Hemskilen

{{Short description|Nature reserve in Norway}}

File:Hemskilen-medium2-Fylkesmannen-i-Vestfold.jpg

Hemskilen is a plant and wildlife preserve with a wetland area known for its unique vegetation and fauna. It is located near the island Storøya on the Sandefjord-Larvik border in Vestfold County. Hemskilen is, at 335 decares (83 acres), one of the largest preserves of its kind in the county.Gjerseth, Simen (2016). Nye Sandefjord. Liv forlag. Page 253. {{ISBN|9788283301137}}. A bird sanctuary was established on the outside of the preserve in 2009. The nature preserve was established in 1981 and consists mostly of wetland and mudflats. It is a regionally important site due to its avifauna, including sea birds, ducks, wading birds, geese, and perching birds. It is also one of Vestfold's most important habitats for the grey heron, while raptors such as the sea hawk and Western marsh harrier can also regularly be observed at Hemskilen.Syrstad, Fred-Ivar (2014). Natur i Vestfold: Veiviser til naturvernområdene og Færder nasjonalpark. Skagerrak forlag. Pages 170-171. {{ISBN|9788292284827}}.Schandy, Tom and Tom Helgesen (2012). Naturperler i Vestfold. Forlaget Tom & Tom v/Schandy. Page 178. {{ISBN|9788292916148}}.

The Pectoral sandpiper is one of the many rare bird species often observed at Hemskilen. It is one of the most important wetlands in Vestfold County.Schandy, Tom and Tom Helgesen (2012). Naturperler i Vestfold. Forlaget Tom & Tom v/Schandy. Page 178. {{ISBN|9788292916148}}. Hemskilen is also where the river Istre-Syrristelva (Istra) discharges into the ocean. 171 bird species have been recorded at Hemskilen. The area is open for Trout fishing in the spring.Nyhus, Per (1999). Larvik A-Å. Østlands-Posten. Page 229. ISBN 8299083532.

The ancient monument Istrehågan is located 2 km (1.2 mi.) northwest of Hemskilen.Aadnevik, Kjell-Einar (2019). Turguide til Larvik og Omegn. Dreyers forlag. Page 136. {{ISBN|9788282654418}}.