Strandgade GB

Strandgade. Par på gåtur. Ca. 1900

Strandgade. Garn til tørre. 1936

Intro

The sea facing Strandgade has yielded numerous finds of flint tools dating from the Palaeolithic Age some 6-8,000 years ago. At that time, the area opposite Strandgade was dry, and the Palaeolithic people living here were hunters and fishermen. In more recent times, fishermen used the area along Strandgade to spread out their fishing nets so that they could be mended. The area was also used to house large so-called ice pits made of seaweed. These were used for storing ice and, in this way, Færgemann’s Fish Exports on the harbour could keep their fish supplies fresh. The type of seaweed used for the ice pits was eelgrass (Zostera marina), and the story goes that a two-metre layer of eelgrass could keep the ice from melting – even on a hot summer’s day. The sea to the south of Hou around the island of Endelave as well as the waters in Horsens Fjord including the small islands of Hjarnø, Alrø and Vorsø have been deemed areas of outstanding natural significance, and they have been designated a Natura 2000 area, an EC Bird Protection Area and, finally, an EC Habitats and Ramsar Area. This means that the district is considered to be of vital importance to marine animals and plants, as well as to sea birds. Consequently, we are therefore under obligation, at national as well as international levels, to preserve the area in its present state. The wood to the south is Raven’s Wood, named after the ravens that breed there. The raven (Corvus corax) is a member of the crow family – the size of a buzzard and almost one-and-a-half times bigger than the rook (Corvus frugilegus), which it may easily be mistaken for. Its plumage is jetblack and it has a powerful beak and a sturdy head and neck. Unlike the rook, which has a light beak, the beak of the raven is jetblack. In contrast to other members of the crow family, the raven does not breed in colonies. The mated pair occupy a large territory and will chase other ravens out during the breeding season. They remain in the breeding area throughout the year and, especially in the winter months, they cruise along the beach in search of food washed ashore. The ravens are typically seen cruising along the beach during the morning and evening hours. Looking west, you will see the handsome farm buildings of Gersdorffslund. If you walk the short distance to the farm, you’ll find a story about this place, too.