On the 3rd of February, a meeting took place within the GoGreenRoutes project, during which residents, local organisations and city officials discussed the future of the Vormsi green area. The goal is to maintain the green area and transform it into an accessible leisure space while also considering its existing historical heritage and urban nature that has formed over time. The meeting focused on discussing and planning this year’s activities that could help to reach the desired solutions step by step.

 Background and goal of the meeting

The meeting was a follow-up to the discussions that took place last autumn. Through collaboration between different parties we identified main values, challenges and expectations regarding the Vormsi green area and collected ideas about possible solutions (read more about previous meetings here). Based on the collected ideas, three main topics emerged that were further discussed at the meeting on the 3rd of February:

• preservation of historical heritage (the ruins of Nehatu School) and construction of a recreational space;

• maintenance and development of the old orchard;

• environmental education (development of guiding materials and study trails).

 

Who took part in the discussion?

As a result of previous meetings an initial cooperation network was formed, the members of which were also involved in the discussion of 3rd of February. The cooperation network includes residents, representatives of local apartment houses’ associations, neighbourhood educational institutions and organisations, city officials dealing with environment, youth work and city planning as well as external experts (read more about the network here).

Over 40 participants attended the meeting on the 3rd of February, including representatives from Tallinn Botanic Garden, the Tallinn Strategic Management Office’s green transition division, the Tallinn Education Department’s youth work division, the Tallinn Urban Environment and Public Works Department’s environmental education division, Lasnamäe City District Administration, Lasnamäe Youth Centre and Tallinn University. Different regional organisations also attended the meeting, such as NGO Youth Club Active promoting active citizenship among youth, NGO Lasnaidea managing the development of Lasnamäe community gardens, and NGO Rohelinn dealing with environmental awareness. Although local schools and kindergartens were not able to participate in this meeting, cooperation with representative contacts will continue in the future.

Conclusions of the discussion

The discussion took place in three groups and helped to identify possible interventions and activities, target groups, necessary resources and the challenges related to their implementation. Below is an overview of discussions structured by aforementioned topics.

Preservation of historical heritage and construction of a recreational space

Located near Narva road, Nehatu school is one of the most interesting and historically valuable objects of Priisle neighbourhood and the eastern part of Lasnamäe district. It was built in 1867 and operated in this location until 1931, after which it moved to a new building. The school building along with its outbuilding were later used as a private residence and cottage for decades. In 1988, the building was destroyed in a fire. The only parts that have survived to this day are the foundations of both the school building (located in the forest, view photo below) and the outbuilding (best seen from Narva road).

Though the building of this educational institution is quite typical, Nehatu school stands out for its almost century-long history that reflects some of the most important events in the development of social life in Estonia between the 19th century and World War II. The uniqueness of Nehatu school is not only in its building, but also in the original landscape surrounding it. All participants of the discussion agreed that preservation, further research and introduction of the historical heritage of Nehatu school is both important and necessary.

To highlight the history of Nehatu school, participants suggested erecting a monument, however its aesthetic appearance and architectural solution still requires further discussion. Another proposal was to install a permanent elaborate information board so people could learn about the history of Nehatu school and its significance without having to look up any additional sources. In regards to that, it was emphasised that the building should also be recognised as the founding place of the cargo vessel club “Linda”, which played a significant role in Estonian maritime history. In addition, it should be mentioned that one of the club members, Estonian writer Eduard Vilde, has recorded these activities in his novel. It was also brought out that the old orchard that was part of Nehatu school premises, equally deserves attention and further research. 

There was also a discussion about maintaining the ruins of the school’s foundation and building a terrace or a similar temporary structure on top of it. The participants suggested adding some outdoor furniture on the terrace that could be used for outdoor lessons and other educational events. This would help to make sure the school’s heritage lives on not only physically but also spiritually as it continues to serve an educational function. It was emphasised that as it is an object with an educational purpose, local education organisations should be included in all its development stages to identify relevant needs and expectations. In regards to the outdoor furniture, participants thought that part of the furniture should be stationary, while the other part could be foldable so it could be stored in some shed.

A proposal for building a reading corner (similar to the one on Koidula street in Kadriorg district, view photo below) or a small bandshell was also made. Among other solutions, the participants suggested installing a wall, roof or reconstructing the frame of the school building to give the idea of its original size and structure.

It was emphasised that before starting the construction, research should be conducted to determine the state and safety of the foundation and the specific features of the soil. The first activities could already take place this summer, assuming that preparation works (such as cleaning the foundation from excess underwood) will start in the spring. The participants agreed that professionals should be included in the process to make sure the solution of the temporary or stationary urban space is comprehensive. It is also important to consider and plan for resources to ensure the sustainability of the object(s) (maintenance, possible repair works, servicing etc.).

Maintenance and development of the orchard

In addition to the Nehatu school ruins, there is also a historical orchard that has remained to this day. Among fruit trees there are mainly wild apples, but also cherry, plum and damson trees growing in the orchard. Even though the fruit trees are already quite old and don’t probably bear a lot of fruit, the orchard is still important for its local historical heritage and unique landscape. The fruit trees also increase biodiversity, provide food for birds and pollinators and are highly decorative during the blooming season.

In previous discussions, participants have agreed that the state of the orchard should be evaluated before its maintenance can take place. There have been negotiations with Tallinn Botanic Garden, who will provide an overview regarding the vegetation of the area. Another plan is to cooperate with Tallinn University to analyse the quality and hydrogeological state of the soil.

In any case, existing fruit trees require pruning. First activities could already start in early spring and continued throughout the summer. It is possible to organise tree pruning in a format of workshops for local residents, involving experts from Tallinn Botanic Garden, residents who are familiar with pruning techniques and gardening students from vocational schools (such as Kopli Vocational School). As some local residents know a lot about the trees in the orchard, their knowledge and participation is especially valuable.

There was also a suggestion to collect materials (scions) from existing fruit trees to grow new specimens that could replace the old ones. In regards to new vegetation, participants also discussed planting fruit bushes (such as gooseberry crops) and building planting boxes for herbs and edible plants (similarly to Priisle community garden, view photo on the left). To carry out the latter idea, it is necessary to find out how many people from the neighbourhood would be willing to take care of the plants. Cooperation with local schools and kindergartens should also be considered. Collecting rainwater and using the water from the seasonal wetland in the area could serve as possible solutions to ensure proper irrigation.

To encourage locals to participate in orchard maintenance, participants agreed to install an information board that describes different ways and gives instructions on how everyone can contribute to the orchard activity (how to water plants or contacts in case of a problem).

Based on Tallinn’s previous positive experience and the historical photo of Nehatu school portraying beehives next to the fruit trees (view photo below), there was also a proposal to add a beehive to the orchard. As an alternative approach, the beehive could be mounted on top of a tree. However, it was emphasised that safety risks must be seriously considered for this kind of solution.

Considering that Vormsi green area is already a popular playing area for local children, younger residents are also considered an important target group. One possible solution that was mentioned is cooperating with Lasnamäe youth centre and mobile youth workers to organise a summer camp for building huts. The branches from pruned fruit trees can be used as building material. Another idea is to create different interactive tasks and challenges, such as “find as many species of fruit and plants as possible”.

Participants also discussed possible green wall solutions to reduce the noise and pollution coming from Narva road (view examples on photos below). It was agreed that there are two possible solutions: (1) to reduce noise by building a concrete wall with vertical vegetation (such as vines) and (2) planting different types of bushes and trees to separate the main road from the green area.

Environmental education activities

After the destruction of the Nehatu school building, the Vormsi green area has been developing on its own without significant human intervention. Therefore, some parts of the landscape are full of dense and high vegetation, creating a wild, almost forest-like urban scenery. Along with different fruit trees, the ruins of the school building and the seasonal wetland, the environment of the green area composes a diverse landscape.

To improve the accessibility of the area, one of the main activities should include mapping of the dense network of pedestrian paths created by locals over time (view photo below). It is necessary to identify the paths that are most often used as well as paths that are difficult to access during thaw and rainfalls (view photo below). To improve the state of the paths, participants suggested covering the paths with natural mulch. Herewith, developing adequate accessibility for wheelchairs or baby carriages was considered as one biggest challenge.

The discussion also focused on the aforementioned suggestion of installing information boards next to the paths that would provide information about local biodiversity. As an interactive element, there was a proposal to create a sensory path with different natural materials  (similar to the one in Miiamilla Children’s Museum, view photo below). It was also suggested to use geocaching or other similar adventure games as an interactive outdoor activity. Similarly to other groups, the idea of building an outdoor learning space on top of school ruins was mentioned once again. Involvement of nearby educational institutions and their students in all stages of development and implementation of these ideas was seen as a crucial aspect. 

General suggestions and observations

All three groups shared some similar ideas.

For instance, all participants agreed that a delicate planning approach and preservation of the natural environment are the basis for any interventions. One of the challenges that was mentioned the most relates to safety. Local residents are worried that after maintenance, the green area may also become an attractive gathering spot for drunks and other groups who disturb public order (incl. vandalism). As prevention measures participants suggested adding appropriate lighting, installing trash bins and organising regular events to establish social control. It was also mentioned that although the area will be more accessible and active, as a negative consequence it might also become more noisy. 

Regarding proposed solutions, participants also identified two main target groups: adult residents and local youth and children (including children and staff of nearby schools and kindergartens).

It was emphasised throughout discussions that in development of further activities and interventions, regular communication with the local community as well as representatives of other target groups is continuously crucial. Involvement of local residents in every development stage and keeping the cooperation network updated ensures that the process is transparent and people can actively participate. Implementation of a well-thought-out collaboration process supports development of a sense of ownership among locals regarding the area, which in turn reduces the risk of vandalism.

Further activities

Previously organised discussions provide valuable input for future activities. Further steps include organisation of smaller meetings with youth workers, local educational institutions and the Lasnamäe City District Administration to discuss in greater detail proposed ideas and their possible implementation.

At the same time we will move forward with the organisation of a fruit tree pruning workshop taking place in early spring. In addition, we are negotiating and making agreements to gather relevant background knowledge on the area (analysis of soil and flora, dendrology etc.).

Information on these and other activities will be shared to all, who have shared their email contacts with us (if you wish to join our mailing list, please contact [email protected]). In addition, we will also share regular updates on the homepage and Facebook page of Competence Centre of International Projects.

We also invite everyone to join Facebook group “Vormsi roheala”, where anyone interested in development of the Vormsi green area can discuss and share ideas.

If you have any other ideas or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact us by email at [email protected].