- en
Helsinki presents meadow management plan to support biodiversity
Helsinki presented plans for temporary management of meadows to support biodiversity and stop overgrowth.
Headed by Mayor of Helsinki Jan Vapaavuori, the city pointed out that the plan will also restore open areas important for populations of insects and birds.
The meadows in the northeast of Helsinki have not been mowed regularly in recent years and are starting to overgrow, with city authorities stressing the importance of preserving and maintaining vegetation.
The temporary management project is to start in November with mowing and continue through winter. Helsinki stressed that the goal is to remove sedges from meadows to prevent overgrowth and added that the project is in line with broader environmental plans.
The project will be adapted as needed, depending on results of surveys of the areas in question, with Helsinki authorities reminding that surveys of the area are conducted regularly. The city opened the area to the public for recreation in February this year.
Besides preserving natural values in the area, Helsinki authorities are also planning to install recreational equipment and build playgrounds to serve the residents. In addition, authorities plan to build an observation tower near the meadows as requested by the residents.
As part of a new spatial plan, Helsinki will build approximately 13,500 new apartments in the area to house roughly 25,000 people. Authorities are currently planning the housing project and pointed out that construction will take from 25 to 30 years.
(Photo credit: Stephan Eickschen / Unsplash)
