Nature Study tours in Estonia

If you would like to experience the magnificent unspoilt scenery and wildlife treasures of this very special country, the Nature Study Tour is a perfect opportunity to indulge your interests. We welcome groups of students, specialists or other interested people and can tailor make a tour itinerary to meet your particular Natural History passion, whether it be the impressive flora, birdlife or simply a desire to visit the many protected reserves. Simply let us know your wishes and we will be delighted to share with you the wonderful world of Estonian nature.

Estonia has been inhabited by man for about 10,000 years. Estonians (Maarahvas, literally people of Earth) have always enjoyed a close affinity with the natural world, a relationship which is evident in the traditions, culture and language proudly passed from one generation to the next.

Even though Estonia now takes its place as part of the modern world, these links with nature are inherent in every aspect of life in the country and perhaps nowhere else in Europe is there such a strong harmony between the people and their land. This respect for the elements of nature and adaptation to living in a climate of seasonal extremes, has given Estonians a unique perspective on the natural world which is demonstrated by an enlightened attitude towards the all important issues of conservation in the 21st century.

The population in Estonia has always been sparse and this has helped to ensure the preservation of many large tracts of natural and semi-natural areas. Forests cover 47% of the country and wetland habitats are well represented by over 1,400 lakes, numerous bogs and many rivers, which together comprise a wonderful mosaic of aquatic environments for a great diversity of wildlife.Many of the coastal areas were closed to the public during soviet occupation and remained untouched today. The 3,794 km of coastline is studded with over 1,500 islands and islets of varying sizes whilst the mainland is indented by numerous bays, straits, and inlets.

Vaika islet bird conservation area, the first nature conservation area in Estonia, was established in 1910, and the first species protection laws passed in 1935. Today the Estonian constitution states that natural resources have to be managed in a sustainable fashion and there is a passionate concern for nature conservation among the Estonian population who are justifiably proud of their natural heritage and pristine environment.

Species protection is a very important part of nature protection and is based mainly on the Nature Conservation Act and the Animal Protection Act which prohibit the destruction of the habitats of breeding and nesting species and preserve areas of land of importance to migrant birds. In total 538 plant, mushroom and animal species are protected by law in Estonia.16% of Estonia is under some kind of legal protection. There are about 60 habitat types and 51 species listed in the Habitats directive of EC and about 80 bird species that are protected according to Birds Directive. These figures have been fundamental in the development of a network of protected areas which now include 11 Ramsar sites - wetlands of international importance - which embrace a total area of 218,344 ha in Estonia.

Client comments:

"Many thanks for an excellent day in Matsalu last Monday. All of the volunteers said how much they had enjoyed the excursion and the wonderful lunch. I would also like to thank Aare for his very interesting observations and comments as we toured the reserve . You both work very hard, and I look forward to seeing you again soon.“ C.J. / July 2002, Earthwatch, UK /

"We would all like to thank you for a perfect day in matsalu! I dare to say that all of us were very pleased! I have only heard positive reactions. .. and for us it was very good mixture of nature and culture. Not to speak of all the interesting people we met!“ Örebro County Administrative Board / June 2002, Sweden /

„I just wanted to thank you and all the people at Matsalu for all help during the trip of the Swedish nature conservation workers. They were very satisfied with all the arrangements!“ L.A. / June 2004, Pro-Natura, Sweden /

"Thank you so much – on behalf of the whole group – for our wonderful day in Matsalu. We really appreciated the trip you had arranged to us. Everything was well organised, with a very cosy feeling. We all very much liked the way Jaan guided us during the trip. We had time to make our questions and got solid and expert answers." L.S. / May 2004, Finland /

"It was a great experience for us to visit with you the Matsalu National Park. It was an interesting and exciting day. We learned a lot; not only about the nature in your country but also about the ecotourism business in Estonia. We appreciated it. We enjoyed the hospitality, professional guidance, instructive info rmation about wildlife and the local food very much. We could feel your enthusiasm for the job. We can only recommend you." M.O. / May 2005, International School of Tourism Management, Switzerland 2005 /

NATURE STUDY TOURS

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