Tallinn’s nature conservation areas now have a dedicated ranger
Starting this spring, Tallinn has appointed a nature ranger responsible for maintenance and landscape care in local conservation areas and the Paljassaare Special Conservation Area, as well as for the restoration and upkeep of species-rich meadows.
The ranger looks after the Merimetsa, Harku Forest, and Pääsküla Bog conservation areas, along with the Paljassaare area, by carrying out regular maintenance and landscaping tasks. They also ensure the good condition of directional signs, birdwatching towers, and other small infrastructure. Their duties include restoring and maintaining biodiverse meadows, removing graffiti, and updating information boards and signs in cooperation with the Tallinn Urban Environment and Public Works Department.
"The ranger takes care of the forests, bogs, and conservation areas in Tallinn. This includes everything from maintaining boardwalks and wooden bridges to removing illegal graffiti and more," explained Tallinn Deputy Mayor Pärtel-Peeter Pere.
During the peak visitor season—from 15 March to 15 November—the ranger checks key routes in the protected areas on a weekly basis, and during the winter season, once a month. While making rounds, the ranger also picks up small litter and, if necessary, involves the district government’s public order specialist. In the case of more serious issues such as vandalism or illegal dumping, the ranger notifies the district government, Urban Environment and Public Works Department, or municipal police, and organizes clean-up efforts.
In addition, the ranger monitors the Paljassaare birdwatching tower, where the city has installed an observation binocular for viewing coastal birds. For visitor safety, the ranger has already repaired the tower’s railings and added new information boards.
"In spring, we’ve been preparing with the ranger for the restoration and maintenance of several meadows. Tallinn has many wonderful meadows that serve as habitats for typical meadow plants and animals, including threatened and protected species. At our latitude, meadows quickly become overgrown without regular care. So overall, the ranger’s role is very hands-on and essential for maintaining the good condition of the city’s conservation areas," said Meelis Uustal, Head of the Environmental Protection Division of the Tallinn Urban Environment and Public Works Department.
Photos: In summer, the city also involves student work brigades in meadow restoration.
Photo by: Matis Mägi.
"The ranger takes care of the forests, bogs, and conservation areas in Tallinn. This includes everything from maintaining boardwalks and wooden bridges to removing illegal graffiti and more," explained Tallinn Deputy Mayor Pärtel-Peeter Pere.
During the peak visitor season—from 15 March to 15 November—the ranger checks key routes in the protected areas on a weekly basis, and during the winter season, once a month. While making rounds, the ranger also picks up small litter and, if necessary, involves the district government’s public order specialist. In the case of more serious issues such as vandalism or illegal dumping, the ranger notifies the district government, Urban Environment and Public Works Department, or municipal police, and organizes clean-up efforts.
In addition, the ranger monitors the Paljassaare birdwatching tower, where the city has installed an observation binocular for viewing coastal birds. For visitor safety, the ranger has already repaired the tower’s railings and added new information boards.
"In spring, we’ve been preparing with the ranger for the restoration and maintenance of several meadows. Tallinn has many wonderful meadows that serve as habitats for typical meadow plants and animals, including threatened and protected species. At our latitude, meadows quickly become overgrown without regular care. So overall, the ranger’s role is very hands-on and essential for maintaining the good condition of the city’s conservation areas," said Meelis Uustal, Head of the Environmental Protection Division of the Tallinn Urban Environment and Public Works Department.
Photos: In summer, the city also involves student work brigades in meadow restoration.
Photo by: Matis Mägi.