The final Latvian Fund for Nature Open Meadow Day of this season took place on 8 August in Skrīveri, at the “Piekrastes” farm in the Daugava Valley Nature Park. Together with grassland manager Jānis Kravalis, participants explored natural grassland management, went into the meadows to look for plants and specially protected species, and ended the day with a meal prepared by chef Rūdolfs Šteinbergs.
During a discussion about natural grassland management and restoration, Latvian Fund for Nature grassland expert Baiba Strazdiņa focused on why natural grasslands are important for conserving biodiversity and what is needed to maintain and restore their species diversity. Jānis Kravalis shared his own experience of managing the land and spoke about meadow management at “Piekrastes”.
After the discussion, participants headed into the meadows to explore the topics they had heard about in practice. During the walk, they explored the unmown sections of the meadows, paying attention to the plants growing there and their diversity. Particular attention was given to Armeria species and the specially protected cross Gentian — species whose presence indicates the ecological value of natural grasslands.
During the walk, participants also learned about natural grassland restoration methods, including rattle seeding, which is used at the “Piekrastes” farm. These semi-parasitic plants help suppress grasses and legumes, creating more space for other meadow plants and encouraging greater grassland diversity.
To explore meadow plant diversity in a practical way, participants also counted the species found within one square metre of meadow. A total of 30 plant species were recorded, clearly demonstrating how diverse a natural meadow can be even within a very small area. Meadow bingo encouraged participants to search for species and spot various meadow plants and other natural features.
For the conservation of natural grasslands, it is important not only to mow them and remove the cut vegetation, but also to understand the characteristics of each particular meadow and choose the most appropriate management methods. The “Piekrastes” meadows provided an opportunity to explore these principles in practice and see how the conservation of natural values can be combined with farming in the Daugava Valley Nature Park.
After the walk, participants enjoyed a picnic, continuing the meadow theme through food. Chef Rūdolfs Šteinbergs prepared dishes using meadow plants and products from local Latvian farmers — meat, cheese, honey and herbs. The menu included both warm, hearty dishes and a variety of snacks for tasting. Products from several natural meadow farmers were featured, including “Neganti gardi”, the natural meadow beef range of Cēsu gaļas kombināts, Iluta Straģe’s sheep’s cheese, and Sanita Matule’s meadow seasoning.
This was the final Open Meadow Day of the season. Throughout the summer, the Latvian Fund for Nature invited people to explore different meadows across Latvia and meet the people who care for them, sharing experience of nature-friendly, knowledge-based land management.
The Latvian Fund for Nature would like to thank Jānis Kravalis for hosting the event at the “Piekrastes” farm and sharing his experience; grassland experts Baiba Strazdiņa, Zane Līkā and Līga Gavare for sharing their knowledge and expertise; chef Rūdolfs Šteinbergs for creating the flavours of the meadow; and everyone who joined the Open Meadow Days this summer!
See you in the meadows again next season!
Photos by Roberts Georgs and Estere Fimbauere.