Sweden's Soderasen is now one of northern Europe's largest protected forests
The Söderåsen plateau in southern Sweden has transitioned from its historical grazed heathland, significantly impacted by intensive grazing in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, Söderåsen National Park encompasses over 1,600 hectares of lush broadleaf forest, showcasing the impressive capacity for natural regeneration and ecological restoration over time, while preserving a landscape shaped by…
Sweden's Söderåsen plateau, once a more open landscape, has transformed into one of northern Europe's largest protected broadleaf forests. A 2025 study published in The Holocene revealed that the area became considerably more open during the 18th and 19th centuries due to intensified grazing, which led to the development of grazed heathland.
Today, Söderåsen National Park, established in 2001, safeguards 1,625 hectares of this landscape, preserving a continuous section of the South Swedish horst landscape. The park's diverse habitats, including forests, valleys, cliffs, and streams, support a variety of flora and fauna, including beech trees and various bird species.
Managed by Länsstyrelsen Skåne on behalf of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, Söderåsen National Park highlights the power of conservation efforts in allowing ecosystems to recover and develop over time.
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