Introduction
The state forest Sollerup is located at the western part of the lake, whereas north of the forest there is a rich flora vegetation on lime common and fens. The meadows are grazed by cattle. Arreskov estate, located at the northeastern corner of the lake, dates back to 1558.
Habitat description
Arreskov Sø is an important location for birds and particularly for the richness of orchids that can be experienced in the summer. The meadows include, among other things, broad-leaved marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza majalis ssp. majalis), early marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza incarnata ssp. incarnata) and the rare marsh helleborine (Epipactis palustris) and red-listed dune gentian (Gentianella uliginosa).
The varied landscape of forests, lakes, meadows and grassland makes the area a unique bird location. A pair of White-tailed Eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) and a pair of Common Cranes (Grus grus) have been breeding for several years at Arreskov Sø. In addition to many ducks and grebes, a large population of birds of prey can be seen, such as Red Kite (Milvus milvus), Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus), Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) and Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo).
The area is represented by at least 33 counted butterfly species.
Value
Arreskov Sø is unique to the area, mainly because the lake is the largest on Funen, but also because of the White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) and the Common Crane (Grus grus) that have been registered at the lake. Arreskov Sø is an important location for birds but also for the richness of orchids, especially the rare marsh helleborine (Epipactis palustris) and red-listed dune gentian (Gentianella uliginosa), which can be experienced in the summer.
Protection and legislation
Arreskov Sø is protected by Nature protection legislation §3 and a local preservation act of 1995 created by Danish legislation that protects the 8,28 km2 area in which the lake lies. In addition, 6,57 km2 of the area is protected under Natura 2000, area 121, Habitat area H105 and the Bird Directive F78. The aim of the Natura 2000 protection is to preserve the important habitats in the area, including bogs, rich fens, ash and alder swamp as well as Arreskov Sø. Natura 2000 also protects a number of bird species found in and around Arreskov Lake, such as Greylag Goose (Anser anser), Shoveler (Anas clypeata) and Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) as well as rare breeding birds White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus), Common Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) and Common Tern (Sterna hirundo).
Public access
At the lake’s west bank there is a bird tower that provides a good view of the entire lake. Not far from the bird tower there are two hiking paths that make it possible to walk partly around the lake.
