Bölet's meadows suffered the same fate as many other lands. Meadows, fields and pastures were abandoned and gradually overgrown. The forest took over. But careful clearing and thinning restored the landscape. It is now maintained just as carefully, partly by mowing, partly by the best nature conservationists, grazing animals.
Manganese ore dominates
Most of Västergötland is underlain by gneiss, but granite dominates in the north-eastern corner. It is rich in fissures, and here at Bölet they have been filled with manganese ore. Manganese was mined in Bölet from the 17th century. The operation has been closed for many years, but there are plenty of mine shafts and mine holes here and there.
Species-rich flora
The bedrock is rich in lime, and therefore the flora is also rich. In the meadows and pastures, meadow flowers, snake's tongue, spiny pea and field gentian coexist alongside heath plants such as common ragwort, woodruff, spring pea, lesser celandine, water lily and lesser celandine. And orchids of course, such as guckusko. Bölet's meadows are old hay meadows that are kept open by grazing and mowing.
Easy hike to the neighbor
It is easy to get around on the Västra Vätterleden trail, which runs through most of the reserve. The trail takes you on to Bölskullen, which is just under two kilometers to the west. During the hike, you may hear a strange sound, like a smatter or buzz. It's the rare drumming grasshopper, happily rubbing its hind wings. Happy to live here, where it's sunny, dry and well-manicured.
