A magazine for Espoo residents 3-2020

pearl
Meadows are not
wasteland. Instead, they
have an ecologically and
culturally critical task
within the cityscape.
Text Mia Weckström Photos Eemeli Sarka ja iStock
Meadows are insects’ paradise
THE City of Espoo’s Nature Management
Unit has tended meadows all
over the city since the 1990s. Currently
there are almost a hundred
hectares to tend. Meadows are managed
by shredding, cutting and baling
using farm machines.
“How they are managed depends
on the meadow. We sow wildflower
seeds also on landscape fields in the
spring,” says Forester Tiina Peippo
from the Nature Management Unit.
The various meadows in Espoo
fall into four maintenance categories.
Landscape fields are fields with
wildflowers close to housing and
along roads. Landscape meadows
have scenic value or are used for
recreation. Areas and landscapes
kept open include ditch banks and
flood meadows. Valuable meadows
are traditional meadows, dry meadows,
cultural landscapes and objects
of protection.
“Meadows are important habitats
for many types of insects and pollinators.
In addition to wildflower meadows,
more natural open meadows
and grass areas are vital for many
threatened species. An open area is
not necessarily wasteland waiting to
be built on, but an important part of
the landscape that increases biodiversity,”
Peippo says.
24 A magazine for Espoo residents