The agile reed climber
The harvest mouse is the smallest mouse in Finland. The common reed, on the other hand, is the tallest grass species in Finland. In the area around Villa Elfvik, you can find both of these species.
The harvest mouse is tiny, about the size of an empty matchbox in terms of both weight and length. Its tail is as long as the rest of its body.
The harvest mouse lives among grasses and reeds. Being lightweight and agile and able to use its tail skilfully, it can climb up grass stalks all the way to the top to feed on the seeds.
The harvest mouse’s nest is round, about the size of a tennis ball, and made of grass, leaves and straws.
“A harvest mouse can have as many as three litters during the summer. Its population is at its highest in late summer,” says Katri Luukkonen, Planning Officer at Nature House Villa Elfvik.
The common reed can grow as tall as three metres during the growing season. In Estonia, it has even been used as a traditional roofing material.
Nature House Villa Elfvik’s nature trail runs amongst the reeds, and when there is no snow, it is also accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
“We advise you to move quietly in the reeds. Then you may hear the sounds of birds feeding there, including the bearded reedling and reed bunting. If you’re really lucky, you might see a harvest mouse swinging on the tip of a reed,” Luukkonen says.
In late summer, the reeds form a wall-like growth, so walking in the area is an exciting experience, particularly in August. The reed wall blocks the wind, and you cannot see through it. It’s a warm and quiet corridor.
Did you know that...?
- For the Väinö the Crow nature trail, you can borrow a booklet and task basket from the Nature House, familiarising you with the life of Väinö the Crow through stories and play.
- For the Nature Sanctuary nature trail, the Nature House offers activity booklets (in Finnish) for 5–8-year-olds and 9–12-year-olds.
- Easy-to-read versions of the nature trail board texts and the Väinö the Crow booklet are available at the Nature House.
Nature House Villa Elfvik and Laajalahti Nature Reserve
Elfvikintie 4
Ruukinranta
Villa Elfvik's website.
Text: Minna Saano
This article was originally published in the Espoo-lehti magazine 2/2025. Read other Espoo-lehti articles.