Sydøstjylland / South Eastern Jutland 

1) Alrø

2) Horsens Nørrestrand

3) Mossø

4) Nørlund Plantation & Harrild Heath

5) Randbøl Heath 

6) Salten Langsø

7) Forests along the northern side of Vejle Fjord

Kalsemade

Location:
Alrø is an island in Horsens Fjord connected by an embankment to the northern side of the fjord, south-west of the village of Gylling.

Protection/IBA Status:
East of Alrø is the Nature Reserve of Lerdrup Bugt (872 ha) which was established in 1994. Part of the reserve consists of the islets, sandbanks and salt meadows round the promontory of Alhale - 30 ha of land in total. Alrø forms part of a large IBA designated by BirdLife International and comprising the fjord and sea area stretching from Vorsø in the west to Endelave and Svanegrund in the east. As most of the area is difficult to access, only Alrø has been described here.

Important Birds (for the whole IBA area):
Cormorant, Scaup, Eider, Velvet Scoter, Goldeneye, Goosander, Marsh Harrier, Avocet, Golden Plover, Dunlin, Bar-tailed Godwit, Sandwich Tern, Arctic Tern, Little Tern, Black Guillemot, Red-backed Shrike.

Habitat:
The island of Alrø itself is almost completely agricultural land, but its eastern promontory juts out into an area of mudflats, exposed at low tide, and dotted with small islets.

Birds and other Wildlife:
In the breeding season, the Avocet is a special attraction. Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Redshank and Ringed Plover are other typical breeding birds. Yellow Wagtail and Meadow Pipit can be seen on the salt meadows, and Arctic Tern, Common Gull, Black-headed Gull, Eider, Red-breasted Merganser and Mute Swan breed out on the islets. Although Common Tern and Sandwich Tern no longer breed on Alrø, they make their appearance here with their young in the summer months. There is a steady stream of Cormorant flying out into the fjord from the colony on Vorsø. Grey Heron also breed on Vorsø and forage in the neighbourhood.

In spring and autumn, Dunlin, Bar-tailed Godwit, Golden Plover and Lapwing appear in large flocks. Other visitors include Knot, Grey Plover and Ringed Plover and one may be lucky enough to spot Curlew Sandpiper and Little Stint. At high tide, the inlet of Polkrog on the south side of the promontory of Alhale is used by waders. It is not unusual to see Spotted Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Snipe, Wood Sandpiper, Ruff and Temminck's Stint here.

Apart from the waders, Great Crested Grebe, Greylag Goose, Mallard, Wigeon, Pintail, Teal and sometimes Brent Goose can be seen.

Winter guests include Whooper Swan and Mallard, that join the Mute Swan congregating in the fjord. Diving ducks such as Eider, Scaup and Goldeneye can be spotted off shore, and a few Rock Pipit and small flocks of Twite and Snow Bunting may be seen flying along the coast and over the meadows.

Visiting and Access:
From the town of Odder, south of Århus, take Route 451 south. Just after the village of Ørting a minor road leads south to Alrø. There is no access to the private land on the island, and unfortunately a former observation tower has been taken down, so that bird-watching must be done from the public roads. Apart from the view across to the mudflats and islets (just after the right-hand bend when one has driven over the embankment) it is also possible to drive right to the end of the island or take one of the roads going north or south, from where other parts of the fjord can be viewed.
 

Horsens Nørrestrand

 
The observation tower at Nørrestrand. 

Location:
Horsens Nørrestrand is a shallow lake situated immediately north of the town of Horsens and separated from Horsens fjord by a sluice in Stensballe Sound.

Protection/IBA Status:
Nørrestrand was appointed a Nature Reserve in 1977. Except for a bridge across Hansted Å at the western end, plans for creating a path along the water's edge have been abandoned. Hunting is prohibited except in a few small private patches of land on the north side of the lake. Some canoeing and kayaking activities on the lake create some disturbance for the wildlife.

The area is not an official IBA, but DOF considers the Nørrestrand locality important from a regional point of view.

Important Birds:
Greylag Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Scaup, Goldeneye, Smew, Goosander, Marsh Harrier, Osprey, Coot, Lapwing, Redshank, Bearded Tit.

Habitat:
The landscape around Nørrestrand is varied. There are large unbroken areas of reedbed as well as boggy scrub and woodland, primarily along the southern nature trail. In a few places there is woodland. At the western end, on the north side, and north-west of the bird observation tower there are meadows. Small ponds are dotted about here and there, for example a few are hidden in the reedbeds at the east end of the lake.

The open water surface used to be larger (140 ha in 1945), but as the reedbeds have been spreading over the last 20 years it is now reduced to 120 ha.

Although the locality is immediately adjacent to the town of Horsens, it can offer a wide variety of plants, birds and other wildlife.

Birds and other Wildlife:
During winter (November/December - March/April) Smew are often seen from the tower. This locality probably shelters the largest wintering population of this species, with a record count of 102 on 02.01.04. Other winter visitors observed from the tower are Goosander, Scaup, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye and Wigeon.

From July until October, the observation tower is a good place to observe Osprey. They often perch on the fishing net stakes at the eastern end of the lake. Large flocks of Greylag Geese are another autumn attraction.

During spring and summer Marsh Harrier breed in the reedbeds, as do Bearded Tit. Warblers are seen and heard - often around the tower.

Access and Visiting:
Nørrestrand is easy to get to for nature enthusiasts, and is a favourite recreational spot for the locals, not least for walking their dogs, which must be kept on a lead at all times. Fine views over the eastern end of the lake can be had from the observation tower.

Mossø


 
Location:          
Mossø is the largest of the lakes in the Gudenå system and is situated approx 5 km west of Skanderborg.

Protection/IBA Status:
Mossø and its surrounding area (2020 ha in total) have been appointed an EU Bird Protection Area, and form part of an even larger conservation area. Hunting, windsurfing and other disturbances are prohibited. Emborg Odde is a bird reserve with no public access during the breeding season.

Important Birds:
Goldeneye, Goosander, White-tailed Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Osprey, Kingfisher.

Habitat:          
Mossø is 10 km long and 2 km wide at its widest point, its maximum depth being 22 m. It is surrounded by woods, farmland and meadows. Between the two promontories of Emborg Odde and Lindholm Hoved and round the western end of the lake there are wide stretches of reedbeds and bogs.      

Birds and other Wildlife:      
Numerous breeding and staging birds can be found in and around the lake. Previously, it supported a large population of Black-necked Grebe, which has now declined to only a few pairs. The lake is particularly important for Great Crested Grebe, Tufted Duck and Goosander that stop over here. Marsh Harrier breed here.

Visiting and Access :
As Mossø is rather large it can be accessed by several routes. From the east, leave the E45 at Junction 52 and head for the north side of the lake, or at Junction 53 and follow Route 409 leading to Route 453 south of the lake, or to part of the Marguerite route along the east bank. Another part of the Marguerite route follows Route 461 west of the lake, with smaller roads leading down to the lake itself. 

Good views over the lake can be had from the following spots:
- From the roads along the eastern end of the lake and west of the village of Alken.
- From the bird observation tower at Lindholm Hoved.
- From the tip of Hem Odde on the south bank and from the bank at the mill of Klostermølle at the west end of the lake.
- From an area of heath west of Emborg with public access, with fine views over the Emborg Odde reserve.
- From the outlook point of Sukkertoppen in Højlund Skov.    

At Øm Kloster Museum and at Klostermølle there are car parks with maps of the area. There are marked paths several places around the lake, at Boes, Emborg Vestermark and in Højlund Skov.

Nørlund Plantation & Harrild Heath

Grey Wagtail - characteristic bird at Harrild fish farm. Photo: Niels Peter Brøgger

Location: 
Nørlund Plantation, with Harrild Heath to the south, is situated approx 10 km south of Ikast.

Protection/IBA Status:
The heath and plantation are owned by the Danish State and managed by Randbøl Forestry Commission. Three areas in Nørlund Plantation have been appointed Nature Reserves: Harrild Heath (1/3 of the plantation), a large open area north of Harrild Heath, and Castenskjolds Høj (a small heath) south of Harrild fish farm. The locality is also an EU Habitat Area.

The area has been pinpointed as being of national interest, although it is not an international IBA.   

Important Birds:
Whooper Swan, Teal, Hen Harrier, Golden Eagle, Osprey, Crane, Curlew, Wood Sandpiper, Long-eared Owl, Nightjar, Black Woodpecker, Woodlark, Grey Wagtail, Dipper, Red-backed Shrike, Great Grey Shrike, Raven.

Habitat:  
Harrild Heath is a rather flat heath surrounded by plantations. To the north are groups of tall pine trees, interspersed by patches of younger pine trees, with only very sparse deciduous woodland. In 1971 approx 600 ha were burnt down, and in many places the scorched tree trunks can still be seen in the open landscape. The northern reserve consists of a large open area of heather moor dotted with bogs and ponds. This is where the brook of Hallund Bæk has its source. Further south is Harrild Heath, where all trees, except juniper, are kept down.  

Birds and other Wildlife: 
Breeding birds: Mostly forest dwellers, for example Wryneck, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Woodlark, Redstart, Mistle Thrush, Blackcap, Red-backed Shrike, Siskin, Redpoll, Crossbill, Bullfinch. 1-2 pairs of Tawny Owl and Long-eared Owl breed here. Black Woodpecker seems to have taken up residence, and there are 2-3 pairs of  Great Grey Shrike in the open heath. 
The northern burnt-down area is one of Denmark’s best Nightjar localities, with 15-25 pairs. Furthermore, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard and Raven breed here. The ponds and boggy areas are populated by Teal, Mallard, Water Rail, Snipe, Whinchat and Reed Bunting amongst others. Green Woodpecker, Grey Wagtail, and perhaps the odd Kingfisher and Long-tailed Tit breed at Harrild fish farm.   

Migrating birds: Every year, during migration or in winter, Kestrel, Curlew, Wood Sandpiper, Dipper, Wheatear, Pied Flycatcher, Great Grey Shrike and Brambling are seen. An Osprey occasionally visits Holtum Å in September. In total 123 birds species have been observed here. 

Visiting and Access :  
There are five car parks around the area from which trails lead out into the plantation and the heath:

-On Route 185  between Ikast and Ejstrupholm there is a car park 2-3 km south of the village of Isenvad. The forest road starting here is called Midtervej.
- Between Ikast and Brande a car park on Voulundgårdvej road offers access to Harrild Heath. Voulundgårdvej is found by driving east out of the village of Søbylund carrying on through Vovlund into the heath.
- A third car park can be found in the middle of the plantation, next to the farmhouse of Bjerregård. It is reached by driving on along the same road as above. It is also possible to get to Bjerregård from Route 185, driving west along Bjerregårdvej road.
- There is a camp site with an information map and folders at Harrild fish farm situated at Holtum Å on the road between Ejstrupholm and Fasterholt villages.
- An information post, with map and marked walks, is also found in a car park on Skovlyvej 200 m east of Harrild fish farm. Skovlyvej road leads 1700 m north into the plantation and to the heath itself.

The  Forestry and Nature Agency has published a folder which can be downloaded: 
www.skovognatur.dk/Udgivelser/Vandretursfoldere/atilaa/Harrild

Randbøl Heath

Not just birds in the locality . .

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.

Salten Langsø

 
 

Visiting and Access :
Salten Langsø is virtually surrounded by the Marguerite route. Route 461 follows the stretch east of the lake; Route 445 lies to the north; Route 52 lies west of the lake. There are good viewpoints at several places: at the heath on the north-east bank of the lake, south-west of Gammel Rye; at Ildal Bæk east of Salten village; at the edge of Høvild Skov north-west of the lake; and at Salten Næs at the western end of the lake.

Forests along the northern side of Vejle Fjord

 
Stenhøj Strand 

Location:
A mosaic of public and privately owned forests is situated along the northern banks of Vejle Fjord, stretching from Storskov east of Bredballe in the west to Barrit Sønderskov in the east.

Protection/IBA Status:
Three small parts of the area are under a preservation order, but none of the larger forests. The coastal areas in the forest of Stakrode Skov wood are being left as "untouched woodland" by the Forestry Commission. The whole locality has been appointed an EU Bird protection Area and an EU Habitat Area, excepting a small area of farmland at Rosenvold. 

Important Birds:
Marsh Harrier, Honey Buzzard, Kingfisher and Black Woodpecker.

Habitat:
The most interesting habitats are found adjacent to the coast, where fallen trees interspersed with mounds of eroded plastic clay form the banks of the fjord. The area also contains some of the most important woods in South-East Jutland for breeding raptors and for some other more uncommon birds.

Birds and other Wildlife:
No recent counts of breedings birds are available, but the area is well known for the presence of Grey Heron, Ringed Plover, Buzzard, Long-eared Owl, Little Owl, Tawny Owl, Woodcock, Stock Dove, Kingfisher, Green Woodpecker, Raven, Golden Oriole, Hawfinch, Short-toed Treecreeper, Grey Wagtail, Red-backed Shrike, Bullfinch and Mistle Thrush.

Rosenvold is renowned as a good site for observing migrating birds.

Visiting and Access:
There is public access to most of the woods. They can be explored by driving east out of Vejle along Route 23, where minor roads and tracks lead down to the various sites along the coast.