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In the framework of the "LIFE IP ForEst&FarmLand" project, the University of Tartu Landscape Biodiversity Workgroup has completed a guide on, planting hedges and shrub strips, aiming to provide recommendations on how to increase biodiversity in agricultural landscapes.

From September 12 to 14, the Baltic and Scandinavian people could be seen in Nuuksio National Park, interacting with each other vividly and exploring the natural treasures of the area. The annual meeting of the LIFE project teams from the Baltic States and Scandinavia was held to promote cooperation between the countries, exchange experiences and provide orientation on the new rules of the LIFE programme.

For the fourth year in a row, the project "LIFE IP ForEst&FarmLand" has supported the Estonian Nature Foundation's voluntary work for the restoration of the alvars on the island of Kesselaid.

This summer, tests to control four large-growing alien species — knotweeds, false spiraea, goldenrods and snowberry — started by using innovative methods, including geotextile coating and hot steam treatment! Two of these species, goldenrods and knotweeds, are invasive alien species, the cultivation and distribution of which is prohibited in Estonia! But the two others, the false spiraea and the snowberry, form life-

The training day was for those who, when applying for support from the Agricultural Registers and Information Board (PRIA) for maintaining semi-natural grasslands, also chose to participate in an additional paid activity – the assessment of the nature conservation assets of the grassland.

This spring, the Nature Conservation Biology Working Group of the University of Tartu monitored 22 pairs of meadow waders nesting in coastal meadows and the hatching rate of nests in 19 project areas. In five coastal meadows, the hatching rate exceeded the limit necessary for the reproduction of the population. It gives us hope that we are on the right track to improve the well-being of the meadow waders.

In June we hosted LIFE programme liaison officers from 18 European countries in the oak forests of Mädapea, at the ponds which are home to the common spadefoot toad, introducing them to the restoration of small bodies of water and attempting to save the population of the common spadefoot toad and the great crested newt.