Description
The Kalkberget nature reserve is a 30-40 meters high mountain ridge where the steep part faces the southeast. The mountain that mostly consists of urbergs limestone is approximately 1,2 kilometers long. In the northeastern end of the mountain there is an old abandoned limestone quarry. Steps have been made in the quarry so visitors can get up to the top of the mountain and admire the view. A walking trail has been marked on the mountain.
The limestone bedrock and the topography have contributed to the very diverse and for the location very unique flora and fauna. Many species that are mainly found at Öland and Gotland can also be found at Kalkberget. The rare lichen Squamaria gypsacea is known from about ten locations in Sweden. All of them are at Öland and Gotland except the ones here at Kalkberget and the nearby island of Egelsholm.
Characteristic plants on the mountain are hairy melic grass, field sagewort, bloody cranesbill, wall rue and white stonecrop. Several less common types of butterflies can be seen at Kalkberget, for example: Niobe fritillary, small blue and silver-spotted skipper. Among reptiles, the smooth snake can be mentioned.
Accessibility
There is bus service to the area but buses don’t run often. There is a bus stop about 1 kilometer away from Kalkberget. At Kalberget there is a small parking area (6 parking spots) outside a road barrier on the southwest end of the mountain.
The purpose of the reserve:
The purpose of the Kalkberget natue reserve is primarily to preserve the regionally unusual flora and fauna that has been benefitted by the particular topography and bedrock in the area. Moreover, the reserve shall also give visitors access to an interesting site with rich natural and cultural experiences. The remains of the old limestone quarry in the northeastern part will also provide visitors an insight in our cultural heritage.
Within the part of the nature reserve that is a Natura 2000-area, a beneficial preservation status shall be maintained for those nature types and species in the area that have been declared according to the EC Habitats Directive.
Decree: Södertälje Environmental Committee November 14, 2006.
The Swedish Government has also designated the most part of the reserve as a Natura 2000-area.
Acreage: 16,2 hectare land and 3,1 hectare water.
Conservation manager: Södertälje Environmental Department
Restrictions for the public:
Besides regulations and prohibitions in laws and constitutions it is not allowed to:
- Cut down or damage living or dead trees and bushes.
- Catch and collect invertebrates in such a way that their biotopes or reproduction environments are damaged or destroyed.
- Put up a poster or sign, or make an inscription.
- Without permission from the SödertäljeEnvironmental Committee arrange contests.
- Camp/stay in a tent.
- Park cars* or caravans and store boats for the winter.
- Make fire.
- Bring unleashed dog or other pet.
- Dig up or pick twigs, herbs, grass, moss or lichens.
- Drill, dig, excavate, fill, tip or perform any other kind of mechanical groundwork.
Note: The owners of the property Egelsvik 1:16 lease a certain area with permission to build a carport where they can park their private cars.