Ålvand Klithede

Dune heath and lobelia lakes

In Ålvand, several nature types of international importance can be found due to their vast area or high natural quality. This is because they consist of extensive, virtually untouched dune areas with natural dynamics, natural water conditions, and a well-developed and diverse plant and bird life. Many of the shallow, nutrient-poor lakes in this area are lobelia lakes, named after the rare plant, the two-spurred lobelia. Other important nature types in the area include the grey dunes.

Ålvand is home to rare plants like the orchid heartleaf, black-green and yellow-green birdsfoot trefoil, kidney vetch, creeping buttercup, and finch. As a bird habitat, the area is especially valuable for the whimbrel, crane, and several species of geese. For example, 8,000-12,000 brent geese stop over during their spring migration. Ålvand Klithede is also known for otters and for species like the natterjack toad, the spadefoot toad, and the common lizard.

Unfortunately, nutrient pollution of these vulnerable nature types has become a problem. The excrement from the thousands of geese that periodically inhabit the area results in a significant nutrient input, especially to the lobelia lakes and dune depressions, leading to increased overgrowth and silt deposition in the shallow lakes.

Red deer 

In recent years, a large population of red deer has established itself, and they can often be observed on the open plains of Ålvand Klithede and in the nearby plantations. Especially during the rutting season, it's a great experience to see and hear the stags as they vie for the favor of the hinds. During this period, the stags are often entirely black in appearance because they roll in the mud holes, known as wallows.