Kirkasoja restoration work will be carried out in week 44 as part of the development of the Skanssi Biodiversity Park. The restoration will strengthen biodiversity, improve habitats for aquatic organisms and create a new site for nature education.
The restoration aims to improve the ecological condition of the small watercourse and strengthen biodiversity in the area. Spawning gravel beds and nature-based flow-control structures will be added to the stream. These measures will diversify habitats for aquatic organisms and create favourable conditions for valuable species. The plans also take into account the possibility of brown trout migrating into the area. Native plants grown from seeds collected in the Turku region, including purple loosestrife and yellow iris, will also be planted along the stream.
Nature observation and learning by the water
The groundwater discharge site and Kirkasoja will be developed into a nature observation site where visitors can learn about wetland plants and small-water habitats. A gathering place to be built by the water will serve nature education, especially for groups of schoolchildren.
– ‘Kirkasoja demonstrates in practice how small watercourses can be restored to benefit nature, learning and recreation at the same time,’ says project coordinator Krista Mäkelä.
The restoration will be carried out using environmentally sensitive methods, and the vegetation will be allowed to develop as naturally as possible. Kirkasoja illustrates the links between groundwater, stormwater and biodiversity in an urban environment, as well as how small watercourses can be restored to benefit nature, learning and recreation.
Skanssi Biodiversity Park is the first of its kind in Europe. It offers a new way to combat biodiversity loss, protect rare species and promote biodiversity in urban areas. The park’s official opening is scheduled for summer 2027, when the area will be fully completed.
The Skanssi Biodiversity Park is part of the Urban Biodiversity Parks project, which actively develops and tests ways of promoting biodiversity in urban environments. The project has received funding from the European Urban Initiative – Innovative Actions (EUI-IA) funding programme. Project partners: City of Turku, University of Turku, Turku University of Applied Sciences, Natural Resources Institute Finland, Villi Vyöhyke ry, Varsinais-Suomen Asumisoikeus Oy, Blokgarden Oy and Valonia.
This translation was produced with AI and reviewed by a human.
