Jaeren wetland system

Aerial photo of sub-site Børaunen
Old stone fences, typical for this area.
The sub-site Børaunen
The sand beaches With lake Orrevatnet in the background
The mire at sub-site Storamyr.
Aerial photo of sub-site Orre With lake Ergavatnet.

Jaeren wetland system

  • Country: 
    Norway
  • Site number: 
    309
  • Area: 
    3,085 ha
  • Designation date: 
    24-07-1985
  • Coordinates: 
    58°44'N 05°38'E
Materials presented on this website, particularly maps and territorial information, are as-is and as-available based on available data and do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Overview

The Site lies in an agriculture-dominated area of south-western Norway with formerly extensive wetlands. The coastal wetlands remain largely intact, but freshwater sites have been drained on a large scale. Marine areas are dominated by sand, mud, pebble and stone shores, with large areas of dune systems, and the freshwater areas by shallow water and extensive stands of Phragmites communis. Three smaller mire systems have also been included in the Site. The coastline of Jæren is one of the most important resting and breeding areas in Norway for migratory and wintering seabirds, waterfowl and shorebirds. Given the influence of agriculture and the high levels of nitrogen pollution in the area, the remaining wetlands are extraordinarily important as sediment traps and for water purification. The shorelines host the densest collection of archaeological sites in Norway, with grave mounds dating back a thousand years or more. Action plans to decrease agricultural runoff are showing promise, and buffer zones are being considered. Many tourists come for the walking, sunbathing and birdwatching.

Administrative region: 
Rogaland

  • National legal designation: 
    • bird protection area - Børaunen, Kvassheim, Nærlandstangen-Obrestad, Grudavatn
    • landscape protection area - Kolnes, Orre-Reve, Skeie
    • nature reserve - Alvevatn, Bjårvatn, Harvalandsvatn, Lonavatn, Orrevatn, Smokkevatn, Søylandsvatn, Øksnevadtjønn, Grannesbukta, Hagavågen, Strandnesvågen, Linemyr, Storamyr, Vigremyr
    • plant protection area - Brusand and Ogna
  • Last publication date: 
    09-07-2018