LiFE IP ForEst&FarmLand
In 2020 LIFE IP project ForEst&FarmLand (“Comprehensive management of forest and farming landscapes to improve the conservation status of Natura 2000 habitats and species”) was launched, involving all key players from universities, forestry sector and nature conservation as well as NGOs to jointly protect and restore Estonian landscapes and ecosystems and to improve the condition of the species and habitats in Estonian forests and agricultural lands.
The project (2020-2029) is led by the Ministry of the Environment and the total cost of the project is € 19,561,784.
On 17 February 2022, we had an award ceremony to thank outstanding managers of semi-natural meadows, those who have made a great contribution to the preserve and restore semi-natural habitats of Estonia. Among the nominees was Erik Jakob Söderberg from Pakri Island, who tells his story in English.
The story of Erik Jakob Söderberg’s return to the island where his grandmother was born speaks for itself! Together with his friend, Urmas Sepp, and a herd of 300–400 cattles, Erik takes care of the most compact and largest alvar in Estonia, located on the Pakri Islands. A total of 1098 hectares of land is being restored and maintained.
News
We test new techniques for alien species control in 44 areas
This summer, tests to control four large-growing alien species — knotweeds, false spiraea, goldenrods and snowberry — started by using innovative methods, including geotextile coating and hot steam treatment! Two of these species, goldenrods and knotweeds, are invasive alien species, the cultivation and distribution of which is prohibited in Estonia! But the two others, the false spiraea and the snowberry, form life-
The managers of the semi-natural grasslands gathered to take part in the Lahemaa training day and received the newly completed guide "Plants of Estonian semi-natural grasslands"
The training day was for those who, when applying for support from the Agricultural Registers and Information Board (PRIA) for maintaining semi-natural grasslands, also chose to participate in an additional paid activity – the assessment of the nature conservation assets of the grassland.