260 mMariehaven
By the river, with a natural contrast between quiet nature and lively summer music.
Ansager Å is so close to Ansager that the town remains in the background, but the landscape quickly changes character. Meadows, scrub and small openings towards the water offer a quiet nature experience, where it is not about grand views but about following the river’s bends and keeping an eye on the banks.
Mallards and grey herons are regular sights along the river. In winter, birdlife can become more subdued, but also more distinctive: dippers and kingfishers are mentioned as winter visitors to the river.
The river is used for short nature outings, canoeing and recreational fishing. Canoeing does require some preparation, as navigation is limited to specific stretches, periods and types of vessels. For anglers, Ansager Å is especially interesting as salmon water, but current regulations, fishing permits and the state fishing licence should always be checked before casting a line.
The most significant nature story is the work to reopen the watercourse. Barriers have been removed and riffles restored at former fish farms, giving fish better passage. The story can be read in the current itself: less impoundment, more movement and a river course that is once again better connected.
The kingfisher is a small but hard-to-miss winter visitor at Ansager Å: turquoise-blue upperparts, orange underparts, and a long, sturdy bill. It is often spotted as a quick blue flash low over the water.
The river’s bends, good water quality, and unregulated stretches suit the bird’s habitat with clear water and small fish. Keep your distance from banks and slopes; the kingfisher may dig nesting holes near its fishing spots.
The small purple flowers grow closely together in spikes above the grass, showing self-heal in mid-summer bloom. In July, the plant can appear in low, green areas along paths and in open places, easily overlooked on nearby walks
Self-heal is low-growing, so the flowers are best seen when you get down close to the grass
In July, meadowsweet grows densely and abundantly, with small white flowers gathered in airy clusters. The green leaves fill the vegetation around the stems, while the flowers add a bright touch along the damp edge of Ansager Å
Meadowsweet has previously been used as a flavoring in beer and as a herb for pain relief
The yellow slime mold lies fresh and distinct in the damp ground layer, where moss and old leaves retain the summer moisture. In June it can be seen in its yellow stage, while it slowly spreads over organic material and breaks down small remains on the forest floor at Store og små oplevelser
Slime mold is not a true fungus, but a slime mold that can move slowly across its growing site
The robust horsefly rests on the warm gravel in Torvet car park. Its transparent wings lie close over the body as the insect sits low against the surface. In July, horseflies are active in the heat and can often be seen around open, sunlit places
The clear wings and compact body make the horsefly easy to recognise when it is sitting still
