Kvismareleden – Seven Bridges Path – a feasibility study

Kvismardalen is a natural area consisting of Eastern and Western Kvismaren, located in the border areas of Örebro, Kumla, and Hallsberg municipalities. Here, there is a nature reserve that encompasses about 740 hectares, of which about 25% consists of water. In the reserve, there is a bird station where over 250,000 birds have been ringed, and a total of about 150 bird species have been identified here. Kvismaren is an important place for geese and cranes that return in large numbers every year. In connection with the lowering of Lake Hjälmaren, large areas were drained, exposing new fertile agricultural land. The previous small lakes in the area were reduced to wetlands that have repeatedly been affected by flooding, which has characterized this area. Here, in addition to a rich bird life, there is also a unique place that has become known because of all the snakes that appear in spring. In the village, there are several churches and parishes. Historically, industrial investments have come and gone. Remaining is the sausage factory in Sköllersta. Gone is the large tin vessel factory in Odensbacken, as well as the historic clothing and furniture department stores in the community. In return, we have seen how potato cultivation in recent years has led to one of the country's largest facilities for handling potatoes. Fishing is a long-standing tradition that has made Hjälmar pike widely known. Further back in time, stone was quarried in the village, iron was processed, and shipping and train traffic were conducted to reach Örebro and the capital. Some places in the Hjälmar region have come to play important roles in Swedish history, such as Göksholm and Engelbrektsholmen. In Odensbacken, there are remnants of stone settings and memories from times of executions and livestock trading. Kvismare Canal, which is actually a drainage canal, is practically a gigantic ditch that runs through the area. The canal is in many ways a rough diamond. In connection with our current cleaning of the canal again, including clearing the edges of vegetation (something that last happened in the 70s), thoughts and ideas are now emerging about whether we can utilize the canal for something more, why not as a destination and recreational area? As a paddling route and a path for cycling and hiking, Kvismare Canal has an untapped potential that runs through a region full of history and memories that we believe are worth preserving and sharing. Here, we might be able to create a vibrant path that takes us on a historical journey through our agricultural landscape with a rich natural and cultural life. The feasibility study will mobilize interested parties in the village, inventory needs and opportunities, and propose measures. Cost estimates are important to support an upcoming implementation phase where the Leader method is a designated main goal. Here are some of the areas that the feasibility study will focus on. Infrastructure Cultural and Natural Environment Outdoor Activities The working process of the feasibility study is inventory, compilation, and reporting with goals for upcoming project implementation.