Ropolansuo restoration: a haven for birds and biodiversity

A view over the water at Ropolansuo

Map of the Ropolansuo bird population survey 2023, made by Metsä Taju Oy. Green area: important area for young chicks and shorebirds. Red area: Black-headed and Little Gull colonies.

Since 2021, Ropolansuo, a former peat production area, has been re-wetted and is transforming into a thriving habitat for wetland birds and diverse wildlife. This change is part of the biodiversity programme within our mother company Neova Group, which aims to enhance nature by re-wetting and afforesting old peat lands, in collaboration with local communities.

1. Northern Pintail (Anas acuta), 2. Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata). 3. Ruff (Calidris pugnax), 4. Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola), 5. Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula), 6. Blackheaded Gull (Larus ridibundus). Images sourced from Wikimedia.

Bird surveys in 2023 revealed an impressive 76 bird species in the 56-hectare Ropolansuo site. At least 41 species are expected to breed nearby. Notably, the site hosts a variety of wetland and shorebirds, including endangered and locally rare ones like the Northern Pintail (Anas acuta), Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata), and Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula). The area is a breeding ground for hundreds of Blackheaded Gulls (Larus ridibundus) and Little Gulls (Hydrocoleus minutus). It’s also a crucial rest spot for rare waders during migration, like the Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola) and endangered Ruffs (Calidris pugnax).

Future plans include habitat enhancement by tree removal and adding nest boxes during 2024. Additionally, recreational features like a bird tower and nature trail will be built, fostering community engagement and feedback on this transformative project.

For more information about our biodiversity programme contact Teija Hartikka.