Benestad

Four kilometres southwest of Tomelilla, where the southern entrance joins road 19 between Kristianstad and Ystad, is Benestad, the small church village next door to the unique nature reserve Benestad Backar. The reserve is also called Kalktuffen after the precipitates that form when the lime-rich water, which seeps out of the slopes, meets the oxygen in the air.

The calcareous tufa forms a layer several metres thick, in which numerous fossil remains have been found, telling us about the remarkable diversity of fauna and flora that has existed here since the last ice age. One find tells us that gingko once grew here, a species that died out 20 000 years ago! The biotope found here in Benestad Backar is called steppe-like dry meadow and still shows a fantastic diversity of species. Here we find orchids such as cuckoo flower. It is home to axagus, bluebell, woodruff, cowslip, field bindweed, stonewort, but also insectivorous sedge.

Lime tufa has been quarried since the 20th century. Despite its porous structure, it has been used in a number of church buildings. It is natural that the church in Benestad is built of lime tuff, but also the church in Nedraby. It is claimed that parts of the crypt in Lund Cathedral also have elements of lime tuff from Benestad. The church in Benestad, like the churches in Valleberga and Löderup, has a detached church tower, a kastal. Perhaps the kastal was built as a free-standing tower because there was no room for a tower due to the steep slope of the church site to the west of the church.
The water flowing out of Benestad Backar makes its way down to Fyleån, which flows quietly through Fyledalen. Until 1924, the frequently used Skvattemölla was located here.

If we are lucky, we may see both golden eagles and white-tailed eagles nesting in Fyledalen. Of course, it is not as surprising, but lovely, to see one or two kites singing over the small, cosy Benestad. North of Benestad is Tosselilla, the family amusement park, and the world-famous motor racing circuit, Svampabanan.

Every summer, the quiet villages around the Fyledalen valley are full of excitement. This is when the Battle of Fyledalen football tournament is fought between the neighbouring villages of Högestad, Röddinge, Ramsåsa and Benestad compete for the travelling trophy, a popular event that echoes throughout the village!
The nearest major town with schools, municipal services, shops, banks, travel centre with train station is Tomelilla.