Vasikkavuoma is one of the largest and best-preserved mown mires in northern Europe. The Vasikkajoki stream runs through the wetland and provides the marshy meadows with nutrients when it floods. The Site consists mostly of transition mires and quaking bogs, but also contains aapa mire and alkaline fens. It supports important populations of plants (with at least 50 vascular species) as well as resident and seasonally migrating and breeding waterbirds. The mires are also important as carbon sinks. It is estimated that mowing of the Site commenced around 1770, but stopped altogether between 1950 and 1980. Restoration projects involving clearing and mowing were carried out, and today around 90 hectares are cut for hay to feed reindeer by the villages around the Site, preserving part of Sweden’s cultural heritage. In addition, approximately 200 hectares are mown annually by a local organization. Of the original 200 hay barns, 80 remain. Other activities include tourism and bird-watching; facilities available at the Site include parking, a birdwatching tower, footbridges, camp-fire sites, cabins and restrooms. Management plans for the overlapping Natura 2000 site and the Nature Reserve are being implemented.

Norrbotten