There are a thousand semi-natural grassland managers working in Estonia, caring for nearly 420 square kilometres of grassland and meadows through mowing and grazing, diversifying agriculture and through their work ensuring that Estonia’s traditional rural and natural environment does not disappear, but is well cared for and maintained.

Among the 14 nominated managers, Kalmer Visnapuu from Lääne-Viru County, Veiko Ülejõe from Rapla County, Krista and Vallo Vilta from Lääne County, and Linda and Koit Tikk from Hiiu County, were recognised. In addition, we recognised small entrepreneur Ulvi Koov and her sons from Lahemaa.

While only 0.91% of Estonia’s territory is currently managed as semi-natural grassland, it is estimated that up to 40% of the territory of the country, or 1.8 million hectares, was covered by heritage meadows at the beginning of the 20th century. Such a significant loss will result in the extinction of thousands of species. Without dedicated caregivers, these habitats would disappear altogether, taking meadow species from our landscapes with them.


Kalmer Visnapuu

Kalmer is a seventh-generation farmer and livestock farmer in his soul, who tends 62.8 hectares of wooded meadows, grasslands on mineral soils and wooded pastures. In addition, he grazes his herds in meadows outside of protected areas and is planning to expand his activities within protected areas. The wooded meadow of the Mädapea oak stand, maintained by Kalmer, is like an oasis of biodiversity in the middle of large-scale agricultural production in Viru County.

Kalmer deserves recognition because he has a clear vision for the environmentally sound and sustainable management of not only heritage meadows, but of agriculture as a whole. As an active contributor and spokesperson in this area, he is an ideal partner for the Environmental Board. He is able to justify his activities and conservation objectives when talking to local people and meeting with international experts alike.

Vallo and Krista Vilta

In 2006, the Vilta family began to restore and care for 2.66 hectares of wooded meadows in the home of their ancestors. Over the years, the farm, family and areas have grown, and Vallo and Krista are now the largest and most experienced managers of flooded wooded meadows in Lääne County. They care for 114.43 hectares of flooded wooded meadows, along with 61.58 hectares of other meadows.
The areas cared for by this family of organic producers are home to Saussurea alpina subsp. esthonica belonging to protection category II. Large areas are also home to Pedicularis sceptrum-carolinum, and least eight different types of orchids, the Siberian iris, Viola uliginosa, and Myrica gale.

The Vilta family are set apart by their dedication, conscientiousness, exemplary care, and nature-friendly thinking and action, making them worthy of recognition.

Veiko Ülejõe

Veiko botanically cares for a ten-hectare wooded meadow in the Maidla-Iganõmme limited conservation area in Rapla County. The enthusiasm, imagination and creativity with which he restores and cares for his wooded meadows is worthy of recognition! Veiko is the team leader of the Märjamaa fire and rescue station and a valued cooperation partner in both the local community and with authorities. He kindly hosts guests from near and far on his wooded meadow, and is always ready to introduce them to the natural values, work, and activities of his wooded meadow, as well as the techniques needed to maintain natural communities.

He is helping other managers all the time who need to remove stones, grind stumps or harvest hay. It’s definitely worth a call! As the Iganõmme wooded meadow is owned by two people, we cannot forget to mention Ulve, Veiko’s neighbour, when praising Veiko.

Linda and Koit Tikk (Risttee Farm)

Together with their children and 300 Estonian-breed horses, Linda and Koit maintain semi-natural grassland communities from the Käina Bay-Kassari Landscape Reserve to the Peipsiveere Nature Reserve. Altogether, they manage 754 hectares of valuable landscapes across Estonia.

Linda and Koit deserve recognition because they have created a strong family where knowledge, work practices, and the love of nature are passed down through the generations and generously shared with outsiders. Thanks to their support and leadership, many coastal and Arunian meadows, wooded pastures, alvar and swampy meadows have been restored in Estonia. They are reliable cooperation partners who actively participate in training sessions, meetings and information days, and make proposals on ways to improve the efficiency of the field. They are happy to lend their animals to landowners who wish to maintain meadows found on their land.

Tikk family is responsible for patiently and kindly bring urbanised people back to nature, whether through horseback riding or other activities, and who recognise the most important thing – what you love must be kept close to your heart and protected as your main priority. Investing in Estonian nature is a matter of pride and privilege.

Linda and Koit Tikk also received votes from readers of weekly magazine Maaleht. A total of 1,300 votes were cast in favour of the laureates. Twenty-nine per cent of the votes went to the Tikk family.

Ulvi Koov, Richard and Heinrich Liis

Ulvi Koov and her sons, Richard and Heinrich Liis, look after 15 hectares of coastal meadows and wooded pastures in Lahemaa. Twenty Scottish mountain cattle help with the maintenance.

Ulvi’s family business is a collective effort, with each member contributing their expertise in areas such as grazing, fence construction, paperwork, recipe development and product innovation. However, the family’s primary focus is on maintaining their golden herd and preserving the natural environment. This ensures that the village continues to thrive, and guarantees the vitality, continuity and growth of the community.

In her production, Ulvi has adopted the philosophy of using everything from the tail to the horns. Local Lahemaa restaurants and Fotografiska, which are known for their green thinking, use these raw ingredients to enhance their menus. The local community can purchase a variety of beef products, including burgers, sausages, nuts and minced meat. The hides are tanned for use in the home and for sale.

Ulvi is also a village elder and an active member of the community. She is affectionate and hospitable, and always keen to learn. Her actions are worthy of recognition because she contributes to nature conservation in a very important way, out of the goodness of her heart, and without expecting anything in return.

Managers of heritage meadows were recognised for the third time. Previous winners can be found here and here.