Kleppe
Explore the Lonavatnet and Øksnevadtjørn nature reserves on a five-kilometre nature and heritage trail with information points and a birdwatching tower.
The Lonavatnet lake nature reserve is located in Sandnes and Klepp. The area was protected in 1996 to preserve an important wintering area for ducks and whooper swans. The lake is one of several lakes included in what we call the Figgjovassdraget lakes. The water is shallow and nutritious, and a lot of phragmites grow here. The lake is also an important breeding area with a dense population of reed warblers, several pairs of whooper swans, coots and ducks.
A listed nature reserve
The Øksnevadtjørn lake was protected as a nature reserve in 1996. The purpose of the protection is to preserve a wetland area with naturally associated vegetation and wildlife. The Øksnevadtjørn lake is a kettle lake that was formed at the end of the ice age. The lake is a rich cultural landscape lake and is an important nesting, migration and wintering area for wetland birds.
Two of 23 protected areas in the Ramsar site Jæren wetland system
The reserve has several red-listed plant species and covers an area of about 30 acres. The Lonavatnet and Øksnevadtjørn nature reserves are two of 23 protected areas that are part of the Ramsar site Jæren wetland system, due to their importance as a nesting and resting place for migratory birds. The Jæren wetland system was established in 1985, and the number of sub-areas was expanded to 22 in 2002.
Protect the nature reserves
Walking is permitted, but plants must not be damaged, and birds, other wildlife, nests and eggs must not be disturbed. Dogs must be kept on a lead throughout the year within the nature reserve. Camping is prohibited, and you must not cross cultivated fields or fertilised pasture unless the ground is frozen or covered by snow. Follow the established trail, take all rubbish with you and use the birdwatching tower without disturbing the wildlife.
Source: The official management regulations for Øksnevadtjønn and information from the Norwegian Environment Agency’s Naturbase for Lonavatnet. Sources are available in Norwegian only.
Read also: The fjord pledge – how to look after nature.
Source: Region Stavanger