The Archipelago Foundation carries out extensive work to protect animals and the countryside. In addition to our 40 rangers, who maintain and manage the reserves, we also have several smallholdings on our islands. Our rangers and tenant farmers are also involved in small-scale forest management. Our project “Living Archipelago” focuses on conservation work to protect endangered species in the Stockholm Archipelago.

Agriculture
The Foundation currently has 16 farm leaseholds and 30 other agricultural leaseholds, all of which contribute towards keeping the landscape open. The archipelago’s livestock owners make use of pastoral islands according to ancient tradition. During the summertime, the animals are moved from the main island, where the farm is located, to nearby islands.

Forestry
Harvesting is carried out in the Foundation’s areas to preserve the forest for the benefit of conservation, recreational activities and wildlife. Certain areas containing older forest are left alone. Felling methods are small-scale and sometimes horses are used to transport the timber. Clearing is carried out around arable land and meadows in order to recreate and retain the varied pastoral landscape that is characteristic of the archipelago.

Management and maintenance
In the Foundation’s areas, e.g. the natural anchorages, you will find combined refuse and toilet facilities. New facilities are built every year, and they now number almost 200. The most recently built facilities are adapted for those with disabilities. The Foundation is also here to ensure that regulations relating to the protection of birds, fish and seals are observed.

Living Archipelago
This is the general name for the inventory and monitoring of species of coastal birds, grey seals, eagle owls and white-tailed eagles, as well as a number of plants, such as the lady’s slipper orchid and bird’s eye primrose. In the sea we study bladderkelp and acorn barnacles.


Read the full article about our animal and nature conservation work here »