The nature of Södertälje is varied and exciting with many beautiful places worth visiting. In the north is Lake Mälaren with its thickly foliaged islands and in the south is an archipelago with precious nature values.
Close to the town of Södertälje are no less than three nature reserves: Lina, Talbyskogen and Öbacken-Bränninge. The municipality of Södertälje is actively working towards protecting our nature because it is of such great importance to all those who live here.
The nature of Södertälje
Large continuous areas of forests and numerous lakes are characteristic of the landscape in the southern part of Södertälje. Lake Yngern is one of the largest lakes in the Stockholm region. Since Nykvarn became its own municipality separate from Södertälje in 1999, Yngern is now situated in Södertälje by 20% and in Nykvarn by 80%.
Södertälje has many grazed pastures and shoreline meadows, especially in the coastal areas. The distinctive agricultural landscape of Tullgarn, Mörkö and Ledarön together with the nearby archipelago has been declared a site of national interest in terms of its nature values according to a decision made by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.
Nature conservation in the municipality of Södertälje
Nature conservation means protection and conservation of habitats and species. Besides flora and fauna, nature conservation also includes geological formations in our landscape. An important part of nature conservation is to make it possible for residents and visitors to explore, enjoy and learn more about our natural environment. This is why protection and maintenance of recreational areas is also a part of nature protection. Protection of natural environment and cultural heritage often go hand in hand.
Inventories, nature data banks, nature reserves, Natura 2000-areas and biotope protection areas are all important tools in nature conservation. The opening paragraph of The Environmental Code states that:
- Valuable areas of nature and cultural importance is to be protected and maintained
- The biodiversity must be preserved
The local government environmental committee plays a central part in the nature conservation work of Södertälje. Among other things, they make sure that nature conservation interests are taken into consideration when new areas are being exploited. The local nature conservation interests are presented in the structure plan.
The environmental committee also seeks to protect especially valuable nature areas according to the environmental legislation of The Environmental Code.
The valley of Moraån in Järna is an area that is expected to become a nature reserve in the very near future. In our local Agenda 21 program there are several goals and activities that aim to protect and preserve the biodiversity in Södertälje.
