron age, the dry meadow in Ebborp with a flora that is influenced by the limestone and the bog in Vålberga are other interesting areas with high nature values. On one of the capes in the Lake Boren is an old vicarage situated that after many years of restoration now is run as an outdoor museum which is open for visitors during the summer season and holidays.

4.2 Accessibility The easiest way to reach the project area south of Boren is by car or bike but in some places walking is to prefer (Figure 5). It’s possible to go by bus and make a stop along the road between Motala and Borensberg. Private roads in the area must be respected and it’s therefore a good idea to bring a bike or be prepared for longer walks. Places for parking are situated at Ulvåsa, the church of Ekebyborna, and at the old vicarage in Nässja and at Vålberga bog. The area has no special arrangement for people with functional disabilities.

Figure 6. Accessibility in the project area south of Boren. Roads for cars, bicycling, walking and possibilities of parking are marked on the map. Places of interest in the area are also marked. GSD Ortofoto. © Lantmäteriet 1999 Dnr. M99-2200

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5 Local stakeholders In order to develop and preserve the cultural landscape and the high nature values it’s important to involve individuals, associations and other actors of interest in the area (Table 2). The landowner and leaseholders are the most important actors for the management and maintenance of the farmland. The municipality of Motala has a central roll in questions concerning tourism and accessibility. In the area there are an unknown numbers of private actors on the tourism market. The inhabitants north of the road between Vedemö, Ekebyborna, Örstorp and Borensberg have been mapped. Table 2. Mapping of local stakeholders in the area south of Boren. The inhabitants have been mapped north of the road between Vedemö, Ekebyborna, Örstorp and Borensberg.

Sector Interest Comments Tourism/Accessibility Municipality of Motala, AB Göta

Canal Company and local actors Local actors need to be mapped.

Agriculture and forestry Landowners, leaseholders Landowners with large areas are between 5-10

Inhabitants Permanent inhabitants and inhabitants in holiday cottages

Approximately 50

In the future a more careful mapping will be carried out. This will be done when it’s time to do separate and concrete measures in the project area.

6 Discussion At a first gaze the project area south of Boren seems to be an agricultural landscape. But when studying the area closer a rich cultural history, high values for nature, tourist attractions and many interesting local actors unveils. During the 1930’s several projects to reclaim more farmland took place. These projects gave the conditions to the rich agricultural landscape in the area today but the effects for the nature values where negative. The banks between the lake and the pastures prevent the development of wet meadows and the pastures are now too dry to be most favourable for migratory and breeding birds. Even though there are no natural wet meadows south of Boren the area still houses a rich birdlife. Apart from the birdlife the area south of Boren has other high nature values. Several objects in the area are noted in the plan for nature conservation for Motala municipality, for example a bog at Vålberga and a pasture with old oaks at Ebborp. The lake Boren it self has high nature values and are of national interest. Rare combination of clear water and oligothrophic condition with high content of lime has created a unique flora of submerged vegetation.

6.1 Restoration potential Today most of the reclaimed area is used as farmland, only 25 % is used as pastures. These pastures are mostly maintained good but they are not managed in favour for the birdlife. To be more attractive to migratory and breeding birds some of the pastures need to be restored, the bushes are to dense and the open areas to small. There are also some objects which aren’t managed today, they need to be restored an then grazed. If some of the reclaimed farmland where restored it should give great benefits for the nature values and the birdlife. The restored area should in that case give possibilities to recreate the wet meadows which are of importance for migratory and breeding birds.

6.2 Tourism potential The project area has many types of values for the tourism both natural, historical and cultural, some of these values are already discovered and have many visitors today. The possibility to reach the area and the attractions by bus, car, bike and by walking give the tourists good accessibility to the area. Thanks to the infrastructure and the accessibility has the area good opportunities to develop as an object for tourism. The many local actors are an important source of knowledge that together can develop the tourism.

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6.3 Conclusions To see the extent of the values and development potential in the area there are still some job to do. Further inventories of the nature need to be done, for example in some of the pastures and in Boren. A more careful mapping of which areas that are the most important for the birdlife must be carried out. To develop the tourism the local actors need to be mapped and then involved in the future project. There are great possibilities to bring together the different values, rich agriculture, national nature values, cultural richness and incipient tourism. The wide range, the variation and the richness that the different sectors offers give the area an enormous potential of development. With right resources and efforts the area will in many ways be even more worthy.

Estonia Peipsi Center for Transboundary Cooperation, Tartu County Environmental Department, Haaslava municipality, Alatskivi Municipality, Vara Municipality Finland Metsähallitus, Municipality of Rantasalmi, Rantasalmi Institute of Environmental Education, Municipality of Parikkala, Regional Council of South Karelia Germany State Agency for Nature and Environment Schleswig-Holstein Latvia Talsi District Council, Liepaja District Council Lithuania Marijampolé State Forestry Enterprise, Nature Heritage Fund, State Service for Protected Areas, Lithuanian State Department of Tourism, Žuvintas Biosphere Reserve, Alytus District Municipality, Marijampolé Municipality, Lazdijai District Municipality, Meteliai Regional Park Sweden County Administration Board of Västra Götaland, County Administration Board of Östergötland, Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, Skövde University College, Municipality of Falköping, Municipality of Mariestad, Municipality of Skara, Municipality of Skövde, Municipality of Töreboda, Municipality of Motala, Municipality of Mjölby, West Sweden Tourist Board, East Sweden Tourism Council

PARTNERS IN BIRD PROJECT