Restoration of Horsvikens beach meadows

Horsviken in Gryt's archipelago, Valdemarsvik municipality has become an increasingly inaccessible and over-fertilized bay. Snäckevarp's community association wants to restore the area's fine meadows that once existed in this culturally rich area. Within the project, a method to reduce over-fertilization will be tested in collaboration with the County Administrative Board, the municipality, and Econova. The method involves first cutting away reeds that contain nitrogen and phosphorus and using the reeds as a soil improvement product. Part of the test is then to use grazing animals that can eat the reed shoots and evaluate whether it is sufficient to prevent the bay from growing back again.  

The goal is restored meadows, a coastal bay with underwater plants in an ecosystem with oxygen-rich, clear water. A low-growing and species-rich shoreline vegetation that creates suitable nesting sites and benefits resting birds. The project increases accessibility, proximity to water contact, and the overall experience for residents and visitors in the area. In the vicinity, there are several harbor facilities, guest harbors, campsites, and hiking trails.

Project goals

• Restored meadows and increased accessibility for people.
  
• Testing a new method to reduce over-fertilization
• Testing to create a soil improvement product from harvested reeds