Att bli omfamnad av en plats: en fallstudie på Heljesgården i Bolum om livshistoria, ängsskötsel och artrikedom

Abstract

The bachelor's thesis examines Heljesgården in Bolum, a historic farm with a unique meadow garden. Heljesgården is located near Lake Hornborga in Västergötland. The study explores the cultural historical values of the site, the management of the garden, and the stories of its former owners, siblings Lars and Elsa Eriksson, as well as Mats Rosengren, who is responsible for the traditional scything of the meadow. The purpose of this study was to analyze what gives Heljesgården its value, make an inventory and analysis of the biodiversity of its meadow and document the management philosophy. The aim was to take part in Mats Rosengren’s botanical work with his scythe. The study was a combination of methods, including garden inventory, a qualitative interview with Mats Rosengren, archival research, and photographic analysis. The theoretical framework was based on the concepts of biological cultural heritage and UNESCO: s intangible cultural heritage. The meadow garden at Heljesgården has been maintained through traditional scything, leading to an increase in biodiversity. Comparisons between species inventories from 1996 and 2024 show that the number of species has increased, particularly in moist soil areas, while some species have disappeared. Mats Rosengren, the caretaker of the meadow, described his method as a balance between tradition and adaptation to climate and ecological conditions. Archival research provided a deeper insight into Elsa Eriksson’s life. She was artistic, had a strong interest in different craftsmanship’s and nature and gardening. She actively relocated wild plants into the garden to protect them. Heljesgården holds significant cultural value due to its authenticity. Heljesgården serves as an example of how cultural history, biological cultural heritage, and personal narratives intertwine to create a place of deep meaning. The stories of its former inhabitants contribute to the identity of the site. Heljesgården and the people around it, the memories, and stories give a spirit of place, a genius loci.