EURAXESS Estonia together with the Estonian Fund for Nature (ELF) and Environmental Board is glad to invite international researchers working at Estonian R&D institutions and their family members to a very special holiday (in Estonian talgud). This time, EURAXESS team offers to combine sightseeing in Matsalu National Park with some voluntary conservation work on the coastal meadows of Pärnu! The two-day event is scheduled for the 11th and 12th of May. Read more what we are going to go and where…
What is a coastal meadow and how can we help to restore it?
Coastal meadows are situated on the seashore: they are common in western Estonia and on the islands. Coastal meadows are characterised by very diverse and abundant bird fauna: these communities are favourable assembling places during the migration period for several goose and woodcock species. There are also wide variety of nesting species on coastal meadows. Unfortunately, nowadays the area of coastal meadows has strongly decreased because of the changes in the traditional use of coastal areas. More about costal meadow.
The total area of Pärnu coastal meadow is 371 hectares. It has been overgrown with reed after the grazing stopped there in 1970-80’s. In 2012, LIFE+ project “Urbancows“ was started to restore 250 hectares of coastal meadow. Last year cows grazed the area of 70 hectares. Our mission is to clean the grazing area of Pärnu coastal meadow from the rubbish brought there by the sea before cows come. Also, the ELF has a plan to expand the grazing area, so some help might be needed to build the fences. Our work on the spot will be coordinated by professionals from ELF.
Photo: EAS
On the second day, we will visit Matsalu National Park to see the restored meadows of that region. Matsalu is one of Europe’s most important stopover sites for migratory birds: hopefully, we will see lots of different bird species. More about Matsalu. No work is planned for the second day!
Registration deadline: 15th of April!
More information and registration