The rise of Moelle Aa
The exact rise of Moelle Aa is somewhere between Buresoe and Bastrup Soe whereupon the water continues its way towards Oeresund/the Sound. However first it has to pass through the great lakes Farum Lake, Furesoe and Lyngby Lake including an array of artificial millponds in the lower stretch before it passes through to the sea at Strandmoellen.
The upper part of Moelleaaen is actually called Hestetangs Aa. The name has partially lost its origin, but Hestetang can either mean “isthmus, where you place rick” (rick = stack of hay), or merely refer to pastures where the animals where sent. Regardless, both meanings refer to the fact that a number of meadows and marshes along Hestetangs Aa previously provided the farming community with hay and grazing areas. Several of these are species-rich alkaline fens and/or petrifying springs. The purpose of RigKilde LIFE is to restore, preserve and reestablish alkaline fens and petrifying springs. A number of fine alkaline fens are still found in Oevre Moelleaadal, with Smaasoeerne as the crown jewel. Bird’s-eye primrose, hundreds of orchids and the carnivorous common butterwort grow here. Brede Enge is situated by a tributary, Vassingeroedloebet, which flow out in Hestetangs Aa by Hestetangs Huse. Previously it was surrounded by fine alkaline fens, but in the course of time the area has been partially afforested with conifers or overgrown in alder and willow.
The river valley is habitat for some vulnerable animal species that we will make a special effort to help. Great crested newt and large white-faced darter, which both live parts of their life in waterholes, are found in the area around Hestetangs Aa.