There is a large number of tree species at Uranes, and the diversity is exceptionally high. Lime manages especially well - we find the biggest in the country here. The lime tree grows both on stony scree and where there is good deep soil. The vegetation on the forest floor is also quite diverse, with several rare species. Orchids are abundant, such as the twayblade orchid, early purple orchid and bird's nest orchid.
On the upper part of the slope there is much elm, and also several high-growing perennials. These are herbs, grasses and ferns that can grow to be quite tall; typical examples include stinging nettles, large white buttercup and ostrich fern. The high perennials grow in deep soil, especially beside the foot of the mountain, where there is often plenty of water. High up on the slopes there can be a lot of moisture in the soil, even after periods of little precipitation in spring. The snow melt in the mountains ensures a steady dribble of water down over the bedrock. Corydalis and muskroot are among the first plants to bloom in April, but they are not especially common.
At Uranes there are steel cables, old pollarded trees and hayfields extending high up on the hillsides. In old times this area was an important pasture resource.
From April to June the bird life is intense. The winter wren, Norway's smallest bird, is among those who sing loudest. Screes and rockfalls on the slopes have increased access to dead and naturally hollow trees. Therefore, the nuthatch and other tits are especially common here. The Chiffchaff sings incessantly from the highest deciduous trees. In other countries this bird lives mostly in conifer forests (hence the name "Gran-songeren" in Norwegian, which means, "spruce-singer"), but in western Norway it is difficult to find a bird that is as bonded to the deciduous forest as the Chiffchaff.
