Traditional Meadow Conservation - Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve

  Estonia

• Other Cities in Estonia: 
Jogeva

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: 3 Aug - 11 Augu 2010 & 17 Aug - 25 Aug 2010

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 Võrtsjärv. 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 these holidays 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 to the early 1990s and kept as a training area for the Soviet air forces, leaving nature for the most part to develop 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 a 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. The reserve offers a sanctuary for many rare species 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.

The Palupõhja Nature School is located within the reserve - an old schoolhouse, run by a partnership of Charitable organisations as a base for environmental education activities.

What we'll be doing

As well as some core activities assisting with the development of the Palupõhja Nature School (assisting with renovation of outbuildings and cutting firewood), the main thrust of our work will be working in the area's natural meadows, cutting and removing invasive scrub, to improve conditions for the flora and fauna inhabiting these traditionally managed landscapes.

In addition, each of the these two holidays has another slightly different theme:

The first period (3rd - 11th August 2010) will include some improvement work on the nature trails clearing encroaching vegetation and ensuring they're all passable.

For the second period (17th - 25th August 2010), will see the start of some new work helping to restore fish spawning grounds along the rivers and oxbows.

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 which is 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: ensuring 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 the charming little 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.

We'll be self-catering as a group and in fine weather much of this we hope to do 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.

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 - see beavers and other fantastic wildlife;
* a hiking tour of the Laeva peat-bog;
* a night walk to hear the wolves (wolves permitting!);
* a motorboat trip along the Emajõgi River to Lake Võrtsjärv;
* a day off with sight-seeing and exploring in Tartu - seeking out local cultural events;
* and any amount of swimming, fishing and traditional sauna you want.

Qualifications: must be over 18. Previous experience not necessary

Cost in US$: 530 GBP

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to Worldwide 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. The charity was set up in 1959, and has a successful history of environmental conservation volunteering throughout the UK and around the world. Working with and supporting BTCV can be a rewarding experience for corporate partners, the Government, Big Lottery Fund, local authorities, government agencies such as English Nature and individual donors. Will you support BTCV? As a charity, BTCV relies heavily on voluntary donations. The work we do is only made possible by people like you - people who want to make a difference to their community and environment. Vision, Mission & ValuesVision: A better environment where people are valued, included and involved Mission: To create a more sustainable future by inspiring people and improving places Values: BTCV's values are integral to all our work. They have been developed through four decades of a 'hands-on' approach to conservation activities. During this time we have adapted to meet the changing needs of communities, we care about people, the communities in which they live and the quality of their environment Our key values: **Sustained environmental improvement: A healthy environment and improved biodiversity is at the heart of all BTCV's activities **Inclusiveness, accessibility and choice: BTCV is sensitive to people's needs, their environmental awareness, personal values and beliefs, and is striving to be accessible to all **Appropriate support: BTCV understands that individuals and local communities require different types of support **Individual and community empowerment: BTCV inspires people to fulfil their potential **Corporate responsibility: BTCV provides a safe, healthy working environment for our staff and volunteers, with development opportunities to meet their personal aspirations

Year Founded: 1959