Uggleviken

Uggleviken

November 2007

Historical map showing the area in the 17th century. The lake is labeled Uggel-wiken on the left.
Coordinates 59°21′17″N 18°4′30″E / 59.35472°N 18.07500°ECoordinates: 59°21′17″N 18°4′30″E / 59.35472°N 18.07500°E
Primary inflows Subsoil water, stormwater
Primary outflows Husarviken, Lilla Värtan
Catchment area 114 ha
Basin countries Sweden
Surface area 12.4 ha
Settlements Norra Djurgården
References [1]

Uggleviken (Swedish: Owl Bay) is a former bay and lake at Norra Djurgården, a rural area in north-eastern central Stockholm, Sweden, forming part of the national city park Ekoparken.

Together with Lillsjön, Laduviken, and Storängsbotten, Uggleviken used to be part of a bay forking across Norra Djurgården. Today it is reduced to a marsh or a wet alder forest with patches of reeds in its centre. It is regarded as of great natural value and have been mentioned as one of the most interesting botanical and ornithological areas in Stockholm.[2]

History

The spring of the lake first appears in historical records in the end of the 18th century and during the 19th century and early 20th century it became a popular Trinity spring to which Stockholmers in huge numbers would go on Trinity Sunday to drink at a ceremony. A pavilion constructed in 1902 is still reminding of the era.[3]

Catchment area

The marsh's catchment area, considered as one of the most important wetlands in Stockholm and an important biotope for many species, is relatively untouched by humans and mostly contains forest and open terrain. Björknäsvägen, a densely trafficked road stretching along the northern side of Uggleviken, reduces accessibility to the wetland, as do the suburban railway Roslagsbanan and an industrial railway south of it. The Royal Institute of Technology occupies approximately 20 per cent of the catchment area and on the west side are a number of allotment-gardens.[4]

Environmental influence

The major inflow comes from stormwater and surface runoff. Pipes from settled areas opening out on the southern side are believed to be the major environmental burden together with run-off water from the road north of the wetland. High levels of phosphorus have been recorded in the outflow.[4]

Flora and fauna

Botanically, the area is unique with a presence of many rare species such as Water Sedge, Lesser Tussock-sedge, Alternate-leaved Golden-saxifrage, Small Water-pepper, Marsh Stitchwort, and Marsh Fern. Specimen in isolated ponds in the area contained various species of Oligochaeta, and Gastropods, such as Valvata critata and Anisus leucostoma. Many species of birds are found in the marsh, including Thrush Nightingale, Redwing, Dunnock, and Winter Wren. Smooth Newt and Common Toad were both reported in 1996.[4]

Visiting

Both the wetland and the surrounding national park are easily accessible. The nearest metro station is Tekniska högskolan.

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Vattenprogram, p 1.1
  2. ↑ Uggleviken
  3. ↑ Ugglevikskällan
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Vattenprogram, p 27.3-4

References