Green Areas

The Estonian University of Life Sciences has started transforming the green areas of the Tähtvere campus.

EMÜ has decided to pay more attention to biodiversity on campus by supporting the development of plant species and meadow communities, including a richness of flowering plants that in turn support a diverse range of invertebrates, including pollinators. This, in turn, supports higher links in the food chain. An important aspect in landscaping is the skillful use of native plant species to ensure both aesthetic and food resources for insects throughout the entire growing season.

There are two main goals: to reduce the time and energy spent on excessive lawn mowing, and to increase the biodiversity of the campus green areas both in terms of species and recreational opportunities. The aim is to align the green areas with EMÜ’s development plan, supporting activities in teaching, research, and the wellbeing of the university community. The goal for 2023 was to survey and map the existing biodiversity on the EMÜ campus. To do this, it is advisable to allow the vegetation to grow as widely as possible at least until Midsummer’s Day (Jaanipäev), which allows the identification of most species. The presence of plants also enables better mapping of invertebrates. Therefore, the plan is to leave most of the campus unmown until Midsummer.

In the following years, this approach will continue, with approximately half of the campus green areas being mown less each year to preserve and support biodiversity. Mowing will be carried out according to a mowing plan, and the EMÜ Tähtvere campus maintenance and biodiversity plan has been completed. These documents are updated annually.

In addition to supporting natural biodiversity, we also actively contribute to it. Next to the Forest House (Metsamaja), there are honeybee hives that offer excellent opportunities to participate in various scientific projects, allow students to learn about honeybee life, and help pollinate local urban agriculture and gardens. The presence of bee colonies also signals that urban beekeeping is a realistic and suitable practice in modern life.

This is a long-term process, so changes should not be expected overnight. Initially, activities will be voluntary, led by EMÜ’s Green University working group. We aim to involve as much competence as possible within our university, so everyone is welcome to contribute with advice and effort.