The Tira Islands are an archipelago of numerous islands and skerries in the western part of Lake Bolmen. Visitors with their own boat or canoe can explore both ancient coniferous forest and beautifully flowering linden trees. During summer, the islands are popular for swimming and outdoor recreation. Ornithologists can enjoy a rich yet sensitive birdlife. This nature reserve is unlike any other managed by the County Administrative Board in Halland. Most nature reserves in Halland are located on land. When water areas are protected, they are usually marine environments rather than inland lakes. Of the Tira Islands’ total area of 735 hectares, approximately 700 hectares consist of water. The land area itself is divided among sixteen larger and smaller islands.
The islands are mainly composed of glaciofluvial material, forming an extensive system of eskers both above and below the water surface. These eskers are particularly prominent on the largest island, Storö, where one ridge rises nearly ten metres above the water level. The most common tree species on the islands are Scots pine and Norway spruce, though deciduous woodland also occurs. On the island of Högaholm, in the southern part of the reserve, linden trees grow almost exclusively. The lindens bloom beautifully in July.
The reserve hosts a diverse but sensitive birdlife that varies with the seasons. In spring and summer, several species of birds of prey can be observed. You may spot an osprey hovering over the water, searching for a fish to strike, or a Eurasian sparrowhawk circling above the forest to the alarm of small birds below. Among the waterfowl, species such as Eurasian teal, great northern diver, goosander and the wader common sandpiper can be found. In both the southern and northern parts of the reserve, there are bird protection areas that are closed to visitors between 1 April and 15 July.
Parts of the Tira Islands are covered by wild stands of pine and spruce, and in places the forest is close to primeval in character. The storms Gudrun and Per, which struck Sweden in 2005 and 2007, have affected the forests on all wooded islands. As the purpose of the nature reserve is to preserve the natural forest as it is, fallen trees are not removed. Some visitors may feel discouraged by the difficulty of moving through areas with storm-felled trees, but the forest’s many inhabitants are all the more grateful, as they depend on the habitats created by dead wood.
A wide variety of beetles, fungi and microorganisms live in the decaying wood. Over time, they break down the trees and return nutrients to the soil, allowing new plants to grow. These small creatures in turn become food for forest birds, so in the future we may enjoy even more birdsong when visiting the Tira Islands. Please note that it can be dangerous to walk near uprooted trees.
The shores around the islands are mostly composed of gravel and stone, though there are a few fine sandy beaches. On Storö you will find the largest beach in the reserve, and camping is permitted here for one night. Visitors have access to a jetty and dry toilets. There is also a dry toilet on the island of Korpö.
Fires and barbecuing are only permitted at sites designated by the County Administrative Board. There are two fire pits on Storö, two on Björkö and one on Korpö. Firewood may not be collected within the nature reserve.
Lake Bolmen offers varied fishing opportunities, with species such as perch, pike and zander. A fishing permit is required and can be purchased, for example, from Tiraholms Fisk or digitally via iFiske.se.
