The cultural landscape of central Bykle

In central Bykle no less that 18 valuable nature types have been registered. Five of those are hayfields and pastures of great importance.

The farmland in central Bykle is steep and difficult to work. In the marginal areas there are small patches which have not been affected by modern agriculture. For this reason, the biodiversity is huge and includes some red-listed plants.

These are endangered species and require particular care in the shape of clearing and old-fashioned preservation methods. A plan has been set up to ensure that the specific biodiversity does not get lost in these biotopes.

The elder-flowered orchid (Dactylorhiza sambucina) grows in barren farmland. It blooms in early spring and has a yellow-white and chubby appearance.

The fragrant orchid (Gymnadenia conopsea) is purple and blooms in late summer. All orchids depend on fungi for seed germination. In the germination period the tiny seeds cannot take up nutrients from the soil.

Arnica (Arnica montana) needs open spaces and sunlight in order to bloom. Overgrowing of fields and grasslands, as well as less grazing and haymaking, are endangering factors. Arnica is found several places in Setesdal, and some insects depend on this very plant to survive. It blooms in late summer – around the time of the haymaking, as indicated by one of its local names. Another local name suggests that it was used as a substitute for tobacco.

Thanks to the significant efforts of the landowners – and other people using these areas – we hope that these irreplaceable plants will thrive in Bykle, also in the future.