Savo - Restoration of mire and bog ecosystems in North-Savo with reference to environmental education

The project has prepared two long-term management plans and six restoration plans for the Pohjois-Savo region in Finland, implemented during the project period. Additionally, 480 ha of mires and bogs have been restored by blocking drainage ditches, and 180 ha of forests are improved by increasing dead wood, for example by blowing up trees and wide-spread burning. In addition, 17 rapids have been restored by returning rocks from the embankments to the riverbed. In order to prevent and rectify erosion damage, hiking routes have been directed to areas, which can better withstand erosion, and causeways are constructed. The project acquired 1340 ha of land in order to be able to carry out this restoration work. A permanent display, presenting the Natura 2000 network, was constructed at Metsäkartanon. Environmental education was an important part of the project, which produces a LIFE computer game incorporating the lessons of the restoration work. The project also aimed to improve methods of monitoring the restoration of mires.