Tallinn Wood Key Habitat Trail invites schools to visit

A new trail combines information boards along the way with a virtual trail and a learning game to attract also younger generations to learn about the value of old-growth forests in the middle of the Estonian capital.

 

In October 2024, an innovative nature trail was inaugurated in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. The trail has been built between November 2023 and October 2024 as part of the Tallinn Old-growth Forest Trail project funded by BESTbelt. The trail's key habitat, the cliff forest, is unique to the Baltic Klint, that runs along the northern coast of Estonia as part of the European Green Belt.

As the trail is located in the middle of the city, with many existing paths and infrastructure, metal signage was specially designed to fit on rails and lampposts so as not to cause further disturbance to the natural environment. Comic-style images present key facts in a playful way, and QR codes link to further reading online. In addition, the trail has a virtual twin, offering the opportunity to explore a wider area and learn more about the values and importance of the habitat using a mobile phone.

The Estonian Fund for Nature invites all schools in Tallinn to visit the trail as part of their learning activities during the busiest season, when the leaves of ramsons fill the air with the distinct smell of garlic and the loud voices of different birds call to stop and listen. When the weather gets warmer, 8 species of bats can be seen flying at night. 

In the few winter months since the trail was opened, around 700 people have already used the trail, and many more visitors are to come and learn about wood key habitats and the European Green Belt in the future. 

For more information, please contact Laura Uibopuu laura.uibopuu(at)elfond.ee.