Trail Reopens in Skaņākalns Nature Park After Upgrade Works
A section of trail along the Salaca River in Skaņākalns Nature Park, in Valmiera municipality, has reopened after infrastructure improvements. The work was part of a project funded by the Latvian Environmental Protection Fund.
A trail section in Skaņākalns Nature Park, in Valmiera municipality, Latvia, has reopened to visitors after renovation. The stretch runs from the park's visitor centre to the car park at Saliņas. The work was carried out in September and October under the project "Preserving the Values of Skaņākalns Nature Park and Reducing Anthropogenic Pressure", funded by the Latvian Environmental Protection Fund. The project aims to protect the park's natural values and reduce the load that human activity places on the environment.
Trail improvements
Along the Salaca River, the trail base was reinforced with a mineral material mix embankment, giving the path a suitable profile and surface. The edges were strengthened with wooden borders and the wooden planks were replaced. One element used for crossing a body of water was restored and moved to a more suitable location.
Habitat of a protected insect
Measures were also taken to improve the habitat of the specially protected insect Nothorina punctata in a Natura 2000 area, part of the European Union's network of protected nature sites. To create safe and suitable conditions for the species, one tree was felled and another stabilised.
To help maintain suitable living conditions for the insect over the long term, hazel thicket was cleared in some parts of the territory and pine trees were planted.
What comes next
The project activities have concluded, and visitors can use the trail section again. According to the source, the measures will help preserve the park's natural values, improve visitor infrastructure and reduce human pressure on the natural environment.
