Description
The nature of the Tullgarn area is very diverse and most vegetation types represented in the eastern part of the Swedish province of Svealand can be found here. Characteristic for the area is the abundance of deciduous trees, particularly the broad-leaved species. Certain places of the Tullgarn reserve are of particular botanical interest such as groves, enclosed pastures and extensive grazed seashore meadows. The flora of Tullgarn benefits from the ground being calcareous in certain parts. There are also many interesting species of fungi. Tullgarn’s mosaic of biotopes has contributed to the fact that the area has a very rich fauna.
Wild boars have established themselves in the area in latter years and the abundant birdlife of Tullgarn is well known. The grazed seashore meadows at Tullgarnsnäs are frequently used as a stopover location by wild ducks, geese and waders. Häggnäs bay has been pointed out as the Stockholm County’s foremost seabird bay and it is of national significance for resting and wintering wild ducks and greylag geese. The Tullgarn area is also of great importance for recreational purposes because of its large continuos forested areas suitable for walking or picking mushrooms and berries. Please note that there is also a neighbouring nature reserve called “Tullgarns naturvårdsområde” (Tullgarn nature conservancy area).
Accessibility
There is no public transport to this area. For visitors there is a parking area with information boards. There are cleared pathways with stiles in the more forested parts of the pastures.
The purpose of the reserve
To preserve, and through taking active measures, tend to the previously cultivated farmlands. This will be accomplished by letting cattle graze the area. Breeding biotopes for threatened bird species are to be preserved and the reserve’s great importance for migrating birds shall be safeguarded. The parts that are valuable floristically are to be preserved and special care and consideration shall be taken when managing the wooded areas containing broad-leaved trees. The reserves importance for research and education shall be utilised and measures will be taken to make this possible. No larger building arrangements for recreational purposes will be made. Only picnic sites, footpaths, small parking areas and sanitary facilities will be provided.
Decree: The County Administrative Board, December 18, 1984.
The Swedish Government has also designated Tullgarn as a Natura 2000-area.
Acreage: 670 hectare of which 345 hectare is water.
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.
- Drive a motorised vehicle on other roads than those where driving is allowed.
- Deliberately disturb the wildlife (for example by climbing trees, stay close to barrows, capture or kill mammals, birds, reptiles or frogs).
- Bring a dog, cat or other unleashed pet into the area.
- Make fire in other places than those that are provided for this purpose.
- Park a caravan or trailer.
- Ride elsewhere than on roads and in areas where riding is allowed.
- Mark paths or put up orienteering checkpoints.
- Moor or anchor a boat for longer time than two full days on the same location.
- Set up a tent.
Picture above: The shoreline at Näset, Tullgarn. Photography: Bo Ljungberg