The City of Helsinki manages approximately 1,000 hectares of meadows and over 300 hectares of landscape fields. The guidelines for the management of these areas are outdated in many respects, and it is time to update the management principles. The principles set out general guidelines for the future management of Helsinki's meadows and landscape fields.
Meadows and landscape fields are important for recreation, biodiversity and the landscape
Meadows occur both naturally and as a result of human activity. They either remain open naturally, such as rocky and coastal meadows, or are kept open through management measures. Landscape fields are fields that the City cultivates for the enjoyment of its residents. The City cultivates useful and landscape plants, such as flowers and peas, on its landscape fields.
Meadows are important for maintaining biodiversity and provide habitats for many plants, insects and birds. The landscapes created by open spaces are an integral part of old cultural environments. Meadows also provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and nature observation throughout the year. They also play an important role in adapting to climate change.
Voice your opinion about management measures
The establishment, management and maintenance of meadows and landscape fields entail costs. The most common and inexpensive method is to mow the area once or twice a summer and leave the mowing waste on site. Meadows and landscape fields can also be maintained by means such as grazing, but this is more expensive. The removal of mowing waste increases management costs, particularly if it contains invasive alien species.
The City will update the management principles in collaboration with researchers, nature organisations and residents. The views of residents and stakeholders increase the City's understanding of what types of management measures people consider to be important. You can share your opinion during the meadow walk or by responding to the survey.
Come and discuss meadow management on August 25
A discussion on meadow management and its principles will take place during a meadow walk on 25 August. The walk will introduce participants to different types of meadows in the areas of Vartiokylä and Mellunkylä. The meadow walk is suitable for anyone interested in meadow management. Read more and sign up for the walk on the event page (Link leads to external service) (in Finnish).
The survey examines how Helsinki residents spend their time in meadows and landscape fields, what kinds of management measures they would like to see and how they would be willing to participate in meadow management. The survey is open until 7 September at the the website kerrokantasi.hel.fi.
