This time, we visited the floodplains of Alam-Pedja, together with land managers, scientists and project participants, in search of the ideal landscape. We also examined the newly built raft Luhakass, which is used to transport animals between the floodplains of Alam-Pedja.

This year is exceptional; the meadows are still underwater, making their maintenance very difficult. Viljar Ilves, manager of Alam-Pedja, thought that, if the weather holds, it might be possible to begin mowing on 20 July. However, we already know that the weather did not hold, it continued to rain, and therefore mowing might not take place after all. Which reminds us that nature is unpredictable, and just as the peasants had to adapt to the weather in their day, so must we. The important thing is that we not be fined for adapting to weather conditions!!!!

Since Viljar Ilves is also participating in our pilot project together with his lands, which allows mowing to begin earlier in normal years than the time set forth in the support obligations, Siberian iris, as well as orchids, have started to grow in the area, which we were unable to determine this time due to the water level. The main change, however, is that whereas five years ago the project area was still a jungle and scrubland, now, thanks to technology, the lands are under management.

In particular, we were pleased that rural land managers from Muhu to Piirissaar had gathered in Alam-Pedja, that the restorers and managers of heritage meadows have developed into a viable organisation that keeps our rural life alive, and that all of us – scientists, officials and land managers – share the common goal of keeping heritage meadows alive.

Just as the Song Festival is our heritage, so are our meadows – we love them both. From the heart.