With its old buildings, rich flora and fauna, and not least of all the opportunity to see how people used to live off the land, the Björkesbacka Nature Reserve, just to the east of Örby, provides an exciting environment.
The buildings are not open to the general public, but there is still plenty to see. A nature trail takes you to places such as the former charcoal pile and the cloudberry bog. There is rich bird life and lots of beautiful plants.
In future Björkesbacka will continue to be managed to ensure that it retains and develops the old character of a working forest home in the early 1900s. The meadows will be ploughed and farmed in the old way using traditional crops. The meadows will be cut with scythes and the pastures grazed by animals such as sheep and Highland cattle.
Accessible to all
The Björkesbacka nature reserve is now accessible to all. The 160 metre or so nature trail through the reserve has hardened surfaces that make it easy to get around, making it accessible to all. Along the nature trail are seats and a bench table that is adapted for persons with functional impairments. There is parking for disabled visitors and an information board about the nature reserve next to the reserve.
From Kinna/Skene take road 156 towards Svenljunga for about 10 km. In Haratången, turn right towards Björkesbacka and drive about 3 km.
GPS: N 57 27 690, E 12 49 892