Vatnshornsskogur, Skorradalur

Vatnshornsskógur was protected in 2009. The aim of the protection is to preserve the natural, relatively untouched, tall birch forest and its lush undergrowth, as well as the genetic characteristics and diversity of the Icelandic birch. The area boasts of considerable biodiversity and is the home of rare species, such as witch’s hair lichen (Alectoria sarmentosa ssp. vexillifera), which isn’t found anywhere else in Iceland. Among the aims of the protection is to ensure the biodiversity of habitat types and to ensure that the ecosystems of the area are maintained by protecting the species of animals, plants and other organisms as well as the genealogical sources the species contain and their habitat. Furthermore, the aim of the protection is to strengthen the research, outdoor activities and educational value of the area.

When deciding on the protection, the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern 1979) was taken into account, as provided for in the Official Journal C 17/1993, Convention on Biological Diversity (Rio de Janeiro 1992), as provided for in the Official Journal C 3/1995, Article 2.

The nature reserve covers an area of 247.1 ha.