Ukrainian children studying in schools in Viimsi went to see Lahemaa, accompanied by two excellent guides – Hanno Zingel, nature conservation advisor to the Ministry of the Environment, and the legendary Anne Kurepalu. Around 35 children are spread between four schools, and there are also children who have to travel from a ship to the furthest side of the Viimsi peninsula every morning just to get to school! Many still live in hotels with their families.

But our day started in the Viru bog, where, after stepping off of the boardwalk, we immediately received a clear lesson on the nature of the bog, ending up crotch-deep in the bog. It continued in the Prehistoric Art Centre (a must-see for anyone who has not been there yet!), where the Ukrainian children demonstrated their quick wit. After that, we admired the changes that had taken place in the Sagadi manor garden and swung on the Altja village swing. The project manager swung first to demonstrate how it even works, and Anne gave instructions on how to survive while falling off the swing.

The day ended with the mandatory destinations of Käsmu. As expected, the village swing was chosen as the best attraction of the day (although onlookers were left with the impression that, regardless of age, everyone also enjoyed playing in the sandbox of the Sagadi vegetable garden). On the way back, there was a little pressure from the Ukrainians to see if they could do it all again right away! Fortunately, we are planning to organise a series of hikes also in autumn.