9. Södermarken hay meadow

Bergby hay meadow, called Södermarken, is located here on the outskirts of our villages. In Häverö Parish there are about ten hay meadows preserved, the most well-known is in Häverö Prästängs nature reserve at Singöfjärden. A hay meadow is a traditionally managed agricultural land that is mowed during late summer to provide fodder for animals. Removal of hay reduces the soil’s nutrient content and benefits a unique species-rich flora and fauna. Today’s hay meadows are rare and endangered, but are important for biodiversity and cultural history.

Södermarken’s beautiful hay meadow has been maintained through mowing and grazing since the 17th century. The area today covers about 1.4 hectares but historically had a larger area south of Bergby Gård. The soil is poor, calcareous and rocky and is not suitable for ploughing and cultivation. Grazing ceased in the 1980s and the area began to grow again. A restoration was carried out in 2005–2010 by Norrtälje Municipality. During the restoration, a large number of trees and bushes were removed. Some deciduous trees were felled, i.e. tops and branches were sawn off to imitate the old-fashioned harvesting of leaves that were used for fodder. Norrtälje Municipality sold the land a few years ago and today the hay meadow is managed by the County Administrative Board.

Every year, the hay meadow is grazed and fallen material such as leaves and twigs is raked away. Grasping is a form of spring cleaning that primarily prevents the meadow from being overfertilized. Mowing and harvesting of hay takes place in late summer after flowering. The hay meadow is home to plants such as Catsfoot (Antennaria dioica), Common rock-rose (Helianthemum nummularium), Field gentian (Gentianella campestris), the protected Hällebräckan (Saxifraga osloënsis) and orchids such as Elder-flowered orchid (Dactylorhiza sambucina) and Lesser butterfly-orchid (Platanthera bifolia).