Skogstorp is primarily composed of a coniferous forest with a high proportion of older trees of spruce and pine. The long continuity with a natural dynamic has created high amounts of dead wood in different decomposition stages which makes the forest a refugee for threatened and red listed species of polypores (wood living fungus), lichen and mosses. The terrain is partly rugged and the reserve provides a mosaic of damp forests, mires, large boulder areas and patches of aspen forests.
Accessibility
The nature reserve is located 2 kilometers east of Gnesta and most easily accessed by car. At present, no parking space is available but cars can be placed in Simonsdal. From here, a trail takes the visitor to the reserve. No marked trails exist currently but most of the area is hiking friendly. Public transportation to Gnesta exists.
The purpose of the reserve
The purpose of the nature reserve is preservation of a pristine forest landscape with associated flora and fauna. No active management is performed in the area. Instead succession is left to the dynamics of nature. Together with the nature reserves of Stora Alsjön, Stora Envättern and Vattgruvmossen, Skogstorp constitute a large protection area of coniferous forest landscapes of high conservation value.
Decree: The County Administrative Board, February 17, 2015.
The Swedish Government has also designated Skogstorp as a Natura 2000-area.
Acreage: 49 hectare
Conservation manager: The County Administrative Board.
Restrictions for the public
Besides regulations and prohibitions in laws and constitutions it is not allowed to:
- Destroy or damage permanent natural objects or configurations by drilling, picking, blasting, carving, painting or similar.
- Cut down or in other ways damage living or dead trees or bushes or to remove dead wood.
- Break twigs; dig up herbs, grass, moss or lichens or removing wood living fungi, although it is allowed to pick flowers, berries and edible mushrooms.
- Drive a motorized vehicle in other areas than on the road.
- Make camp for longer time than two full days at the same location.