Gudenieki

This small restricted area protects the Swedish juniper and the lime meadows in which it grows. There is a marked circular trail which allows visitors to study one of the few but excellent stands of juniper in Latvia. The bushes are 50 to 70 years old, and all around them are interesting habitats, plants and animals. Natural stands of juniper in the Baltic States are the result of farm work such as reaping, chopping, etc., as well as of herding of sheep and other livestock. A small part of the area is still “managed” by sheep. Unfortunately many junipers have died because of overgrowing of territory.