The recently established Tahvonlahti ridge nature reserve consists of about four hectares in Laajasalo, near Stansvik Manor. The area includes Helsinki’s only well-preserved and scenically intact esker. A part of the surrounding beach is Baltic Sea sandy beach, a nationally endangered habitat.
The stairs and rope fence will be installed in the nature reserve during the summer to help curb the erosion already quite visible in the area. The access control is to allow the slope vegetation of the ridge to recover and prevent the change of the geological shape of the ridge.
The stairs will be built at the tip of Tahvonlahdenniemi. The rope fence will be installed near the stairs to guide people to descend from the ridge to the shore along the stairs. As it stands, people go to the beach freely along the slope.
The construction work will cause temporary disturbance to the visitors in the area. Some routes will have to be closed during the work.
The contractor for the works is the City of Helsinki Environmental Services, and Stara will carry out the work according to the Tahvonlahti ridge nature reserve management and utilisation plan.
The Tahvonlahti ridge nature reserve is located near the new Kruunuvuorenranta residential areas. Kruunuvuorenranta is to have housing for about 13,000 people. The bridge and tram connection to Laajasalo, to be completed in 2027, will make the area more accessible also from the direction of the city centre. Developing the routes and access control in the green and recreational areas helps to prepare for an increase in the number of visitors and prevent the wear and tear of vegetation.