Description

Alam-Pedja nature reserve lies in the heart of Estonia, far from the bustle of Tallinn. This ancient floodplain forms part of the wider wetland system of Lake Výrtsjärv. The beauty of the area is in its stillness and peace - a far cry from its use during the soviet era as a military training ground.

It's this quirk of history however, that has created an almost uninhabited and untouched natural area and on these holidays we'll have the very rare opportunity to work within it, alongside local people and Estonian volunteers helping to preserve the traditional management practices that have favoured a vast array of wildlife.

Who we're working with
Estonian Fund for Nature (Eestimaa Looduse Fond, ELF) is a young and dynamic non-profit, non-governmental environmental organisation established in 1991. ELF's goal is to preserve natural diversity and to advocate a healthy environment in Estonia.

BTCV and ELF have worked together for many years during which time ELF have developed one of the best conservation volunteer programmes in Europe.

Where we're working
Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve is a vast wilderness area with a complex of five large mires separated by unregulated rivers, floodplain meadows and extensive forests.

Nearly half of the area was closed from 1952 through to the early 1990s and kept as a training area for the Soviet air forces, leaving nature for the most part to develop according to its own laws. Much of the largely wetland area is impassable for humans, no roads traverse the area and there are few settlements in or around the area. Presently, there are only 10-15 permanent human inhabitants.

Nonetheless, three trails have been developed for visitors and nature education activities within the area. Much of the bogs and forested areas are open for berry pickers and mushroom gatherers in the late summer and autumn.

Alam-Pedja is home to a plethora of animals and plants: 640 species of fungi, 461 of vascular plants, 19 of fish, two of reptiles, six of amphibians, 193 of birds, and 43 of mammals have been recorded. The reserve offers a sanctuary for many rare species such as the white-tailed eagle, greater spotted eagle, great snipe, and corncrake all of whose survival are connected to the existence of suitable floodplain habitats.

Since 1997, Alam-Pedja has been recognised as a wetland of international importance and is a designated Ramsar site. In 2004 it was designated as a Natura 2000 site.

The Palupýhja Nature School is located within the reserve - an old schoolhouse, run by a partnership of Charitable organisations as a base for environmental education activities.

What we'll be doing
As well as some core activities assisting with the development of the Palupýhja Nature School and the local community in general (assisting with renovation of outbuildings and fencing and cutting firewood), the main thrust of our work will be working to restore fish spawning grounds in the floodplain meadows by removing encroaching brushwood growth.

Benefits of our work
The floodplain complex in Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve is the second largest in Estonia and one of the largest still open floodplain complexes surviving in the whole of Europe. The cease in traditional management activities that have been practiced for centuries on the floodplain meadows - haymaking and grazing - threatens the reserves unique natural values.

This is critical habitat protection work - preserving the meadow which is an important feeding area for migratory birds and other wildlife; and establishing and improving conditions for management and restoration of semi-natural habitats. A significant aspect of the work is the linkage between human activities and nature: ensuring traditional beneficial landscape management, abandoned during Soviet times, is started again.

Where we'll be staying
Our accommodation is in the village of Palupýhja by the River Emajýgi. Palupýhja, with a population of 12 is the only proper village in the nature reserve and lies amid acres of floodplains, swamp forests, bogs and a network of rivers.

Sleeping is in rooms of 2 - 8 in the charming little nature school, with mattresses provided. For those who love to be lulled to sleep with the sounds of wildlife, camping is also an option. You can bring your own tent, or rent on from us - let us know when booking.

A shower and the sauna are next door and the accommodation uses environmentally sound compost toilets. There's a great swimming site by the river 50m away.

We'll be self-catering as a group and in fine weather much of this we hope to do by campfire.

Magic moments
Iain, volunteer 2010: The hurricane was spectacular and clearing trees with the local guys and then sharing sauna fostered a real sense of belonging. Watching the sunset on the river barge on the final night. Enjoying sauna and endless swims in the river.

Kate, volunteer 2011: I really loved seeing a beaver in the wild - well three actually! Other wildlife included cranes, white tailed eagle, mink as well as lizards and many birds. More generally being completely in the wilderness - to the extent that transport to the work site was by boat. There was just no other way. No roads and too overgrown to walk. The place we lived was beautiful and the leaders and group were really lovely - without exception.

Very enjoyable, fun and interesting. Lots of lovely food, plenty to do and provided you don't mind getting a bit grubby and working hard for short periods, I would strongly recommend this holiday. In fact I already have!

Highlights

This holiday takes place in a remote and wild area, so the nightlife is what you make it - this is one for those who really want to get away from it all. However, as well as some fantastic bird and wildlife watching, several other optional activities are included in the holiday:

* boat-trip and canoeing on the Emajygi river - see beavers and other fantastic wildlife;
* a hiking tour of the Laeva peat-bog;
* a night walk to hear the wolves (wolves permitting!);
* a day off with sight-seeing and exploring in Tartu and southern Estonia - seeking out local cultural events;
* and any amount of swimming, fishing and traditional sauna you want.

Tallinn was European Capital of Culture in 2011, so tag on an extra couple of days and immerse yourself.

Qualifications

must be over 18. Previous experience not necessary

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

490 GBP

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Conservation
• Eco-tourism
• Environment

Age Range

18-80

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Other

Typically The Application Process Time is

n/a

BTCV's Mission Statement

A better environment where people are valued, included and involved. Mission: To create a more sustainable future by inspiring people and improving places. Values: BTCV's values are integral to all our work. They have been developed through four decades of a 'hands-on' approach to conservation activities. During this time we have adapted to meet the changing needs of communities, we care about people, the communities in which they live and the quality of their environment.

Year Founded

1959