Sydvestjylland / South Western Jutland

1) Filsø

2) Heath areas around Store Råbjerg

3) Ho Bugt bay & Varde Ådal river valley

4) Mandø island

5) Randbøl Hede

6) Blåvandshuk

7) Skallingen & Langli

8) The Wadden Sea

9) Vejen Mose 

Filsø

Location:    
Filsø is situated approx 20 km north-west of Varde. It is a vast post-glacial lagoon, originally barred from the North Sea by the shifting sands of mobile dunes. Today the lake can be overviewed from the old moraine coastline at its highest point at Kløvbakken car park.

Protection/IBA Status:
The area has been appointed an international IBA by BirdLife International.

Important Birds:
Bittern, Whooper Swan, Bewick's Swan, Pink-footed Goose, Greylag Goose, Barnacle Goose, Pintail, Marsh Harrier, Montagu's Harrier, Spotted Crake, Dotterel, Golden Plover, Wood Sandpiper, Nightjar, Woodlark, Red-backed Shrike.

Habitat:
Once, Filsø was Denmark’s second largest lake covering 3000 ha, but due to several draining projects, of which the first took place in 1852 and the last during the 1940s, it was reduced to a fraction of its former size. Later, the area became subject to a preservation order, last revised in 1997. Amongst other measures taken was the implementation of a raised water level, extending the lake to 90 ha, offering a much improved habitat for both flora and fauna. The lake is surrounded by drained fields which appear as large fenland areas, chequered by canals, farm tracks, and a pump station at the northern end. Besides Filsø lake, the area comprises Søvigsund lake, several sizeable heaths, dune and plantation areas, and more than 1350 ha of arable farmland.

   

The sluice system Filsø. Photo: Cabbie Drennan 

Birds and other Wildlife:    
Breeding Birds: Great Crested Grebe, Bittern, Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Shelduck, Mallard, Teal, Garganey, Shoveler, Marsh Harrier, Coot, Water Rail, Lapwing, Snipe, Bearded Tit, Willow Tit, Nightingale, Grasshopper Warbler, Sedge Warbler and a number of other passerines.

Migrating Birds: Filsø and its surrounding area has for decades been renowned as an important staging and foraging area for yellow-beaked swans and various geese. The area is vital for migrant Pink-footed Geese, en route to their breeding grounds on Spitzbergen. Almost the total Scandinavian population (approx 30,000) arrive here at the end of September to forage and roost on the lake. Greylag Geese also forage on the drained field systems of Filsø Avlsgård estate from the middle of July until their departure in September/October. Their numbers are increasing, and are at present approx 20,000.

From mid-June until late October, flocks of around 30,000 Starlings arrive here to roost overnight - a magnificent spectacle as the enormous flocks dive and turn in the sky, before falling to rest in the reedbeds. Danes call the phenomenon "Black Sun". 

Dotterel can be spotted on the farmed fields from the end of April until mid-May. Nowadays, the flocks comprise only 10 to 20 individuals, whereas previously they could contain up to 140 birds.

Golden Plover are here practically all year round, with flocks of up to 10,000 having been observed several times, especially in spring just before they migrate north to their breeding grounds.

Visiting and Access :
Filsø can be overviewed from the hillock of Kløvbakken on Route 465 between Henne Stationsby village and Henne Strand. On Kløvbakken there is a car park with picnic and toilet facilities.

Heading further westwards, a farm track starts across the road from Henne church, where it is possible to walk or cycle, to get closer to Filsø itself. (The Henne Kro inn, adjacent to the church, is famous for gourmet cooking and for having at one time been the haunt of the famous Danish wildlife artist Johannes Larsen). 

It is also possible to carry on along Route 465 for another 2-3 km, then turn left towards Kjærgård – after 1 km along this road and just having crossed a bridge over a canal, take the gravel track to Hennemølleå Hotel, leading off to the right. This track, winding its way across the large open heath, follows Filsø’s main outlet, half hidden in scrub, on the right hand side of the track. At the small seasonal hotel there is a car park, and a footpath follows the peaty river through the sand dunes down to the beach.

To gain access to Filsø Avlsgård estate, permission has to be obtained from the estate manager at the main buildings. These are even further south on the road to Kjærgård. A signpost shows the way.

Store Råbjerg Heath

 
Stonechat. Photo: Johnny Laursen 

Location:   
Store Råbjerg Heath is situated between Grindsted and Billund. The IBA area covers not only Store Råbjerg Heath itself but also Gyttegård Planation and Grene Sande, to the east.

Protection/IBA Status:
In 1967 approx 40% of the heath was appointed a preservation area, together with a large part of the state-owned Gyttesgård Plantation. The area is protected by both the EU Birds Directive (due to breeding Wood Sandpiper and Nightjar) and the EU Habitats Directive. It has been appointed an international IBA.

Important Birds:
Teal, Wood Sandpiper, Nightjar, Woodlark, Red-backed Shrike.

Habitat:    
Store Råbjerg Heath is one of the few unbroken heath areas left from earlier times, when extensive heaths dominated the landscape both north and south of Grindsted. It is an area formerly covered by dunes. Some of it is bog with lakes, some of it is was formerly a plantation, which has now been cleared and is not to be replanted. To the south, the mobile inland dune of Grene Sande can be found. It has been exposed to drifting sand several times during its geological history. The prevailing westerly wind has now created a unique U-shaped parabolic dune with its ends turned westwards. This is an area of national geological interest. Between these two localities lies Gyttesgård Plantation. This woodland area, which is commercially forested, suffered gravely during storms in both the 1970s and 1980s.    

Birds and other Wildlife:    
The area is important for birds typical of the heath habitat, with Nightjar and Wood Sandpiper being among the most uncommon. Woodlark can be heard singing over the heath, and Red-backed Shrike can be spotted perched on the top branches of shrubs.

Visiting and Access:   
Store Råbjerg Heath is easy to access and overview, except for the south-east part of Grene Sande, which remains private. It is a good idea to obtain the folder published by the Danish Forestry and Nature Agency, entitled Gyttegård Plantation - Grene Sande (although it does not include Store Råbjerg heath itself). This can be found at tourist offices or can be downloaded from: www.skovognatur.dk/Udgivelser/Vandretursfoldere/atilaa/Gyttegaard

There are three different marked walks, taking the visitor through all of Gyttesgård Plantation and the state-owned part of Grene Sande.
   
- On the Gråhedevej road, running between Løvlund and Hegnsvig, there is a car park approx 1 km south of Løvlund, from where a path leads into Gyttesgård Plantation.
- Carrying on along Gråhedevej road for another 300 m, a lay-by on the right is the starting point for a path leading to the highest point of Store Råbjerg. From here there are good vistas over the heath and lake.   
- Billundvej road between Billund and Hegnsvig runs through the heath. From the car park in the centre, paths lead to both the plantation and to Grene Sande. The "Red Route" along Billundvej road leads to the steep eroded moraine cliffs of Hegnsvig Bakkeø, from where there is an excellent view northwards over the inland sands, the low-lying bog and the large lake.

DOF South Western Jutland

Ho Bugt bay & Varde Ådal river valley 

Ho Bugt bay. Photo: Kirsten Røjle 

Location:   
Varde Å river runs through the old town of Varde, and 10 km further west flows into the bay of Ho Bugt, just north of Esbjerg. This IBA location comprises sizeable fen, meadows and marsh areas to the north and west of Ho Bugt, and the meadows all along Varde Å up to the town of Varde.

Protection/IBA Status:
The south bank of Varde Å came under a preservation order in 1967 and the whole locality is protected by the general Nature Protection laws. It is furthermore an EU Bird Protection Area, part of an EU Habitat Area, and part of a Ramsar Site.

Ho Bugt Enge and Varde Å river valley are registered as an internationally important IBA.

Important Birds:
Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Montagu’s Harrier, Corncrake, Avocet, Ruff, Bluethroat. 

Habitat:    
Varde Å  is the fourth largest river system in Denmark, and the lush wide flat meadows provide a rich feeding source for both fauna and flora. Varde Å river begins where Grindsted Å and Ansager Å merge west of Ansager. Of all rivers emptying into the Wadden Sea, this is the only sizeable river not regulated by a sluice and, as such, is tidal far up into the river system.

During storms and high tides the meadows and low-lying roads become flooded, especially with W/SW winds. This means that land adjacent to Ho Bugt Bay and the river valley is influenced by salty water, and characterized by both fresh and salt water flora and fauna. There is an ongoing project to regulate water levels and river flow, aiming towards an improved environment for wildlife.
   
Birds and other Wildlife:
In summer, Quail is often heard in Billum and Jannerup meadows, whereas Corncrake is more uncommon. A Corncrake programme has been established to reintroduce this bird which in earlier times was prolific in the area.

During winter, when the meadows are often flooded, larger numbers of dabbling duck, Greylag Goose, Lapwing, plovers and Curlew can be seen foraging here.

Altogether 102 bird species have been registered in the locality.

Janderup Church on the bank of Varde Å river, seen from the wooden walkway.

Visiting and Access:
There are 5 good viewpoints from which to scan the area:

- The bridge which crosses Varde Å at Tarp Enge, just before the river enters the bay, approx 10 km west of Varde, offers a good view over the area.
- Just south of the bridge, going towards Esbjerg, a small road turns off to the right towards Myrtue where at Myrtuegård there is a Nature Centre with exhibitions and picnic facilities, toilets etc.
- Approx 200 m before the centre, a track leads off to the right to a headland cliff and beach below, with views over Ho Bugt. Paths carry on from here along the cliff, or on the beach, following Marbæk plantation, and lead all the way to Esbjerg.
- From the south side of the bridge by Tarp Enge a track leads to a bird observation tower which can be seen from the road. Here there are views over the Varde Å Enge meadows.
- In the village of Janderup, east of Billum on Route 431, a small road leads south to the church which is situated right on the river bank. On the right hand side of the road is a basic camp site with a few facilities. From here a raised wooden walkway leads through the reedbeds to a platform with views over a small stretch of Varde Å and the meadows on the far side of the river.  

DOF South Western Jutland

Mandø island 

Protection/IBA Status:
Mandø is part of the Wadden Sea EU Habitat Area and EU Bird Protection Area. It is furthermore registered as an international IBA by Birdlife International.

Important birds:
Cormorant, Bittern, Barnacle Goose, Dark-bellied Brent Goose, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Pintail, Shoveler, Eider, Common Scoter, Marsh Harrier, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Kentish Plover, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Knot, Dunlin, Ruff, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Gull-billed Tern, Common Tern, Arctic Tern, Little Tern and Short-eared Owl.

Habitat:
The islanders of Mandø have always had to face the challenge of the invasive sea, and the island is now protected by a system of dykes. The seaward side of the dyke is characterised by reedbeds and mud-flats, with a network of fascine-filled groins stretching far out into the surrounding sand banks. Further out at sea are mussel banks.

Inside the perimeter dyke runs a drainage canal, with the Bærmevejen farm track abreast of it, with a series of small collection ponds. The areas in the middle of the island, bounded by the canal, are farmed. The only habitation is in Mandø village, on the far west side of the island, in an area of sand dunes. This is also where the highest point of the island is to be found. In 1890 there were 262 people living on Mandø; today the number has fallen to approx 50. There are only a few holiday bungalows here, and tourism is limited, as access to the island is not without problems. This means that Mandø is a very peaceful place.

Birds and other Wildlife:
Mandø is a birder's paradise, both outside and inside the dyke. Waterfowl and passerines breed in the reedbeds and scrub round the ponds and along the drainage canal. Mute Swan, Red-necked Grebe and many other ducks and waders find nesting sites here. Kestrel breeds in Mandø village.

During spring and autumn migration thousands of geese and waders stop over here, and forage on the mud-flats at low tide, or in the fields, on the dyke and foreland at high tide. The mud-banks and sands provide forage for many short-beaked birds such as sandpipers, plovers and Redshanks which feed on mud snails and shrimps off the surface, while longer beaked birds such as godwits and Curlews find mussels and sand-worms. Oystercatchers feed on the common cockles and mussels.

About 3000 Common Seal can be seen on the extensive sand-banks around Mandø. The Grey Seal can also be seen.

Visiting and Access:
South of Ribe, at Vester Vedsted village, signs lead to Mandø, 11 km away. Only a few possibilities are available for access to Mandø. One way is by sailing over, but this takes expert local knowledge of the Wadden Sea. Using the causeway is another way of getting to Mandø, but here it is vital to check the tidal calendar and weather forecast before venturing out on this 6 km trip on the rubble-filled causeway, where salt water pools have to be negotiated.  It is therefore recommended for visitors unfamiliar with this environment to use the “tractor bus” leaving a couple of times a day from Vester Vedsted Wadden Sea Field Centre, according to the tides.

Randbøl Heath

 
Not only birds on the heath
 

Location:
The heath of Randbøl Hede is situated west of Vejle, approx 4 km south of Billund.

Protection/IBA Status:
The area is protected by the EU Birds Directive and the EU Habitats Directive and has been appointed an international IBA.

Important Birds:
Teal, Hen Harrier, Montagu's Harrier, Black Grouse, Lapwing, Snipe, Wood Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Woodlark, Red-backed Shrike, Great Grey Shrike.

Habitat:
The preserved part of the area is barren heath, characterised by large shifting dunes. The largest is the 88 m high Stoltenbjerg offering a fine vista. There is a management plan entailing grazing and burning of the heath to maintain and renew the heather. The heath is surrounded by plantations and farmland.

Birds and other Wildlife:
The heath was appointed an EU Bird Protection Area due the the presence of breeding birds such as Black Grouse, Wood Sandpiper and Great Grey Shrike. However, Black Grouse has long disappeared from the heath, while the two other species do not breed here any longer, although they regularly stop off here on migration. Other breeding birds have at times included Curlew, Stonechat and Whinchat.

Visiting and Access:
The heath can be reached driving south from Billund on Route 176. Where the route bends at the edge of the heath there is a car park (opposite the farm of Reventlows Hedegård) from which a trail leads into the heath. There are leaflets available at the car park or they can be dowloaded from the Forestry and Nature Agency's website on: www.skovognatur.dk/Udgivelser/Vandretursfoldere/atilaa/Randboel The leaflets cover both Randbøl Hede and Frederikshåb Plantage, which is the plantation north of the heath.

Blåvandshuk

Location:
Blåvandshuk is the most westerly point of Denmark. It is a point of land jutting out into the sea west of Varde and north-west of Esbjerg.

Habitat:
The coastline here is fringed by a wide sandy beach, behind which are sand dunes from where there are good views across the beach and sea. Inland, the area is covered with heath and dunes. At the foot of the lighthouse is a garden with scrub and bushes that are often popular with passerines that have “fallen” here during migration.

Birds and other Wildlife:
Blåvandshuk is one of the best-known Danish localities for autumn migration. This comprises both seabird passage and passerine migration along the coast. Seawatching is best in strong westerly and south-westerly winds, whilst passerines and raptors are favoured by easterly winds. Out at sea, there are movements of divers, Gannet, Fulmar, ducks and skuas. Kittiwake, Common Tern, Arctic Tern, Sandwich Tern and Little Tern are regular, as are both species of storm petrel.

Waders begin migrating in late summer. All species can be seen, although westerlies sometimes produce a proliferation of migrating Oystercatcher, even though their numbers have declined in recent years, probably due to the intensive mussel fishery being carried out in the Dutch Wadden Sea. Knot, Dunlin, Sanderling and Bar-tailed Godwit appear in good numbers.

Over land, there can be a steady stream of passerines, including swallows and martins, Meadow Pipit and thrushes. In 2006, a new day record for Chaffinch/Brambling was set at 117,000 birds!

With luck, a rarity can be spotted. 2006, for example, saw the occurrence of Turtle Dove, Tawny Pipit, Richard’s Pipit, Pallas’s Warbler and Yellow-browed Warbler.

Visiting and Access:
Blåvandshuk can be reached from Varde on the E431 (approx. 26 km from Varde). There is a large car park at the end of the road before the beach. Nearby is the bird station, where migration monitoring and bird ringing have been carried out for decades.  

DOF South Western Jutland

Skallingen & Langli 

Location:
For travellers approaching Esbjerg by boat, the Skallingen peninsula, north of Esbjerg harbour, is often the first impression visitors get of Denmark. It protects the wide expanse of Ho Bugt bay from the North Sea. Langli is the narrow island near the mouth of the bay.

Protection/IBA Status:
Skallingen and Langli form the northern part of the Wadden Sea which stretches from Ho Bugt in the north all the way south along the Danish west coast and on along the German and Dutch coasts. The total area is protected under the EU Habitats Directive and the EU Birds Directive. Langli was acquired by the Ministry of the Environment in 1982 as a breeding bird protection area. Prohibited access during the birds' breeding season was introduced, and later hunting was also banned, to provide peace for the wildlife. The area is registered as an IBA by BirdLife International.

Important Birds:
Pink-footed Goose, Barnacle Goose, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Dark-bellied Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Pintail, Shoveler, Eider, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Kentish Plover, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Knot, Sanderling, Dunlin, Ruff, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Mediterranian Gull, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Gull-billed Tern, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, Arctic Tern, Little Tern, Short-eared Owl and Woodlark.
   
Habitat:
Skallingen was built up gradually during the past 400 years. It is approx 2-3 km wide and 8 km long with a single track road running down the middle. The western part is dominated by sand-dunes and beach, whereas the eastern side is characterised by numerous muddy tidal trenches and creeks. The site is a typical tidal marsh, and is often flooded during winter. During the last few decades Skallingen has started to become eroded by the sea.

The island of Langli is what is left of an even older peninsula which was cut off from the mainland during a storm in 1634. The north and south ends of Langli are marsh, whereas the centre is dominated by dunes up to 16 m in height.

The considerable scientific interest of the area has led to the establishment of the Skallingen Research Laboratory, where field studies are carried out on both flora and fauna and the whole system of marshland and esturial ecology. There is no access to this particular area which was appointed a “Scientific Reference Area” in 1982.

Birds and other Wildlife:
Skallingen is mainly important for staging birds, whilst Langli is of great importance for breeding birds. Since the introduction of protective measures, the number of breeding birds has risen from 5,000 to 15,000 breeding pairs (particularly gulls and terns).  10 - 30 pairs of Little Tern breed here. The world’s densest breeding population of Oystercatchers is also found here. 

Visiting and Access:
Both Skallingen and Langli are unique areas under various preservation orders. Normally there are no access restrictions on Skallingen, but currently a World War II mine clearance programme is being carried out, which means that some parts of the beach and the entire southern end of the peninsula is closed to the public for the time being. It is possible to drive/ cycle/walk as far as Vogterhuset (the Shepherd's Cottage), which has an exhibition with information about the area, and indoor picnic facilities.  

There is no access to the area between Skallingen and Langli, which comprises the scientific reference area under the Research Laboratory. However, it is allowed to visit Langli from 16th July until 15th September. It is vital to be aware of the tides before venturing out on the 5 km walk across the mud-flats to Langli that are exposed at low tide. Tours on tractor-hauled wagons and guided walks are arranged. Information about tides and arranged tours can be had at the local tourist offices.  

 

Location:
The Wadden Sea is the south-west coastal area of Jutland, comprising islands, sandbanks and parts of the North Sea (up to a depth of 20 m) which carries on south along the German and Dutch coasts. It is one of the most important habitats for waterfowl, and indispensable to them as a stop-over whilst on their annual migrations.

Protection/IBA Status:
The whole of the Wadden Sea is protected by the so-called "Trilateral Wadden Sea Plan" adopted in 2001 by the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark. The area is also under the EU Habitats Directive and the EU Birds Directive, and has been appointed an IBA by BirdLife International.

Important Birds:
Slavonian Grebe, Cormorant, Pink-footed Goose, Greylag Goose, Barnacle Goose, Brent Goose, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Dark-bellied Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Water Rail, Pintail, Shoveler, Eider, Common Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, Goosander, Marsh Harrier, Montagu’s Harrier, Peregrine, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Knot, Sanderling, Dunlin, Ruff, Bar-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Wood Sandpiper, Turnstone, Mediterranian Gull, Little Gull, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Gull-billed Tern, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, Arctic Tern, Little Tern, Short-eared Owl, Bluethroat, Twite, Skylark.
   
Habitat:
The Wadden Sea is a highly dynamic tidal sea and wetland area, with large fens, dykes and marsh areas as well as dunes, beaches and barrier islands.  Many streams and rivers empty out into the North Sea, passing through the marshlands. Varde Å is the last unregulated river, emptying into Ho Bugt bay, just north of Esbjerg. Altogether, the Danish part of the Wadden Sea is the least regulated and least influenced by human activity in this entire unique ecosystem.

Birds and other Wildlife:
Each of the many varied biotopes offers special conditions for the numerous breeding and migrating bird populations.  For more than 50 species of waterfowl the area is of significant importance, and it is calculated that more than 10 million individuals pass through the Wadden Sea during migration.  

At ebb tide, when the sands and silt banks lie virtually dry, thousands of waders such as Dunlin, Knot, Bar-tailed Godwit, and several species of duck and geese gather here to feed before setting out on their journeys: in spring, to breeding grounds in North Scandinavia, Siberia and Greenland; in autumn, to winter quarters further south.

The large mussel banks in the Wadden Sea are an important source of food for, amongst others, Eider and Oystercatcher. The foreland in front of the dykes and the areas behind the dykes also offer vital feeding grounds for Mallard, Wigeon, Pintail, and for Pink-footed, Brent and Barnacle Geese.

The Common Seal breeds here in the Wadden Sea. All year round - but mainly during breeding and moulting seasons - the seals rely on being able to lie undisturbed on the exposed tidal sandbanks.

Hobo Dyb, the channel between Skallingen and Langli, together with the marshes on either side, is an important staging and foraging ground for waterfowl, with its rich vegetation, worms, mussels, and many other creatures thriving in the sand, silt and mud of the seabed that is exposed at low tide.

Visiting and Access:
As the Wadden Sea is such a large area, it is obvious that there are numerous good spots for watching birds. At tourist information sites in all the towns there are leaflets available with information and recommendations.

The following localities can be recommended (going from north to south):

1) Blåvandshuk
See separate description.

2) Skallingen and Langli
See separate description

3) Ho Bugt bay
See separate description

4) Fanø
From Esbjerg Harbour a small ferry takes 15 minutes to sail across to Nordby on the island of Fanø. Sønderho, the southernmost tip of the island, can be reached by a 25 minute bus ride. (Taking a car across is relatively expensive). Cycling is a good way of getting round the island to enjoy the many excellent sites for bird-watching:
- Grønningen at the north end
- a small lagoon/spit a little south of Nordby
- Skrånbjerg at the end of a dodgy gravel track with views towards Esbjerg
- the plantation, heath and dunes (for passerines and raptors)
- Hønen, the south point of Fanø, with reedbeds and coastal meadow.

A map of Fanø published by the Forestry and Nature Agency is available at tourist offices or can be downloaded from: www.skovognatur.dk/Udgivelser/Vandretursfoldere/atilaa/fanoe

5) Ribe
Ancient capital of Denmark, with its quaint narrow streets, Viking Museum, excellent pubs, shops and cathedral. Here it may be possible to see a pair of storks nesting in the middle of the town.

6) Kammerslusen
A sluice gate where Ribe Å runs out into the sea, with views out over the Wadden Sea. For a leisurely tour, take a trip on one of the small boats sailing from the harbour in Ribe.

7) Mandø
See separate description

8) Rømø and Strandengene
See separate description below under "Sublocalities"

9) Tønder Marsken
See separate description below under "Sublocalities"

10) Margrethe Kog
See separate description below under "Sublocalities"

DOF South Western Jutland

Sublocalities:

Rømø and Stormengene
     
Location:   
Stormengene (the Storm Meadows) are situated on the southern point of the island of Rømø.

Habitat:  
This 35 ha area is a unique site. North and west of the area a big sea dyke protects the rest of the island from the tides, which means that the meadows here are more or less unprotected and are flooded during winter high tides. This habitat offers the best possible conditions for a variety of wildlife and breeding birds. It consists of marshes, coastal meadows, dunes, and heath with small ponds. Cattle graze the meadows in summer. The flora here is rich and varied.

Birds and other Wildlife:  
Breeding birds include Arctic Tern, Shelduck, Eider, Oystercatcher, Redshank and Lapwing, together with passerines such as Yellow Wagtail, Lark and Meadow Pipit.

Autumn migration starts already in July. Large flocks of Golden Plover, Dunlin, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Ringed Plover, Redshank and Oystercatcher stage on the flood sands. Grey Plover, Knot, Little Stint, Black-tailed Godwit, Snipe, Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone and Lapwing appear in smaller numbers.

When autumn proper arrives, geese and duck come to forage here on the mudflats and in the meadows. Brent Goose arrive in large numbers, with smaller flocks of Pink-footed and Greylag Goose. Many Shelduck, Mallard and Eider, and some Wigeon and Teal stop over. In good weather on autumn days, raptors may pass the island’s southernmost point migrating south, for example Montagu’s, Marsh and Hen Harriers. Passerines, including Meadow Pipit and Twite, flock in the shrub and meadows during migration. Various gulls and terns pass by, for example Black-headed, Common and Herring Gull, and Arctic Tern. Large numbers of Cormorant and a few Grey Heron and Mute Swan stay on a little longer to benefit from this rich feeding ground.

Winter is a quiet time, but as soon as the days become longer again, the show recommences, Skylarks, Lapwings and Starlings being the first messengers of spring.

Visiting and Access:
To get to Stormengene cross the dam leading to Rømø and carry on south for another 13 km to Havneby. Park in Havneby itself, or follow Vesterbygade to a car park at the end of Stormengevej. From here, follow the dyke.

The Danish Forestry and Nature Agency has published a leaflet "Rømø" with a good map. This can be found at tourist offices or downloaded from: www.skovognatur.dk/Udgivelser/Vandretursfoldere/atilaa/roemoe

The best times to visit Stormengene are spring, late summer and autumn.

Habitat:   
Tøndermarsken is the common denomination for 8 polders, each with its own name - for example Højer Kog and Tønder Kog. The oldest still existing dyke is from 1553. The marsh is part of the very fertile flat and low-lying land stretching along the North Sea coast from Esbjerg and as far as Holland. A unique cultured landscape, still more or less run the old traditional way with cattle grazing. However, during later years, a good deal of controversy has arisen between nature conservation organisations and forces keen on using modern intensive farming methods.
   
The locality is characterised by extensive marshland, most of which is grassland. There are lakes and streams, reedbeds and meadows. 300 km of canals and ditches run through the polders.
The sites of greatest ornithological interest are Magisterkog, Rudbøl Kog, Gammel (Old) Frederikskog and Ny (New) Frederikskog and the river Vidå.

Birds and other Wildlife:   
Tøndermarsken is still one of Denmark’s richest bird localities in spite of a pronounced fall in the populations of especially meadow birds.

On the Magisterkog polder just north of the German border, east of Rudbøl, breeding birds include Bittern, Greylag Goose, Gadwall, Spoonbill, Marsh Harrier, Spotted Crake, Savi’s Warbler and Bluethroat, as well as all common swamp birds.

Further west towards the sea, the landscape hosts breeding Marsh Harrier, Montagu’s Harrier, Garganey, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Black Tern, Yellow Wagtail and many other meadow birds.

The area is renowned for the numbers of migrating waterfowl that congregate here. Geese come in their thousands, among them Barnacle Goose, Pink-footed Goose, Greylag Goose and White-fronted Goose. All the species of ducks and waders found in Denmark can be seen in this locality throughout the year.

Raptors that regularly visit the area include Peregrine, Merlin, Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier and White-tailed Eagle, whilst large flocks of passerines such as thrushes, pipits, wagtails, larks, swallows and finches enliven the landscape.

Another spectacular phenomenon to be seen here, and which attracts nature enthusiasts from far and wide, is the sight of huge flocks of Starling settling to roost in the reedbeds at twilight in spring and autumn.

In winter, large numbers of Whooper Swan, Bewick’s Swan and Canada Goose visit the area, as well as arctic species such as Shore Lark, Snow Bunting, Twite and Lapland Bunting.

Visiting and Access:
There are good possibilities for parking at Møllehus, Rudbøl, Siltoft, Højer Sluse and the sluice at Vidå. As the area is really extensive, it is best to move around by car or bike. There are many walks in the area too. The best places from which to obtain good views of the tidal beaches, marshes and polders are from the dykes. Be prepared for some traffic restrictions and the possibility of some areas being closed to the public during the breeding season.

Always remember to carry a passport when visiting Tøndermarsken, as it may be tempting to cross the border into Germany.

Margrethe Kog

Location:  
Margrethe Kog is situated in the furthest south-west corner of Denmark, with Højer at the north end, the Wadden Sea to the west, the German border to the south, and the old Højer Sea Dyke to the east.

Habitat :
Margrethe Kog was created in connection with the construction of "the Advanced Dyke". This is a special dyke, constructed in the sea in 1981 (in contrast to the usual method of constructing dykes on already existing land). It was built to protect the polders, villages and towns inland behind it, which had suffered from flooding for centuries previously. Since its construction, new marshland has built up both inside and outside the dyke. One third of the polder is covered by a salt water lake whilst the remaining marshland is grazed by sheep. There are also some smaller lakes, canals, clay pits, and a water reservoir.

Birds and other Wildlife:  
Margrethe Kog is worth a visit at any time of the year. During winter, geese and ducks gather here, and there is a good chance of spotting raptors such as White-tailed Eagle, Peregrine and Merlin. Other winter visitors include Shore Lark, Twite, Snow Bunting and occasionally Lapland Bunting.

During spring and autumn huge numbers of geese, ducks and waders forage here on migration. During the summer months many breeding birds can be observed, as well as staging waders.

Margrethe Kog is well-known for the huge numbers of Barnacle Goose that congregate here - up to 60,000 have been seen in one day - the norm being about 20,000. The biggest flocks can be found from mid-March until the end of April, and again in early September until the end of October. Red-breasted Geese are spotted almost every year (the best chance being in spring). They mingle with the Barnacle Geese, but even though they are quite colourful, they are incredibly difficult to identify in the huge flocks.

All the common waders are seen in Margrethe Kog and there are good possibilities of finding some of the less common species such as Kentish Plover, Broad-billed Sandpiper or Red-necked Phalarope. The best time for spotting waders is May/June and August/September. It is also an advantage to visit during high tide, as most waders move out to the water’s edge at low tide (which can be quite far away).

It is not unknown for rarities to show up here. Some of the most recent have been Gyrfalcon, Greater Sand Plover, Ring-billed Gull and Citrine Wagtail.
   
Visiting and Access :
Whether arriving via Ribe or from Tønder on route 419, head for Højer. In the town there are signposts to Vidåslusen (sluice). Head south out of the town and then west to the sluice where there is a car park. An Information Centre next to the car park may be of interest. At the top of the dyke there are good views over both the northern part of Margrethe Kog and over the Wadden Sea in front of the dyke.

From the sluice it is possible to walk south about 3.5 km on the track running along the inner side of the dyke, where one can often get quite close to the birds. At a few places one can climb up onto the dyke for a better view.

NOTE : No access is permitted into this area except by this track. 

Alternatively, one can continue southwards from Højer, on the road leading to Siltoft. Here are two places one can climb up onto the dyke on the eastern side of Margrethe Kog. The first is a little south of the Vidå river. A road just past a group of houses leads westwards to the dyke. Stop the car below the dyke and tiptoe up to look.

The other place is approx 3 km south of the river, where a road leads off from a small cross-roads, west towards the dyke. There is a big gate barring the road. (Please remember to close it behind you.) Park below the dyke and, again, creep up onto the top to look out over the clay pits west of the dyke. Real caution is needed so as not to risk disturbing the flocks of birds that may be on the other side of the dyke.

Finally, one can carry on further south crossing the border at Siltoft. Although there is no border control, a passport should be carried. Drive west out into the polder itself. The road which follows the border separates Margrethe Kog from the polder of Rickelsbüller Koog on the German side. Here one can often get really close to the birds - particularly by staying inside one's car. About half-way out there is a bird hide on the German side, and at the end of the road it is a good idea to go up onto the dyke for views out over the Wadden Sea. One can also walk south along the dyke, with views over Rickelsbüller Koog.

DOF South Western Jutland

Vejen Mose

 

Location:
The Vejen Mose locality actually consists of three areas: Vejen Mose itself, Gammelby Mose a little to the north, and Estrup Mose to the west. They are situated north of the E20 Esbjerg motorway, approx 3 km west of the town of Vejen town.

Protection/IBA Status:
The area is an EU Bird Protection Area and an EU Habitat Area. It was originally appointed a Bird Protection Area due to breeding Wood Sandpiper, but these disappeared in the 70s. The appointment was revised in 2005 on the basis of breeding Corncrake, Hen Harrier, Montagu’s Harrier and Nightjar, none of which breed here nowadays. The only listed species still breeding here is the Red-backed Shrike, yet not in sufficient numbers to qualify for an EU Bird Protection appointment.

This is an IBA appointed by BirdLife International.

Important Birds:
Hen Harrier, Montagu's Harrier, Corncrake, Wood Sandpiper, Red-backed Shrike.

Habitat:
Vejen Mose is a blanket bog area and is mainly privately owned. It is split into many small lots originating from the days when peat was cut here. Each farm, croft or household had its own allotted peat patch, in varying sizes. The central parts of the bog still show evidence of the diggings, in spite of subsequent overgrowth.

Today most of the peat-land is lying fallow, overgrown by mainly birch and willow scrub, whilst the former tracks used for transporting peat are somewhat difficult to negotiate. Extensive draining during the 60s has led to most ponds and water-holes drying up during summer. Farming is now practically non-existant and cattle-grazing is not practised. 

Birds and other Wildlife:
The peat-lands enjoy a rich bird life, with, amongst others, breeding Marsh Warbler, Nightingale, Grasshopper Warbler, Whinchat and Tree Pipit. Snipe and Little Grebe also breed here. Goshawk and Honey Buzzard are occasionally seen. There is a large herd of Roe Deer. It is possible to encounter Red Deer here as well, and there are many hares and foxes. With luck it is even possible to catch a glimpse of a badger.

Visiting and Access:
Access to the area is allowed on the pathways during daytime. As hunting is a popular activity all over the bog, take special precautions at dawn and dusk during the Roe Buck hunting season (16th May - 15th July).

Vejen Mose:
Immediately north of the motorway at Junction 68, turn left and follow Staunsbjergvej road westwards to the bend just before the motorway crosses over. Turn right here along the dirt track called Mosevænget. From here several farm tracks lead to the peat-lands. One can also drive on as far as possible along Mosevænget and carry on by foot into the bog. After approx 200 m the lake shown on the photo lies ahead.

Gammelby Mose:
In the village of Gammelby, north of the peat-land, turn down the cul-de-sac Gammelbymosevej road. Where it ends, a farmtrack runs along the north side of the bog. From here paths lead into the wetland areas.

Estrup Mose:
On the old A1 main road west of Estrupskov wood, drive north along Kærvej road for approx 500 m. Here the motorway passes overhead. Immediately afterwards, a farmtrack turns off on the right to Estrupkær. This part of the peat-land is called Estrup Mose and can be explored by the few paths that lead into the area.