|
When your writer came to Hven at
the end of the 50s, we were catching eels and plaice from the bathing
beaches. Now and then porpoise (a kind of dolphin) would swim in
and greet us as we splashed around in our "bathing" boats,
curious to see what we were up to.
The "Ulk" was a constant source of fun for us. You could catch one with a bent needle, press a couple of corks onto the strategically placed poison spines and then let it go again. The Ulk was now transformed into a miniature speedboat as the corks kept it afloat on the surface. Because it couldn't dive, it would dash about the surface at an awesome speed to everybody's great delight. Eventually of course the corks fell off in the spray and the little chap was free again. We arranged virtual Ulk-Races with these living speedboats and got a right royal laugh out of it. "Cruelty to Animals!" I hear you mutter? Well, I have to say that our fish always looked healthy and in top form. I should think that Hven had the most well-trained Ulk population in world history. |
| Today,
the seabeds in harbours are dead. When bathing at the beach, you don't
find yourself treading on flounders anymore so you consequently don't
get bowled over in shock when the seabed suddenly swims away from
under your feet.If it wasn't better then, it was at least cleaner
and prettier.
But here and there, cherries and pears and apples and sloeberries and plums and hazelnuts and all sorts of blue raspberry and loganberry and blackberry and some smultronberries still stubbornly manage to grow.A number of edible fungi exist with the emphasis on various sorts of mushroom. "Nejlikbroskskivling" and "fjällig bläcksvamp" grow on Hven. You'll find Birch and Aspensopp and "Rodnande fjällskivling" and "Röksvamp and Jätteröksvamp" and until not so long ago "Blåmusseroner". "Riskor and Kremlor" are also found.. And even "Smörsopp" as well. So it should work out alright for a while yet .The ubiquitous rosehip can be found everywhere along the beachline and in summertime the vegetation is almost extravagant and ostentatious. |
| There
is also a strong line of German field hares which were once brought
to the island. Hven is also magnificently stocked with pheasant --
also imported. Also partridges have been found here for some years.
How well they are faring I don't really know, but sometimes you see
one of these beautiful birds.A number of roe deer are also new to
the island but seem to thrive well enough -- much to the annoyance
of garden owners. This is presumably a matter of culling until the
right balance is found. Presently, there are about 30 or so individuals
divided among 4 or 5 herds. (1999 probably
more)
In Autumn, the island is visited by birds of prey. White-tailed eagles, hawks and falcons come and thin out the never-ending doves, pigeons and small birds before moving on. The Blackbird is the island's national emblem, closely followed by the Lapwing, the "Gårdsmyg" and Golden Crested Wren. Sparrows and Finches, "Talgoxe" and Bluetits, Crows and Rooks and the odd Raven. Well, it's sweet noises-- and a struggle. Hven's swallows have declined considerably, but it might still function yet awhile. Until some bold and brave"entrepeneur" strikes again..Check this link.. "The Husvik Plan"Swedish only for the time being |
