Traditional Meadow Conservation - Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve

  Estonia

Jogeva

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: 3rd Aug - 12th Aug 2008

Description: Alam-Pedja nature reserve lies in the heart of Estonia, far from the bustle of Tallinn. This ancient floodplain forms part of the wider wetland system of Lake Vortsjarv. The beauty of the area is in its stillness and peace - a far cry from its use during the Soviet era as a military training ground. It's this quirk of history however, that has created an almost uninhabited and untouched natural area and on this holiday we'll have the very rare opportunity to work within it, alongside local people and Estonian volunteers helping to preserve the traditional management practices that have favoured a vast array of wildlife.

Who we're working with

Estonian Fund for Nature (Eestimaa Looduse Fond, ELF) is a young and dynamic non-profit, non-governmental environmental organisation established in 1991. ELF's goal is to preserve natural diversity and to advocate a healthy environment in Estonia.

BTCV and ELF have worked together for many years during which time ELF have developed one of the best conservation volunteer programmes in Europe.

Where we're working

Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve is a vast wilderness area with a complex of five large mires separated by unregulated rivers, floodplain meadows and extensive forests.

Nearly half of the area was closed from 1952 through the early 1990s, kept as a training area for the Soviet air forces, leaving nature for the most part to develop there according to its own laws. Much of the largely wetland area is impassable for humans, no roads traverse the area and there are few settlements in or around the area. Presently, there are only 10-15 permanent human inhabitants.

Nonetheless, three trails have been developed for visitors and nature education activities within the area. Much of the bogs and forested areas are open for berry pickers and mushroom gatherers in the late summer and autumn.

Alam-Pedja is home to plethora of animals and plants: 640 species of fungi, 461 of vascular plants, 19 of fish, two of reptiles, six of amphibians, 193 of birds, and 43 of mammals have been recorded in Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve. The reserve offers a sanctuary for many rare species as such as the white-tailed eagle, greater spotted eagle, great snipe, and corncrake all of whose survival are connected to the existence of suitable floodplain habitats.

Since 1997, Alam-Pedja has been recognised as a wetland of international importance and is a designated Ramsar site. In 2004 it was designated as a Natura 2000 site.

What we'll be doing

We'll be working in the area's natural meadows, cutting and removing invasive scrub, to improve conditions for the animals inhabiting these traditionally managed landscapes. Work will also include improvement work on two nature trails, removing overgrowth, building or repairing foot-bridges, and creating boundary fences using traditional indigenous natural fencing techniques - a rare opportunity to learn an old skill.

As part of trail improvement work we'll pack up camp and move to the site of the nature trail along the natural meandering Pedja River, where we will live two nights in tents and cook our meals at the campfire.

Benefits of our work

The floodplain complex in Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve is the second largest in Estonia and one of the largest still open floodplain complexes surviving in the whole of Europe. The cease in traditional management activities that have been practiced for centuries on the floodplain meadows - haymaking and grazing - threatens the reserves unique natural values.

This is critical habitat protection work - preserving the meadow, an important feeding area for migratory birds and other wildlife; and establishing and improving conditions for management and restoration of semi-natural habitats. A significant aspect of the work is the linkage between human activities and nature: traditional beneficial landscape management, abandoned during Soviet times, is started again.

Where we'll be staying

Our accommodation is in the village of Palupõhja by the River Emajõgi. Palupõhja, with a population of 12 is the only proper village in the nature reserve and lies amid acres of floodplains, swamp forests, bogs and a network of rivers.

Sleeping is in rooms of 2 - 8 in a charming little newly renovated nature school, with mattresses provided. A shower and the sauna are next door and the accommodation uses environmentally sound compost toilets. There's a great swimming site by the river 50m away.

Food is provided and cooked on a fire or in local kitchens. In fine weather much of this can be enjoyed by campfire.

For those who love to be lulled to sleep with the sounds of wildlife, camping is also an option. You can bring your own tent, or ELF can provide. Please let us know when booking. Weather permitting, we'll all be doing a couple of days camping, when working on trail improvements. All tents and equipment are provided.

The stay in Tallinn will be in a cosy hostel in the old town

Highlights: This holiday takes place in a remote and wild area, so the nightlife is what you make it - this is one for those who really want to get away from it all. However, as well as some fantastic bird and wildlife watching, several other optional activities are included in the holiday:

* boat-trip and canoeing on the Emajõgi river
* walking tour of the Laeva peat-bog
* a night walk to hear the wolves (wolves permitting!)
* an excursion by amphibious ATV far into the vast floodplain meadows
* and any amount of swimming, fishing and traditional sauna you want

We'll spend the final day and night in Tallinn, B&B (but not lunch and dinner) included. A chance to soak up the atmosphere in Tallinn's mediaeval old town - a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Qualifications: must be over 18. Previous experience not necessary

Cost in US$: Approx $1015 (510 GBP)

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Estonia Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Other

BTCV's Mission Statement: BTCV is the UK's largest practical conservation organization. It is a charity which involves over 130,000 people every year in projects to bring about positive environmental change. When BTCV was first established, over 40 years ago, most projects took place in the countryside and on nature reserves. The emphasis was on nature reserves. The emphasis was on improving rural landscapes and protecting habitats for wildlife. However it is not just; Countryside Landscape Wildlife But also Providing opportunities to volunteer Improving towns and cities Building communities Developing skills Helping people into work BTCV's remit has broadened considerably over the last four decades. We have evolved to meet the needs of an ever changing world. As far as conservation work is concerned, BTCV now offers volunteering opportunities in urban as well as rural locations, thus improving our towns and cities as well as the countryside. But beyond this, we also; give support to local groups train people in conservation and life skills run schemes - and take part in government initiatives - to help people secure employment.

Year Founded: 1959