Skötsel av skyddade ädellövskogsområden i teori och praktik: en fallstudie för naturreservat i Hallands län

Sammanfattning: This study aims to evaluate the management of nature reserves in the county of Halland in Sweden, focusing on reserves in which the main form of vegetation is deciduous hardwood forests. The purpose is to evaluate and compare planned management according to nature reserve management plans with current field conditions in order to identify discrepancies and their potential causes, based on a case study of five selected nature reserves. Values connected to nature con-servation and biodiversity as well as recreation and outdoor life are taken into consideration in the evaluation. Based on the results of the study, the main form of management in nature reserves with deciduous hardwood forests as the main form of vegetation is free development towards an old-growth forest state, with few or no planned management measures. Discrepancies within areas of deciduous hardwood forests as compared to the management plans for the reserves mainly consist of invasion of spruce trees from adjacent areas, as well as a lack of natural rejuvenation and open areas in dense stands of trees. A need of increased management measures concerning the nature reserves’ accessibility for outdoor life and recreation has been identified, where lack of maintenance of trails, signs and other permanent installations limit the accessibility of some areas. These issues can be addressed through increased maintenance of such areas and a revision of management plans, as well as encouraging reports from visitors in nature reserves concerning potential improvements within the reserves.