Nature and meadows are also part of the urban environment
In recent years, the City of Espoo has taken steps towards supporting biodiversity in the urban environment as part of its green area maintenance activities. Areas that were previously maintained as lawns have been converted into meadows, and this year the timing of mowing has been deliberately delayed so that wildflowers can bloom undisturbed and support pollinators.
The city’s green area maintenance practices are based on modern values and goals, which emphasise the preservation of biodiversity and appreciation of natural beauty. The city has repeatedly received feedback that roadside verges and meadow areas are mowed just when the wildflowers and grasses are at their most beautiful. This year, mowing has been delayed so that the wildflowers can reach peak bloom. The damp summer weather has also contributed to exceptionally lush vegetation.
Delaying mowing is part of a broader goal to combat biodiversity loss. A neat, short lawn is no longer everyone’s preference for their local environment; more and more people value the wild beauty of nature and the diversity of habitats. Meadows make urban nature more diverse, while also increasing the variety of plants and wildlife.
Both meadows and lawns have a place in the urban environment
The City of Espoo converted areas previously maintained as lawns into meadows during the summer of 2022. These areas were either lightly used, grew poorly in unsuitable locations, or had good potential to develop into meadows. Lawns used for recreation, such as playing ball games, are still kept short.
One of the main reasons for increasing meadow areas has been the collapse of insect populations, which has also reduced bird populations. This development has occurred in a surprisingly short time. A natural meadow provides food and shelter for a large number of insects. For the same reason, roadside vegetation has been left to grow in certain areas, and wildflowers have been sown along streets. Espoo wants to provide a good home not only for people but also for other forms of life. For traffic safety reasons, however, vegetation is kept at an appropriate height.
The city also encourages people to participate in the ‘Our Park’ project, which allows residents to create small meadows on city-owned land by sowing wildflower seeds provided by the city. More information about the Our Park project can be found here: www.espoo.fi/en/our-park
Green area maintenance is based on a classification system
In Espoo, green areas are divided into different maintenance classes that define how and how often areas are maintained. On recreational green areas, vegetation is kept in good, lawn-like condition. Protection and transition areas have a natural appearance and a meadow-like atmosphere. This year, mowing in these areas has been delayed so that wildflowers have time to bloom and support pollinators in the best possible way.
Ticks are also found on mowed lawns
Many people associate ticks with long grass and untended lawns, but they are also found in well-maintained yards, forests and parks. Ticks thrive especially in moist and shady areas, and their numbers do not depend solely on the length of the grass.
Tick populations require intermediate hosts, such as hares, moles and deer. The movement of these animals in the area affects how many ticks are present.
Concerns about ticks are mainly due to the diseases they spread, but it is important to remember that most tick bites are harmless. Protective clothing reduces the risk of bites, and tick-borne encephalitis can be prevented with a vaccine.
The best and most effective way to prevent diseases transmitted by ticks is to make tick checks part of your daily evening routine. The sooner a tick is removed, the lower the risk of disease transmission.
Read more at: Nature-wise Espoo