Natura2000 Hjelm Hede - Flyndersø - Stubbergaard Sø

Natural Values

The Natura 2000 area Hjelm Hede, Flyndersø and Stubbergård Sø is located between Holstebro and Skive and covers an area of 2.170 ha, of which 160 are lakes. It is a varied, naturally infertile area with an ancient landscape consisting of raised bogs, springs and oak scrub together with cultural landscape elements including grazed acid grassland and alkaline fen. Large areas consist of dry heathland and bear witness to the cultural history of the area. The large lakes are important sites for an extensive birdlife. The area has been nominated because of the wide extent of dry heathland, acid grassland alkaline fen, ancient oak woodland and wooded turf bog as well as because of the presence of slender green feather moos and populations of otters, bitterns, osprey and breeding goosanders.

Protected Areas

There are three conserved areas within the Natura 2000 reserve. The landscape around lake Flyndersø is conserved, as is the area around lake Stubbergård Sø. The latter conservation is to protect the landscape around the lake, the cultural historical values and the scientific interests, as well as to improve the possibility for recreational enjoyment of the area. The third conservation item is a marked path through an area of marshland north of lake Stubbergaard Sø.

Open Air Activities, Communication and Cultural History

Holstebro Municipality has issued a hiking trip folder for both lakes Flyndersø and Stubbergaard Sø with routes of various lengths, and has erected informative posters. Along the path around lake Stubbergaard Sø there are additional posters with information about nature, landscape and cultural history at Sortehusene that used to be a boathouse for fishery in the lake. At Stubber Kloster (Non-geological site no. N7) it is possible to visit the ruin and hear more about the local cultural history. There is currently an initiative to establish a nature park (Naturpark Flyndersø and Sønderlem Vig) that will contribute to recreational facilities and communication around lake Flyndersø.

The Open Air Museum Hjerl Hede

The Open Air Museum Hjerl Hede is located on the west side of lake Flynder Sø. There is a collection of old buildings where the story is told of building practice, interior decoration and handwork in Denmark, with emphasis on Jutland. The museum also presents information about the exploitation of the heathlands, woodlands and marshes. The museum has a large group of volunteers who bring the many exhibits to life for many of the 75.000 guests that visit Hjerl Hede each year.

Cooperation With the Aspiring Geopark

The paths at lakes Stubbergaard Sø and Flyndersø are part of the network of paths and communication sites in the geopark´s area of interest.  The initiative is also a fine example of cooperation with groups of volunteers.