Skubbhult is beautifully situated by the lake Mellan-Färgen. The forest is old, and the trees host a rich flora, especially of mosses and lichens.
The beech forest at Skubbhult has long been known for its scenic location along the lakeshore. It grows on a gently rolling slope down to the water, creating a truly picturesque setting. In recent years, attention has also been drawn to the fact that parts of the area consist of relatively untouched old-growth forest with an interesting lichen flora.
Traces of the Past
Across most of the area (particularly dense in the southern part), moss-covered stone piles, known as clearance cairns, can be found. These may date as far back as the period between the Early Iron Age and the Middle Ages. The cairns are a sign that the land was once cleared of stones to make space for cultivation.
Lichens and Mosses
The forest is a type of heath beech forest with a ground layer poor in herbs. Bare leaf carpets alternate with patches of wavy hair-grass, bilberry, wood anemone, or wood sorrel. Some birds found in the area include honey buzzard, black woodpecker, and wood warbler.
Some of the old beeches have wood-decay fungi growing on them, but above all, the flora of lichens and mosses is particularly rich. Many of the ancient beeches appear furry and shaggy with barnacle lichen, coral lichen, feather moss, and neckera moss. The large and striking lung lichen also grows on many trees. All of these species are strong indicator species of a valuable flora and fauna associated with old beech forest.
