Nature Reserve in Vatnsmyrin

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In the front yard of the Nordic House and the Icelandic University you will find a natural reserve aimed to foster the bird variety in Reykjavík city centre. The Nordic House, The University of Iceland, and Reykjavik city are gathering forces to improve the area. Research shows that diversity in the area is declining; competitive plants are threatening the flora, birds are decreasing and contamination is found in the water. The marsh of the preserved landhas has also diminished and in the northeastern part of it, the soil is almost dried out.

Experts have pointed out that with the help of some relatively simple improvements, the marsh could do its work even better as a sanctuary for birds, water species and herbs.

The goal is to improve habitat conservation and variety and restore the wetland in the reserve. The increased attention to the area will hopefully increase awareness of the ecological importance of wetlands.

The goals of the improvements are to:

To maintain and to restore biodiversity and ecosystem functions
Make a safe place for birds to hatch and nest
Remove invasive plants.
Make a life research facility for students of the University.
Increase interest and knowledge about the ecological importance of wetlands.
Make the area an exemplary for the recovery of wetlands.

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