Pääsküla bog restoration continues this summer
Tallinn is continuing the restoration of Pääsküla Bog. Over ten weekends, residents are invited to help block drainage ditches in the bog to raise the groundwater level and support the return of the unique wetland ecosystem.
This summer marks the fourth year of volunteer efforts in the Pääsküla Bog conservation area. With the help of shovels and hard work, volunteers close ditches to raise the water level, creating conditions for the return of typical bog vegetation.
“Pääsküla Bog is a wonderful place to refresh both body and mind in nature. To improve accessibility, the city is building additional boardwalks in wetter areas of the bog. The goal is to make it more comfortable for residents to enjoy the outdoors,” said Pärtel-Peeter Pere, Deputy Mayor of Tallinn.
“Nearly 20 dams have already been built on the bog’s drainage ditches, and visitors to Pääsküla Bog can clearly see that they are working—raising the water level by up to a metre,” explained Meelis Uustal, Head of the Nature Conservation Division at Tallinn’s Urban Environment and Public Works Department. “The first changes show we are on the right track. Around the dams, we’re seeing early developments in the vegetation and bog landscape: peat moss is thriving in the ditches, and tiny insectivorous sundews – a species typical of bogs – have appeared unexpectedly,” Uustal added.
Restoration work is carried out in accordance with the Pääsküla Bog management plan, which outlines a staged approach over an extended period. This year, most of the ditches in the first project phase are scheduled to be closed.
The dams are built by hand. It is important to proceed gradually to protect the area’s natural value and avoid disturbing the well-used recreational areas. Simple hand tools are used for the work, such as shovels, hand saws, and pruning shears.
Bog restoration events will take place on weekends from mid-July to October: 12 July, 9 August, 16 August, 17 August, 30 August, 6 September, 7 September, 13 September, 4 October, and 11 October. The work begins at 9 a.m., but participants can also join later by prior arrangement. “Volunteer team leaders will provide on-site training and the necessary tools. The restoration work is manageable even for older school-aged youth, who can use their participation to fulfil community practice requirements. Soup will be provided to all volunteers,” said biodiversity expert and volunteer coordinator Lauri Klein.
Background:
• Pääsküla Bog and the surrounding forest form one of Tallinn’s largest continuous and biodiverse green areas. The 274.3-hectare protected area is home to 65 protected species, including 17 species of orchids.
• The first bog restoration workdays in Pääsküla took place in September 2022.
• Volunteers can register at www.tallinn.ee/talgud, where additional information is also available.
“Pääsküla Bog is a wonderful place to refresh both body and mind in nature. To improve accessibility, the city is building additional boardwalks in wetter areas of the bog. The goal is to make it more comfortable for residents to enjoy the outdoors,” said Pärtel-Peeter Pere, Deputy Mayor of Tallinn.
“Nearly 20 dams have already been built on the bog’s drainage ditches, and visitors to Pääsküla Bog can clearly see that they are working—raising the water level by up to a metre,” explained Meelis Uustal, Head of the Nature Conservation Division at Tallinn’s Urban Environment and Public Works Department. “The first changes show we are on the right track. Around the dams, we’re seeing early developments in the vegetation and bog landscape: peat moss is thriving in the ditches, and tiny insectivorous sundews – a species typical of bogs – have appeared unexpectedly,” Uustal added.
Restoration work is carried out in accordance with the Pääsküla Bog management plan, which outlines a staged approach over an extended period. This year, most of the ditches in the first project phase are scheduled to be closed.
The dams are built by hand. It is important to proceed gradually to protect the area’s natural value and avoid disturbing the well-used recreational areas. Simple hand tools are used for the work, such as shovels, hand saws, and pruning shears.
Bog restoration events will take place on weekends from mid-July to October: 12 July, 9 August, 16 August, 17 August, 30 August, 6 September, 7 September, 13 September, 4 October, and 11 October. The work begins at 9 a.m., but participants can also join later by prior arrangement. “Volunteer team leaders will provide on-site training and the necessary tools. The restoration work is manageable even for older school-aged youth, who can use their participation to fulfil community practice requirements. Soup will be provided to all volunteers,” said biodiversity expert and volunteer coordinator Lauri Klein.
Background:
• Pääsküla Bog and the surrounding forest form one of Tallinn’s largest continuous and biodiverse green areas. The 274.3-hectare protected area is home to 65 protected species, including 17 species of orchids.
• The first bog restoration workdays in Pääsküla took place in September 2022.
• Volunteers can register at www.tallinn.ee/talgud, where additional information is also available.