Conservation volunteering in Estonia

Alam-Pedja nature reserve lies in the heart of Estonia, far from the bustle of Tallinn. This ancient floodplain forms part of the wider wetland system of Lake Võrtsjärv. The beauty of the area is in its stillness and peace - a far cry from its use during the soviet era as a military training ground. It's this quirk of history however, that has created an almost uninhabited and untouched natural area and on this holiday we'll have the very rare opportunity to work within it, alongside local people and Estonian volunteers helping to preserve the traditional management practices that have favoured a vast array of wildlife.

Who we're working with: Estonian Fund for Nature (Eestimaa Looduse Fond, ELF) is a young and dynamic non-profit, non-governmental environmental organisation established in 1991. ELF's goal is to preserve natural diversity and to advocate a healthy environment in Estonia. We and ELF have worked together for many years during which time ELF have developed one of the best conservation volunteer programmes in Europe.

Where we're working: Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve is a vast wilderness area with a complex of five large mires separated by unregulated rivers, floodplain meadows and extensive forests. Nearly half of the area was closed from 1952 through the early 1990s, kept as a training area for the Soviet air forces, leaving nature for the most part to develop there according to its own laws. Much of the largely wetland area is impassable for humans, no roads traverse the area and there are few settlements in or around the area. Presently, there are only 10-15 permanent human inhabitants.

Nonetheless, three trails have been developed for visitors and nature education activities within the area. Much of the bogs and forested areas are open for berry pickers and mushroom gatherers in the late summer and autumn. Alam-Pedja is home to plethora of animals and plants: 640 species of fungi, 461 of vascular plants, 19 of fish, two of reptiles, six of amphibians, 193 of birds, and 43 of mammals have been recorded in Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve. The reserve offers a sanctuary for many rare species as such as the white-tailed eagle, greater spotted eagle, great snipe, and corncrake – all of whose survival are connected to the existence of suitable floodplain habitats. Since 1997, Alam-Pedja has been recognised as a wetland of international importance and is a designated Ramsar site. In 2004 it was designated as a Natura 2000 site. We'll be working in the area's natural meadows, cutting and removing invasive scrub, to improve conditions for the animals inhabiting these traditionally managed landscapes. Work will also include improvement work on two nature trails, removing overgrowth, building or repairing foot-bridges, and creating boundary fences using traditional indigenous natural fencing techniques - a rare opportunity to learn an old skill. As part of trail improvement work we'll pack up camp and move to the site of the nature trail along the natural meandering Pedja River, where we will live two nights in tents and cook our meals at the campfire.

Where we'll be staying: Our accommodation is in the village of Palupõhja by the River Emajõgi. Palupõhja, with a population of 12 is the only proper village in the nature reserve and lies amid acres of floodplains, swamp forests, bogs and a network of rivers. Sleeping is in rooms of 2 - 8 in a charming little newly renovated nature school, with mattresses provided. A shower and the sauna are next door and the accommodation uses environmentally sound compost toilets. There's a great swimming site by the river 50m away.

Food is provided and cooked on a fire or in local kitchens. In fine weather much of this can be enjoyed by campfire. For those who love to be lulled to sleep with the sounds of wildlife, camping is also an option. You can bring your own tent, or ELF can provide. Please let us know when booking. Weather permitting, we'll all be doing a couple of days camping, when working on trail improvements. All tents and equipment are provided. The stay in Tallinn will be in a cosy hostel in the old town

What else is there: This holiday takes place in a remote and wild area, so the nightlife is what you make it - this is one for those who really want to get away from it all. However, as well as some fantastic bird and wildlife watching, several other optional activities are included in the holiday:

boat-trip and canoeing on the Emajõgi river

walking tour of the Laeva peat-bog

a night walk to hear the wolves (wolves permitting!)

an excursion by amphibious ATV far into the vast floodplain meadows

and any amount of swimming, fishing and traditional sauna you want

We'll spend the final day and night in Tallinn, B&B (but not lunch and dinner) included. A chance to soak up the atmosphere in Tallinn’s mediaeval old town - a UNESCO World Heritage site.