Fyn / Island of Funen 

2) Brændegård Sø, Nørresø and Forests at Brahetrolleborg

3) Bøjden Nor

4) The Coast at Nærå & Æbelø

5) Marstal Bugt and the South-West Coast of Langeland

6) Odense Fjord

7) The Øhav (archipelago) South of Funen

 
Arreskov Estate and lake. Photo: Carsten Poulsen 

The areas in the vicinity of the lake are woodland and meadows, and further afield there are boggy areas with their unique flora and fauna. 

The water level in the lake has dropped more than 3 m since the stone age, exposing the old lake bed west of the present lake. Over time the lake has been polluted with undiluted sewage from the surrounding farmland and built-up areas, resulting in a build-up of green algae. However, recent measures taken to improve water quality seem to be effective.  The water is clearer, with more prolific plant growth - and increased numbers of swans and coots as a result.

Birds and other Wildlife:  
Waterfowl, such as Mallard, Wigeon, Tufted Duck and Pochard, breed around the lake. Greylag Geese are also regular breeders - up to 100 goslings have been observed in one year. Cormorant, Coot, Mute Swan, Great Crested Grebe and While-tailed Eagle are amongst the more commonly observed birds in the area. Numerous rare plants and insects are found around this lake: for example, 9 different species of orchid and 33 species of butterfly have been registered.

Visiting and Access:
From a small car park on the road between Fåborg and Brobyværk a good view of the entire lake can be had. Otherwise the place to watch birds is from the observation tower on the lake’s western shore. The easiest way to find this tower is to leave the Fåborg-Odense road and drive east in the direction of Korinth along the southern side of the lake. From a car park in the wood a marked path leads to the tower which offers a fine view of Arreskov Manor and most of the lake.

Location:   
Brændegård Sø, Nørresø and the forests at Brahetrolleborg  are situated on the island of Funen, north east of Fåborg, immediately south of Route 8 running between Fåborg and Nyborg.

Protection/IBA Status:
The lakes and surrounding woodland are a nature reserve. The area is also an EU Bird Protection Area and an EU Habitat Area. The lakes, bogs, meadows and grasslands are covered by Denmark's Nature Protection Laws.

Important Birds:
Cormorant, Greylag Goose, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Honey Buzzard, White-tailed Eagle, Osprey, Common Tern.

Habitat:
Brændegård Sø is Funen’s second largest lake. It has an average depth of 0.8 m, its deepest spot being 1.6 m. There are narrow reedbeds all around the lake and a small islet in the south-east corner. When the water level is low, two mudbanks become exposed. The lake is surrounded by woodland, except for a meadow area at Brændegård farm. Nørresø, to the north, with a few islets, is somewhat deeper than Brændegård sø.

The forests around Brahetrolleborg manor and church comprise the largest mixed coniferous and deciduous woodland on Funen, although old mature trees are rare, since the area has been forested commercially for generations. The IBA area includes some farmland.    

Birds and other Wildlife:  
In the woods are sizeable populations of breeding Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Goshawk, Honey Buzzard and Kestrel and smaller populations of Woodcock, Stock Dove, Red-backed Shrike and Green Sandpiper. Additionally, there are large numbers of Hawfinch, Nuthatch and Great Spotted Woodpecker. All the common warblers are abundant.

Brændegård Sø houses Funen's largest colony of breeding Cormorants. Common Tern, Herring Gull and Great Black-backed Gull breed on the islet, and the lake also houses small breeding populations of Great Crested Grebe, Greylag Goose, Shelduck, Mallard, Shoveler, Reed Warbler and Marsh Warbler. 1-2 pairs of Marsh Harrier nest in the reedbeds.

The lake is well known for its wealth of staging waterfowl and for its raptors. Sizeable flocks of Greylag Goose can be seen here together with Mallard, Shoveler and Teal in large numbers. Tufted Duck and Pochard occur regularly. Smew and Goosander are often seen during winter. When the only pair of White-tailed Eagles breeding in the district have succeeded in rearing their young, they are to be seen almost daily at the lake. During August and September up to eight Ospreys have been observed here, and Hen Harrier and Red Kite are spotted regularly, as well as the more common raptors.

Not many birds breed at Nørresø, but Great Crested Grebe, Mallard and Reed Warbler are the most common. As for staging birds, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Pochard and a few Goosanders are often observed here outside the breeding season. 

Visiting and Access:
The area is easily accessed. Brændegård Sø and the islet can be overviewed from the road at the farm of Brændegård on the east bank. Furthermore, parts of the lake can be observed from an old fishing cottage on the north-east side of the lake.

Nørresø can be scanned from the many pathways surrounding the lake. In the woods, numerous forest roads are accessible to the public.

Bøjden Nor 

The Bird Protection Fund had a management plan for the area prepared in 2001. Raising the water level is one of the issues for the future. This will benefit birds such as Avocet, Dunlin, Ruff, Common Tern and Little Tern, whose numbers have declined since the 1970s. To help the waders, gulls and terns that breed here, small islets have been established artificially for their nesting sites, offering protection from foxes and other predators.

Birds and other Wildlife:  
Several waders breed on the meadows - for example Lapwing and Redshank - but it is the flocks of staging birds that make Bøjden Nor an important bird locality. Grebes, Goosander, Whooper Swan, waders, gulls and terns forage and roost here. The Nor is very special as far as ducks are concerned: spring, summer and autumn many species of dabbling and diving ducks turn up in large numbers, besides Goosander and Shelduck. There is a good chance of seeing at the same time all seven species of dabbling duck found in Denmark! The Nor is most renowned for the many thousands of Tufted Duck, Pochard and Scaup that can be observed from the bird hide during the four winter months.

Early spring, February-March, is the best time to observe the wintering Scaup. In April and May, waders stop off here on their way north and Lapwings can be seen in display over the meadows.

During summer, the voices of the Oystercatchers are heard all over the meadows, and in July Shelduck and Mute Swans can be seen leading their chicks to the water. The arctic migrants are already heading south again by now. Many of them rest on the meadows, in the shallow water and along the coast.

Wigeon and Teal stage in huge numbers in autumn when the meadows are flooded.

Unless the Nor freezes over, ducks, swans and Coots winter here in great numbers. Many of the waterfowl in Denmark winter far out at sea and are not visible from land. However, at Bøjden Nor, the birds can be observed in large numbers at close range (up to 20,000 at a time). Typical numbers are 2-4000 Tufted Duck, 4-500 Pochard and 500-2500 Scaup. Buzzard, Rough-legged Buzzard and Kestrel are frequent visitors in the winter months, and flocks of Twite and Snow Bunting make an appearance.

Visiting and Access:
Almost at the end of Route 8 from Nyborg to Fåborg follow signs to Bøjden Harbour. On the outskirts of the town of Bøjden, signs along Dyndkrogvej show the way to a car park at the southern end of the Nor, from where a nature trail leads to the bird hides. One of these is accessible for wheelchairs. 

In the hides there are posters and leaflets offering information about the birds. From the hide area there is also access to the beach, from where there are good views. The causeway to the harbour is also a good place from which to scan the lagoon. (Please keep dogs on a lead.) 

 
Corn Bunting is common on northern Funen. Photo: Jens Bækkelund 

Location:  
This long coastal locality in the north-west of Funen stretches from Varberg in the west past the town of Bogense to Flyvesandet on Agernæs in the east, and includes many islets and islands.

Protection/IBA Status:
The whole area is covered by many types of conservation orders, some parts are a EU Bird Protection Area and EU Habitat Area and some parts are conservation areas. There are many restrictions on access and hunting. The area has been appointed an international IBA.

Important Birds:
Cormorant, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Greylag Goose, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Eider, Velvet Scoter, Marsh Harrier, Avocet, Golden Plover, Dunlin, Ruff, Mediterranean Gull, Sandwich Tern, Arctic Tern, Little Tern, Short-eared Owl, Golden Oriole. 

Habitat:   
The whole area offers many different habitats, for example low-water areas with sand and mud banks that are exposed at low tide; coastal lagoons; shingle beaches; coastal meadows; dunes; lakes and streams. 

Birds and other Wildlife:
The islets off the coast host many gulls, terns and seabirds, including Eider, whilst there is a Cormorant colony on Mågeøerne. Inland, the meadows offer forage for ducks, waders, swans and geese. The rich woodland on Æbelø is home to Stock Dove and Raven and even Golden Oriole - a very rare breeding bird in Denmark.

Visiting and Access: 

There are six sub-localities that can be recommended (going from west to east):

1) Mågeøerne (The Gull Islets)
are situated 1 km in the Kattegat sea north of the town of Bogense. They are only 50-100 years old, and have developed from growing mussel banks entrapping the sand. The islets cover approx 3 ha and are only 1 m high. 30 species of plants have now become established.

There is no access to the islets between 1st March and 31st August, but they can be scanned from the dyke on Stenøvej in Otterup. Since 1985, approx 2000 pairs of Cormorant have been breeding on the islets. Eider, various gulls, Arctic Tern, and a few waders also breed here. 

2) The Meadows at Gyldensten:
During the 1870s, four islands - Stegø, Lindholm, Langø and Lindø - were interconnected by  constructing dykes. They remained wet grazing meadows until 1960, when 600 ha were drained and deep ploughed. 100 ha are still used as cattle-grazed meadowland, where some duck and waders breed.

Some years, Black-headed Gulls form a nesting colony here. During winter, many geese, including Denmark’s largest population of wintering White-fronted Geese, congregate on the meadows.

It is a good idea to walk or cycle to the mill of Langø Mølle, from where the entire area can be observed. In order not to disturb the grazing geese, avoid walking round the whole meadow area.  

3) Jersore:
The shallow lake and the stream at Jersore are always worth a visit. From the public road one can watch large flocks of duck and waders, particularly Golden Plover, Oystercatcher, and - in May - Bar-Tailed Godwit. On the wetlands and farmland, Greylag Geese, White-fronted Geese, Canada Geese and Dark-bellied Brent Geese congregate. During winter there are usually around 400 Whooper Swans foraging here.  

4) Dræet, Æbelø Holm and Ejlinge:
On these islets Eider, gulls, terns and various waders are mainly seen. Access is prohibited to the islets during the birds’ breeding season (1st March until 15th July). However, the birdlife can always be observed from the public road running across Æbelø Holm.

5) Æbelø:
On Æbelø (Apple Island) woodland birds are the main interest. This is one of the few places where Golden Oriole breed in Denmark. Red-backed Shrike, Raven, Stock Dove and Wood Warbler are other exciting species found here.

The island was purchased by the Aage V. Jensen Fund in 1995. It is under a preservation order and the wood has been turned into an “undisturbed wood” - which in the long term should create an even more interesting habitat for birds and other wildlife.

One can get to Æbelø by walking along the causeway, accessible at low tide, from Lindøhoved over Æbelø Holm and Brådet. It is a 5 km tour each way, and one has to be mindful of the tides.

6) Nærå Strand: 
This is a small fjord in the north-eastern part of the area, with good opportunities for observing many waders and ducks. Large flocks of waders, such as Dunlin, Golden Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit and Oystercatcher are mainly seen on Agernæs Flak. During winter, Wigeon, Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser are the predominant bird species.

Nærå Strand is a Nature Reserve, with hunting prohibited on the fjord. The best places to view the birds are from the observation tower on Agernæs to the north, from the Skærvej road in Nørreby, and from the spit of Nørreby Hals.

Location:  
This locality comprises the shallow waters off the south-west coast of the island Langeland, south-east of Funen (as far out as a depth of 10 m), together with a string of birding sites along the coast: Piledybet, Tryggelev- and Nørreballe Nor, Klise Nor, Søgård Nor, Gulstav Mose, Kelds Nor and Dovns Klint.

Protection/IBA Status:
Most of the area is protected by the general Nature Protection law. Tryggelev Nor and Gulstav Mose are owned by the Bird Protection Fund. The whole area has been appointed an international IBA.

Important Birds:
Bittern, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Barnacle Goose, Eider, Long-tailed Duck, White-tailed Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Spotted Crake, Corncrake, Avocet, Common Tern, Black Tern and Red-backed Shrike. 

Habitat:
The area is characterised by a coastline of scattered lagoons with reedbeds and coastal meadows, with a few small woods, broken up by built-up areas with villages and holiday bungalows.

Birds and other Wildlife:
The lagoons along the south-west coast of Langeland are a haven for ducks, geese, swans, waders and gulls. The bog at Gulstav Mose has its own special vegetation and birdlife. The sea around the southern point of Langeland is well-known for its numbers of Long-tailed Duck and Eider in wintertime, whilst migrating raptors and passerines are a feature of Dovns Klint in the autumn.

Visiting and Access:
There are 6 sub-localities that are of interest. It is recommended to obtain the folder about South Langeland published by the Danish Forestry and Nature Agency, which has a good map covering Søgård Sø, Gulstav, Keldsnor and Dovns Klint. This folder is available at tourist offices, at the car park at Dovns Klint, or can be downloaded from www.skovognatur.dk/Udgivelser/Vandretursfoldere/atilaa/Sydlangeland 

1) Piledybet:
at the north end of the area, which is a bog with reedbeds surrounded by woodland and holiday bungalows. 

2) Tryggelev Nor
is a nature reserve owned by the Bird Protection Fund (see separate description below)

2) Klise Nor:
is a lagoon situated north of the town of Bagenkop. It is a fairly small brackish lagoon with reedbeds and meadows, which attracts visitors because of the wild Exmoor ponies that have been introduced here. A minor road from Bagenkop leads along the eastern side of the Nor, or it can be reached by a footpath along the coast.

3) Søgård Sø:
is a small lake surrounded by meadows and situated between the Søgård estate and Gulstav. It is planned to re-establish the whole lake, which was originally 50 ha, but only part of the project has been carried out to date.

4) Gulstav Mose
is owned by the Bird Protection Fund (see separate section below).

5) Kelds Nor:
This is a relatively large brackish lagoon surrounded by reedbeds, meadows and woodland, and a shelter for countless ducks and swans. A view over the Nor is best obtained from Brundsbanke on the west bank.

6) Dovns Klint:
is a well known look-out point for observing migrating birds in autumn. The numbers of migrating raptors can be considerable, and it is worthwhile checking the woodlands and scrub for passerines, resting before they start out on the long flight over the Baltic Sea to mainland Europe. Large flocks of up to 25,000 Wood Pigeons can be seen over the woods, and a record 100,000 Chaffinches were once counted in one day. Dovns Klint lies at the very end of the road that passes Gulstav Mose, and has a large car park with information boards and folders. 

Visiting and Access:
From Svendborg, in the south of Funen, follow signs to Langeland via the island of Tåsinge. Turn right (south) in Rudkøbing, the biggest town on Langeland, and carry on along Route 305 in the direction of Bagenkop. After passing the village of Humble, a number of smaller roads lead off on the right hand side to the various bird localities on the coast. In Bagenkop, a minor road leads to the southernmost point of the island.

 
Gulstav Mose bog can be seen in the bottom left corner of the photo  

Location:  
Gulstav Mose is a 7 ha bog area situated near the southern tip of Langeland. It is one of the reserves owned by the Bird Protection Fund. 

Habitat:
The bog is calcareous and has extensive reed swamps, meadow and scrub. It is a naturally nutrient-rich bog with a special flora due to the chalky soil. Plants like the 2 m high Great Fen-sedge cover the middle of the bog, whilst the meadows are rich in different species of orchids such as Common Marsh Orchid, Heath Spotted Orchid and Early Marsh Orchid interspersed with Quaking Grass. These plants can be viewed from the road.        

The Bird Protection Fund acquired this area in 1971, in order to re-establish a "natural" bog, following unsuccessful attempts at draining in the 1960s. When the Fund took over the locality, one pair of Lapwing were the only bird breeding here! In 1980 a dam was built to retain the bog water, and since then wildlife has thrived and developed, with a marked rise in flora and fauna species. There is a management plan in force to reduce the overgrowth of woody plants and trees. Cattle have been introduced to graze the meadows. 

 
Red-backed Shrike is a breeding bird in Gulstav Mose  

Birds and other Wildlife:  
Although the area is relatively small, more than 40 birds species breed here. There are large populations of Water Rail, Moorhen, Little Grebe and Red-necked Grebe. Bittern can be heard in spring. Of the passerines, species like Reed Warbler and Marsh Warbler predominate. The rare Scarlet Rosefinch may be heard singing from the treetops. Immature Storks from Germany often come visiting during spring and summer.

Many small birds stage in the scrub before making the long flight over the Østersø to mainland Europe.
 

 
Nature guide Allan Gudio Nielsen on a walk with visitors.
Gulstav Cliff in the background. Photo: Helle Hjort  
 

Visiting and Access:  
Approx. 500 metres prior to Dovns Klint at the southern tip of Langeland, turn right to Gulstav Mose. There is no public access to the bog itself, but there are fine views over the bog both from the road and the observation tower. The Bird Protection Fund has published leaflets about the area, that are available at the reserve.

Nørreballe Nor with Tryggelev & Salme Nor lagoons closest to the sea. 

Location:  
The lagoon of Tryggelev Nor is part of a 180 ha nature reserve consisting of three lagoons: Tryggelev Nor, Salme Nor and Nørreballe Nor.

The lagoons are situated west of the village of Humble on the island of Langeland. The area was acquired by DOF’s Bird Protection Fund over the years 1975-2004.
 
Habitat:   
The locality is characterised by a mosaic of water, mudbanks, reedbeds, coastal meadow, scrub and open grassland. The meadows are grazed by cattle to keep the habitat attractive for geese and waders.

Birds and other Wildlife:   
Tryggelev Nor is one of the richest wetlands in Denmark and a sancturay for birds. Almost all species of ducks, gulls, waders and passerines found in wetlands are represented in this varied landscape, which offers forage and nesting sites for the many species.     

Spring: In February and March, Tufted Duck and Pochard stage here in large numbers. In April, Lapwings display over the meadows and other waders have started to breed. Before they start breeding, Greylag Geese congregate to graze on the meadows and fields.

Summer: On mornings and evenings in May and June, the reedbeds and scrub echo to bird song, including Nightingale, Reed Warbler and Willow Warbler. Bearded Tit can also be spotted flying over the reeds, and Red-necked Grebe utter their characteristic squeal. Ducks, Mute Swans, geese and grebes are busy looking after their young. Water Rail and Coot are often seen. The Marsh Harrier patrols the reedbeds. By late July the migration of waders southwards has started. Many forage on the meadows, mudbanks and in the shallow waters.

Winter:  In the hawthorn hedges, Fieldfare and Redwing find a rich larder throughout winter. In the lagoons there are thousands of birds, particularly Coot, Tufted Duck and Scaup that have come south from northern Scandinavia and Russia.

 
The path at Nørreballe Nor lagoon. Photo: Helle Hjort.

Visiting and Access:  
In Humble, south of Rudkøbing (the main town on Langeland), follow signs towards Ristinge. Turn left along Nørreballevej at the village of Hesselbjerg. After 300 metres there is a car park with information posters and a view of Nørreball Nor. Immediately beside the car park are the remains of a long barrow from the stone age. 1 km  further on, there is another car park on the right. From here, a 2 km long farm-track leads to Nørreballe Nor from where a track continues along the banks of the Nor, crossing two bridges, and ending at an old pump station. Visitors must return along the same path.        

Further out towards the sea is Tryggelev Nor, and a little further south again is Salme Nor. To access these two lagoons, carry on straight ahead in Hesselbjerg towards the coast where there is another car park with information about the reserve, and a path along the beach leading to Salme Nor.

There are altogether 5 km of paths and two hides. Access is prohibited to the area except for roads and paths. Dogs must be kept on a lead.

The Bird Protection Fund has published leaflets with a map about the reserve, that are available at the reserve's car parks.

Odense Fjord

View towards the south from Vigelsø 

Location:
Odense Fjord is situated north-east of Odense, the biggest town on the island of Funen. Covering 60 km2 and surrounded by approx 40 km2 of adjoining coastal habitats, it comprises one of the largest nature areas on Funen.

Protection/IBA Status:
Most of the western part of the fjord, including its coastal areas, is covered by the EU Birds Directive. The eastern boundary of the protected area is formed by a line joining the tip of Enebærodde to the coast just west of the Lindøværft ship-building yard. The international IBA covers all of the Bird Protection Area and also the rest of the fjord to the east.

Important Birds:
Cormorant, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Barnacle Goose, Shelduck, Scaup, Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Goosander, Marsh Harrier, Coot, Avocet, Golden Plover, Dunlin, Bar-tailed Godwit, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, Arctic Tern.  

Habitat:   
The waters of Odense Fjord are mainly shallow. There are some tidal mudbanks that are exposed at low tide. The only deep water areas are the navigation channel and the central part towards the mouth of the fjord.
   
Birds and other Wildlife:  
Odense Fjord houses swans, geese, ducks, gulls and terns - the species and numbers varying according to the time of year. The coastal meadows are breeding sites for waders and some ducks, and also serve as a foraging area for ducks and waders on migration.

Visiting and Access:
The area offers many good viewpoints from which to scan the fjord, but 6 localities can be recommended in particular. Starting in the north at Enebærodde and going round the fjord in an anti-clockwise direction, they are:

1) Enebærodde
Enebærodde is a spit stretching across the north side of Odense Fjord. It is the largest heath on Funen and is under a preservation order. The heath is dominated by juniper ("Enebær") and heather. The first few kilometres along Enebærodde follow a very narrow causeway with good views, both to the Kattegat side and over to Odense Fjord. On the broad patch of the spit is a pine grove and some bogs. At the tip of Enebærodden is a lighthouse. This area is one of the most popular tourist areas on Funen.

The fjord side of Enebærodde is a good place for bird-watching over the shallow sea, especially from the stretch where the spit narrows. In spring, Wigeon and Teal can be seen on the fjord, while passerines migrate along the spit. Shelduck, Lapwing, Oystercatcher and Redshank breed on the coastal meadows, while the islets in the fjord house breeding Arctic Tern and Mute Swan. In autumn, Golden Plover and Dunlin rest on the mudflats, and a flock of moulting Mute Swan can be seen in the bay. Large numbers of duck, geese and swans winter in the ice-free waters. 

To reach Enebærodde, take Route 162 out of Odense and turn right in Otterup, onto Strandvejen heading northwards to Hasmark. Drive approx 6 km along this road, then turn right at Gravemaen Road, and drive on for 2 km to the end of the road. Turn left along Møllesvej and carry on 200 m, where there is a signpost to the beach (“Stranden”) with a car park. From here one can either walk or cycle the 4 -5 km trip eastwards to the far end of Enebærodde.

2) Hofmansgave
Where Enebærodde joins the mainland, the habitat turns into wide-stretched beach meadows all the way down to the Hofmansgave estate. The manor house is surrounded by woods and a beautiful park, with some fine views over Odense Fjord. The park abounds with warblers and other passerines in spring and summer.

To reach Hormansgave, drive from Otterup along Strandvejen to Hasmark village. Turn right at the crossroads, and at Hasmark Church turn right again up the avenue to the Hofmansgave estate, where one can park in the estate’s courtyard. Walking through the park to the south-west corner, the dyke offers a fine view over the fjord. Good views over the area can also be had by carrying on along a series of farm-tracks going north for 300 m to the pump station. The fields between Hofmansgave and the pump station host Greylag Goose and Whooper Swan during migration. When looking over the dyke at the pump station and out over the fjord, take care not to disturb the birds - mainly ducks and waders - which may be quite close. 

3) Otterup Marina and Fjordmarken
Otterup Marina can be reached by driving from Otterup via Skeby to Hessum, and then left to the marina. At the entrance to the marina, turn right and follow the private road up onto the dyke, where there are a few car parks. From here, there are good views over the fjord. There are always some gulls, ducks, merganser and coots out in the bay. With luck, one may be able to spot a Kingfisher. By turning round and looking inland, one can scan Fjordmarken. This used to be a fjord, but in 1818 was dammed in and drained to be used for farmland. Only 4% of the area is now wetland. However, there is a good chance of seeing ducks, geese, waterfowl and raptors here.

4) Ølundgård Inddæmning and Firtals Strand
The Ølundgård Inddæmning fen, owned by the Aage V. Jensen’s Funds, is a reclaimed area situated just south of Firtals Stranden on the west side of Odense Fjord near Otterup. It consists mainly of grazing meadows, shallow lakes and ponds. The majority of the area is flooded throughout winter, on into early summer, which attracts many staging water-birds.

Firtals Strand is a fresh water coastal meadow and, like Ølundgård fen, a former area of Odense Fjord that has been reclaimed. The meadow is grazed by cattle, providing excellent conditions for breeding waders. Large parts of the meadow are flooded throughout the year, yet the water is very shallow and never dries out as in the case of the Ølundgård area. 
    
The Ølundgård Inddæmning fen is a breeding site for Avocet, Lapwing, Skylark, Shoveler, and many more birds. During summer, the area is visited by numerous waders that stop off here on migration to and from their breeding sites. The best time to watch the waders is in spring and early summer, as the meadows can get parched in late summer. During winter many waterfowl stage here. Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, and Shelduck are found here in large numbers, and large flocks of geese and Golden Plover can be seen.

The best place to watch the birds is from the observation tower overlooking the entire area - a telescope is almost essential for identification of the birds. Peregrine are quite often spotted here and White-tailed Eagle has been seen several times during the past few years. Really exciting surprises such as Spoonbills or Little Egret have also turned up in this area. 

On Firtals Strand many waders and waterfowl stage throughout the year. During summer it attracts mainly waterfowl, whilst Wigeon and Teal stage here in winter. Avocet, Shelduck, Greylag Goose, Mute Swan are some of the birds breeding in the area.  

To get to the Ølundgård Inddæmning fen drive from Otterup through Skeby to Hessum, then on to Ølund. Here, turn left along Lammesøvej. On this road there is a small lay-by from which areas of the fen can be studied from a car. A couple of hundred metres eastwards is a car park where a farm track leads to an observation tower 500 metres ahead. Small “home-made” signs show the way.

Firtals Strand can be found by taking the same route as above to the lay-by. 50 m west of the lay-by a farm track heads north to Firtals Strand which starts at a dam that one can creep up onto. Do not walk out into the open area as this will disturb the birds. 
   
5) Vigelsø
Vigelsø, which is the largest island in Odense Fjord, lies south of Klintebjerg. In 1873 Vigelsø and two adjoining islets was reclaimed from the fjord by means of dams. The wetland areas formed were subject to seasonal flooding and provided very important breeding and staging grounds for waterfowl. Then, in 1968, the fen was drained entirely, which reduced birdlife to almost zero, with several species disappearing totally from Odense Fjord. Lately a large nature restoration project has been initiated, and a bird observation tower has been constructed. The island now consists mainly of large fresh-water meadows surrounded by pebble beaches. There is no access to the southern wetland areas.

Vigelsø houses breeding waterfowl and waders and is an important staging locality for waterfowl. Rare birds found here are White-tailed Eagle and Peregrine.

During summer, a small ferry to Vigelsø sails from Klintebjerg. A timetable is displayed at Klintebjerg harbour. It is also possible to moor private boats at a pontoon at the end of the jetty on Vigelsø. Out of consideration for the birds, one is advised not to access the island from any other places.

The Danish Forestry Commission has published a folder about Vigelsø, which can be found at tourist offices or downloaded from the internet on www.skovognatur.dk/Udgivelser/Vandretursfoldere/atilaa/Vigelsoe

6) Seden Strand
The artificial peninsula Stige Ø is situated in the south-west corner of Odense Fjord. Originally, the peninsula was a narrow bank, created by debris from construction of the Odense Canal, but later more dredged material was added. Today it is a stabilised area of wet coastal meadows and is full of wildlife. To the south lies a picturesque huddle of hunters' and fishermen's huts, and to the north-east, a belt of coastal meadows and reedbeds stretches all the way up to the promontory of Dræby Fed. This is also a good locality for bird-watching.

Location:
The Sydfynske Øhav (the Southern Funen Archipelago) consists of 50 small islands and islets situated south of the island of Funen. It is a unique and valuable area which deserves to be preserved for the future. Most of the islands and islets are uninhabited, which makes them a haven for birds and other wildlife. There are villages on the largest islands, whilst some of the lesser islands are only inhabited in the holiday season.

Protection/IBA Status:
The whole area is a Nature Reserve and has also been appointed an EU Bird Protection Area and a Ramsar area. BirdLife International has appointed it an IBA.

Important Birds:
Cormorant, Bittern, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Barnacle Goose, Dark-bellied Brent Goose, Shelduck, Tufted Duck, Scaup, Eider, Long-tailed Duck, Velvet Scoter, Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Marsh Harrier, Spotted Crake, Corncrake, Coot, Avocet, Dunlin, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit, Mediterranean Gull, Common Gull, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, Arctic Tern, Little Tern, Short-eared Owl. 

Habitat:   
The Sydfynske Øhav is a submerged post-glacial moraine landscape where only the highest land now rises above sea level. In this large area, the many islands and islets offer a variety of coastal habitats, all well suited for numerous species of waterbirds and shorebirds. The uninhabited islets with their wide stretches of coastal meadows are particularly attractive for wildlife.  

Birds and other Wildlife: 
The birdlife in this area is similar to that found on Langeland, namely swans, geese, ducks, gulls, terns and waders. Coot, Corncrake, Spotted Crake and Bittern can be found in the reedbeds. Eider and Long-tailed Duck are numerous in the winter months. The islands and islets are also good sites for rare plants and frogs.

Visiting and Access:
In 1996 the Sydfynske Øhav was appointed a Nature Reserve in its entirety, which entails various restrictions and regulations concerning hunting, fishing, and accessibility to specific parts of the area. These are signposted locally. In particular, the coastal meadow at Monnet, on the island of Tåsinge, is closed to the public during the birds' breeding season. This is also the case for a number of the islets in the archipelago.

The three islands Skarø, Drejø and Hjortø can be reached by ferries from Svendborg on southern Fyn. The ferries between the bigger islands also do short trips to some of the other islands (see map and consult timetables or websites for specific localities to gain more information about access). Monnet can be reached by car from Svendborg by taking Route 9 south to the island of Tåsinge as far as the town of Lundby. Turn right here for Bjerreby and Vårø. There is a car park 1 km to the west of Vårø. 

In this large area there are many spots from which to watch birds, but the following four sub-localities are amongst the most interesting:

1) Skarø
This island is situated at the mouth of Svendborg Sund: the sound connecting Svendborg with the sea. There are 25 inhabitants on the island, a general store, a camp site and a restaurant. A ferry from Svendborg reaches the island in less than an hour. There are walking trails all round the island. 

The largest nature site on the island is the spit of Skarø Odde at the north of the island, which can be seen from the ferry as it approaches Skarø, with its meadows, lagoons and coastal grazing meadows. Another nature site is the spit of Kalveodde, situated at the south-east end of the island.
    
Many waterfowl and waders stop over on these sites during migration. During the breeding season, visitors should avoid wandering onto the meadows. 74 bird species have been registered on Skarø. 

2) Drejø  
Drejø lies 3-4 km south-west of Skarø in the Sydfynske Øhav and is reached by the same ferry that sails from Svendborg to Skarø. The trip to Drejø takes just 40 minutes longer. Originally Drejø was two islands: The hilly Skoven to the west and the flat Drejø, to which the whole island now owes its name. Over time, the shallow sea between the two islands silted up and made it one island. Drejø town burned down in 1942, but even though most of the old thatched farms became victims of the flames, Drejø town is still an attractive example of an island village. The original harbour “Gammelhavn” has largely survived in its original state with jetty, wharf etc. There are 74 inhabitants on the island and a general store, an inn, a youth hostel, a camp site and a museum.

Half of Drejø is farmed, and the other half has a varied landscape with meadows, ponds and wetlands. The northern part of the island is a restored wetland area where the birdlife can be observed from a tower. There is a good chance of spotting Marsh Harrier, which breed on the island. Altogether 84 bird species have been registered.

3) Hjortø
Hjortø and the adjacent islet of Hjelmshoved are situated approx 2 km east of Drejø. A ferry runs from Svendborg, the trip taking around one hour. Hjortø is the smallest inhabited island in the area, with only 12 inhabitants. From the harbour on Hjortø the two former farms on Hjelmshoved - now holiday homes - can be seen. Hjortø offers a primitive camp site in the way of accomodation, or one can rent the village hall or holiday flats.

On Hjelmhoved, 31 bird species have been registered, and for Hjortø the count is 68 species.

4) Monnet:
Monnet is the largest coastal meadow on Funen and as such is a great attraction. It covers 126 ha and is completely treeless and mostly flat, although a hillock at the southernmost point - Vårø Knude - is a prominent feature. There is a rich flora (including Common Sea-Lavender which blossoms throughout the meadow in July, when the area is open to the public again after the birds' breeding season) and a rich fauna, including Hare, Natterjack Toad and a species of ant that builds dome-shaped anthills all over the meadow. 

The area is one of the most important on Funen for breeding waders, which include Lapwing, Avocet, Oystercatcher and Redshank. The meadow also hosts breeding Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Yellow Wagtail, terns, Common Gull, Shelduck and Mute Swan. In autumn, geese and various species of waders stop off here on migration, whilst Mute Swan and Brent Goose use the area in winter.