Arbeit
This project aims on enhancing the feeding and nesting grounds of the endangered Baltic dunlin in Silma Nature Reserve and the Kaina Bay Landscape Protection Area. In both regions the coastal meadows will be cleared from bushes and juniper trees. Typical working hours per day 6 hours per day (for example: 9 -12 and 13-16). The last day of the conservation holiday is reserved for exploring the local surroundings. In the evenings of the working days - sauna, camp fires, hiking, etc will be organized.
Unterkunft und Verpflegung
Simple shared accommodation in both places. Volunteers need their own sleeping bag. You may take a tent, if you wish to have more privacy. All food is included except lunch on day for travelling. You will cook your own food (ingredients are provided) most of the time, but some days the food will be cooked by locals.
Lage und Freizeit
Hiiumaa is Estonia s second largest island. Together with its 200 islets, Kassari being the largest, the area of Hiiumaa is 1,023 km2. The shape of Hiiumaa resembles a cross, with Tahkuna in the north, Kopu Peninsula and Ristna in the west, Soru in the south, and Sarve in the east. There are numerous peninsulas, with Kopu and Tahkuna being the largest. Due to plenty of indentations, the coastline is quite long i approximately 365 km. There are numerous bays between the peninsulas. Among the counties of Estonia, Hiiumaa boasts the biggest percentage of forests i 67 of its area is covered with woods. The highest point is Tornimagi (68m above sea level). Hiiumaa s landscapes are varied, because the surface has risen from the sea at different times and development stages. The varied topography, surface, soils and maritime climate have led to the diversified vegetation i approximately 1,000 species of vascular plants grow here. Kaina Bay i Kassari Landscape Protection Area covers 5,652 ha, 915 ha of which lies beneath Kaina Bay. The values of the area are its juniper stands, old deciduous forests, well-managed wooded meadows, coastal meadows, shingle beach ridges, and the cape of Saaretirp. Kaina Bay, with the average depth of 0.5 m, is well-known for its stock of medicinal mud. There are 15 islets, several reed beds, and Hiiumaa s most important breeding and stop-over sites of waterfowl. 192 species of birds stop or breed on the bay www.visitestonia.com/en/where-to-go/islands/
Wer organisiert das Projekt?
The aim of this camp organised in cooperation with the Estonian Fund of Nature (ELF) is management of Baltic dunlin s habitats in coastal meadows of Silma Nature Reserve in West-Estonia and landscape reserve of Kaina Bay on the islands of Hiiumaa and Kassari. The Baltic dunlin (Calidris alpina schinzii) is a small wader whose numbers in Estonia have declined rapidly during the last decades. It is estimated that about 150 pairs of Baltic dunlins are still nesting in Estonia. One of the reasons behind the downfall of the local population is that coastal meadows that have been traditionally used for herding have fallen out of use in modern agriculture. Thus, the coastal meadows are full of bushes and reed or have high vegetation due to artificial drainages. The Baltic dunlins, however, require an open landscape with puddles and low vegetation for feeding and nesting. These birds and their nests are also hunted by predators such as foxes, raccoon dogs and hooded crows. In order to protect the Estonian population of Baltic dunlins, the management of coastal meadows is essential.ELF s conservation work camps project, which is carried out from 1998, has two main goals. One is to carry out conservation work in nature parks and protected areas and second is to bring people closer to nature, to promote environment-friendly and sustainable lifestyle. https://www.flickr.com/photos/134759698@N04/sets/72157657269621056/
Anforderungen
Special requirementsYou have to bring working clothes, warm clothes as nights can be rather chilly, wet weather clothing, closed boots or/and wellingtons, sleeping bag, swimwear, towel, inspect spray. Necessary tools and cloves provided by ELF.Participation fee You are kindly asked to contribute 50 Euro towards cost of board, lodging, programme and administration. The fee has to be paid by volunteers either by bank transfer before the beginning of the camp or to host upon arrival to the camp. This fee goes to the Estonian Nature Fund.