COASTAL GRASSLANDS AT SILMA NATURE RESERVE

Marko Valker

Silma Õpikoda

INTRODUCTION

• The largest coastal meadows in Estonia are located in the Silma nature reserve;
• Traditional agriculture is necessary to preserve coastal meadows;

HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

• At the beginning of the 20th century, practically all coastal areas were grazed;
• In some coastal areas, reed beds were protected from livestock;
• Since the 1960s, the area of coastal meadows began to decrease rapidly;
• Compared to the beginning of the 20th century, 1% of Estonian coastal meadows have been preserved

​

​

​

Farm in Matsalu National Park (ca1930)

THE IMPORTANCE OF COASTAL MEADOWS

• Coastal meadows are very species-rich communities;
• 26% of Estonian plant species grow on coastal meadows;
• Coastal meadows are breeding grounds for very rare bird species

EXAMPLES OF RARE SPECIES

Natterjack Toad

Southern Dunlin

Black-tailed Godwit

NATURE CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES

• Restoration of the coastal meadows of the Silma Nature Reserve was started 20 years ago;
• Farmers receive financial support for grazing coastal areas;
• Protecting nature also helps preserve rural life;

SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF COASTAL AREAS

SILMA ÕPIKODA

• Introducing nature to children helps protect wetlands in the future;
• We have nature programs from kindergarten through high school;
• Approximately 3,000 children visit us annually;

WHAT WE WILL DO NEXT?

• We form groups of 4 members;
• The groups map the vegetation and reed distribution;
• We are evaluating the effect of grazing on reed growth and species richness;
• We will photograph our research area and activities for later presentation.