Ale, located in Västra Götaland County, Sweden, is a picturesque municipality known for its rich history, vibrant community, and stunning natural landscapes. Nestled along the Göta River, Ale combines the charm of rural Sweden with the convenience of proximity to Gothenburg, one of Sweden’s major cities.

Eklidens naturreservat

Ekliden Nature Reserve, situated in the Skepplanda parish within Ale municipality, spans approximately 80 hectares and is a stunning example of Sweden's rich natural heritage. Established in 2002 and managed by the West Coast Foundation, Ekliden forms part of a larger contiguous protected wilderness area along with the neighboring Iglekärr Nature Reserve, covering a combined 150 hectares. The reserve is characterized by its old coniferous forests, marshes, and serene lakes such as Gravlången, Lilla Igelkärr, and Stora Skarnhålan. This diverse landscape supports a rich array of flora and fauna, making it a vital sanctuary for wildlife.

The biodiversity within Ekliden is remarkable, with a variety of plant species including wood sedge, kneeroot, and several types of lichen such as gritty sedge lichen, mealy bud lichen, and large bud lichen. The presence of the rare river pearl mussel in the Råttån stream highlights the ecological importance of the area. Bird enthusiasts can spot species like the honey buzzard, common buzzard, lesser spotted woodpecker, long-tailed tit, and capercaillie. The reserve's old-growth forest, estimated to be around 150 years old, provides a pristine environment for these species to thrive.

Exploring Ekliden Nature Reserve offers an immersive experience in untouched wilderness. The area is noted for its lack of established trails, which encourages visitors to navigate using maps and compasses, adding an element of adventure. The rugged terrain, dotted with small tarns and wetlands, showcases the raw beauty of the Risveden wilderness area. During your visit, you can enjoy traditional outdoor activities such as bird watching, photography, and nature walks, all while respecting the reserve's regulations to preserve its natural state.

During a memorable visit with Merlin, my dog, he experienced his first 'off-leash' adventure. He had an absolute blast, though he stayed close to me nearly the entire time. Near the end of our loop, he amusingly caught his own scent and eagerly rushed off to follow his trail, only to return just as quickly when I called him back with the promise of treats. Watching him explore the wilderness so freely was a highlight of our trip, and we even managed to get back into the van just as the rain started.