Latest updated: 2007-05-04

Regulations for Stenshuvud National Park

Extract from Proclamation SNFS 1986:3

Proclamation SNFS (1986:3) concerning regulations for Stenshuvud National Park

In a decision made 30 April 1986, the Government has proclaimed the following:

In written communication rskr 1983/84:20, dated 29 March 1984, the Speaker of the Riksdag [Swedish Parliament] has given notice that the Riksdag has granted that the land owned or henceforth to be acquired by the State within designated areas of Stenshuvud shall be set aside as a national park in conformity with the guidelines previously noted (prop 1983/84: 100 bil 11, JOU 25, rskr 209).

Accordingly, the Government on 24 May 1984 directed the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency to present a proposal to the Government regarding the final boundaries of the new national park, the administration of the park, and the principal regulations which may be required for the area.

In a written communication dated 7 April 1986, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency reported its findings in this regard. According to this communication, the national park should include the land within a boundary indicated on an accompanying map. Certain areas within the boundary have not yet been acquired by the State.

The Government prescribes that land now belonging to the State within the area of Stenshuvud and located within the Municipality of Simrishamn, as indicated on the map supplied by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, shall be set aside as a national park to be named Stenshuvud National Park.

The national park shall be maintained and administered in conformity with that purpose.

In accordance with the provisions of the Nature Conservation Act (1976:484), it is the responsibility of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency to issue specific instructions for the administration of the national park, and the regulations that are necessary to fulfil the stated purpose of the national park. It is also the responsibility of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency to publicly announce its decisions in this regard, and to inform the Government when the remaining land acquisitions within the area have been completed.

Based on the Government‘s decision, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency prescribes the following:

1. Administrative details

Name:	Stenshuvud National Park
Municipalities and county:	Simrishamn in Skåne County
Parishes:	Södra Mellby and Rörum
Properties:	Svabesholm 1:33 and 1:60
Location:	Top kbl (2 E SV)
	Ek kbl (2 E 3 a, 4 a)
Centre-of gravity co-ordinates:	6171/1403
Boundaries:	The boundaries of the national park are indicated on a section of the properties map at a scale of 1:10 000 which is kept by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. The boundaries are also indicated on the enclosed general map.
Area:	The land area consists of 242 hectares (Crown land according to the general map)

2.	Description

South of Kivik on the east coast of the Skåne region, Stenshuvud rises majestically from the Baltic shore to form the southeastern terminus of Linderödsåsen, a ridge of primary rocks. The bedrock consists of reddish gneiss. There are two prominent heights within the park, including the “stone head“ (Stenshuvud) after which the park is named; it lies to the north and rises to 97 metres above sea level. The elevation of Kortels huvud, the southern height, is over 80 metres. The topography is otherwise characterized by gentle slopes to the sea, which consist of loose sediments of gravel, sand and clay.

Most of the park is covered in broad-leaved forest. Growing on the eastern, seaward slope of the northern height is a wood of short and knotty oaks, here and there scattered with lindens and other broad-leaved species. The woods dominated by beech trees are located primarily in the southern section. But it is, above all, hornbeamwhich characterizes the forests of the national park. These trees have matured primarily during the 20th century as a result of reduced grazing pressure. Scattered among the hornbeams are ancient oaks and beeches with majestic crowns, reminding of an earlier period of wooded grazing land. Most of the woods have a profusion of annual plants. Large parts of Stenshuvud are still used for grazing. In the southern section of the park, there is a large expanse of open heath.

The flora of the Stenshuvud area displays great biodiversity. An inventory conducted during 1970-1971 found some 450 vascular plants. At least 18 of the protected species in Kristianstad County occur within the park. With regard to cryptograms, the coastal moss flora is of particular interest.

A mild and favourable climate, in combination with the widely varying habitats of the Stenshuvud area, create conditions for an abundant and diverse animal life. Several rare and threatened species have been found here, including the dormouse, common tree frog, agile frog, sand lizard and smooth snake. Among the larger animals present are the roe deer, red fox and, especially, the rabbit. The rabbit is at times abundant, but the local population is very isolated in the area. Due to the variety of habitats in the national park, the birdlife is very diverse. The insect fauna is also highly diverse, with several rare species. Especially worth noting are the ground beetle, grey bush-cricket, and the wood beetles dependent on large broad-leaved trees.

Grazing pressure was much greater in previous centuries than it is today, but the forest never disappeared completely. In some places, the inhabitants grew thickets of small trees that were cut down every ten years or so; the slender cuttings were used for firewood, fencing and tools. During certain periods, there have also been small patches of cropland.

There is an area near Hällevik in the northern section of the forest with exotic trees and shrubs that were introduced at the start of the 20th century by Carl Ekenstam, the county gardener at the time. Stenshuvud has long been a popular destination for outings, and currently attracts about 200,000 visitors annually.

3.	Regulations for the national park, based on the second paragraph of § 5 and the second paragraph of § 6 of the of the Nature Conservation Act

A.	Regulations concerning prohibited activities

In addition to whatever else applies, it is forbidden to

construct buildings or other facilities
operate quarries, gravel pits, etc
do anything which alters surface or drainage conditions, such as digging, excavating, blasting, draining, damming, filling or scarification
do anything that affects the natural water flow of the Rörum River‘s north branch
establish facilities for storing supplies and materials, including rubbish
construct roads
establish fruit orchards, cultivate cropland or conduct similar activities
log timber or carry out any other forest-management activity
apply herbicides/pesticides, plant nutrients or lime
conduct military exercises, except in connection with existing defence installations, in which case the conservation manager shall be consulted
introduce plant or animal species
run electrical or other lines in the ground or through the air
hunt
fish, except for fishing permitted by special right.

The foregoing regulations shall not comprise a hindrance to measures taken in accordance with an approved management plan. Further, these regulations do not affect rights contained in titles and leases which remain in effect for a certain period.

B.	Regulations for the general public

In addition to whatever else applies, it is forbidden to:

dig up or in any other way damage permanent natural objects or surface features
break off branches of, cut down or in any other way damage living or dead trees and shrubs
gather or dig up plants
gather or trap insects or other animals, or in any other way disturb animal life.
fish, except in the sea with handgear; in addition, Chapter 3, § 4 of the Swedish Board of Fisheries (FIFS 1983:15) applies within the no-fishing zone along the north branch of the Rörum River
set up tents
light fires
bring unleashed dogs or other free-ranging house pets into the park; in addition, there is a complete prohibition for dogs or other house pets on bathing beaches during the period from 15 June–1 September
land aircraft
ride horses
operate or park vehicles other than on designated roads and in parking areas
park or set up caravans and the like between midnight and 6:00 a.m. every day
set up orienteering checkpoints, or mark trails with paper strips, etc.
set up notice boards, posters and the like
conduct scientific studies without permission of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency
conduct commercial activities without permission of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.

4.	Regulations concerning the management of nature conservation, based on §§ 5 and 6 of the Nature Conservation Act

A.	Purpose of management

The purpose of Stenshuvud National Park is to preserve a magnificent natural area with special geological and biological conservation values, and with great importance for active forms of outdoor recreation. In order to fulfil that purpose, the following considerations apply: Forest areas which are dominated by broad-leaved trees shall be allowed to develop naturally. In addition, in order to ensure abundant and differentiated flora and fauna, with special consideration to typical species of the area that are worthy of protection, grazing shall continue in most of the areas that have been grazed during recent decades. In this connection, a mosaic of open and more densely vegetated sections shall be preserved. Fruit orchards and exotic tree species shall be gradually removed. The area‘s natural hydrology shall not be disturbed. Outdoor recreation within the national park shall be encouraged, but channelled in such a way that sensitive plant and animals species and habitats are not disturbed.

B.	Management plan

The national park shall be maintained in accordance with the specifications of a management plan approved by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. The plan shall be reviewed and reconsidered as needed.

C.	Delineation

The national park shall be delineated in accordance with Swedish standards and instructions of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.

D.	Nature conservation manager

Following consultation with the county administrative board, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency appoints the Board of Crown Lands to be the manager of nature conservation for the national park. In that capacity, the Board of Crown Lands shall follow the instructions provided.

E.	Consultation

To facilitate consultation on questions of management, a special advisory council shall be established for the national park, consisting of representatives of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, the county administrative board, the municipality, the natural-scientific community, non-profit conservation organizations, and the conservation manager.

Effective date

Proclamation SNFS (1986:3). This proclamation shall come into effect two weeks following the date of printing. (Date of printing: 17 September 1986.)

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