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The Grey Dune of Pāvilosta nature reserve covers 42 hectares of land and has been designated to protect Latvia’s widest dune (1.5 km parallel the seacoast, and 812m in the direction from the sea to inland) and the biotopes and species found there. A two-storied watching platform is built to savour the scenery. In Soviet time, local fishermen used to dry seaweed in dunes for production of agar, and thus rich vegetation developed in the dune. The Gray Dune is part of a unique landscape with the sea view, the traditional architecture of Pāvilosta fishing town, and biotopes, including protected, which border the nature reserve: pine forest, embryonic dunes, white dunes, and wet beech where once can find springs. Biotope 2130, “Fixed dunes with herbaceous vegetation (grey dunes)” is found here. At present, pines are taking over the biotope, therefore some maintenance activities are required. The Grey Dune is most beautiful in the second half of July and in August when the blossoming Breckland Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) and Narrowleaf Hawkweed (Hieracium umbellatum) colour the dune in shades of yellow and violet. The most typical species here are Pasqueflower (Pulsatilla pretense), Grey Hair-grass(Corynephorus canescens), Blue Hair Grass (Koeleria glauca), Sand Pink (Dianthus arenarius). The Gray Dune earned wide recognition when a group of enthusiasts actively campaigned for six years to achieve the status of the nature reserve. Guna Grimsta, a group representative remembers that they organised events and activities throughout Latvia involving large part of the society, prominent personalities, church parishes, NGOs, school youth and university students. The activists were writing letters, making videos, doing research articles, composing music, collecting signatures and submitting proposals to achieve official status of the Grey Dune as an especially protected nature site. They organised seminars, concerts, art plenaires and exhibitions, educational excursions, joint-work, musical church services, meetings with high officials and their on-site visits to the Gray Dune. In 2006 the group received the title „Proudness of Latvia” awarded by the national TV3 broadcasting company and daily paper „Diena”. |
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Atrodas Sedas purvā (Sedas dabas takas malā) ar plašu skatu uz izstrādātajām kūdras platībām. Sedas taku ieteicams izstaigāt vietējā gida pavadībā T: + 371 2636162. |
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There is no need to enter the bog to see it, there are good views from the highway Ventspils – Riga (77 km, bus stop “Pagrieziens uz Elkskeni”). The main value of restricted area is chalky fen bog with brown bog-rush (greatest habitat finding in Latvia). Be careful when stopping on the highway – mind the traffic! A couple of kilometers towards Riga, on the right side of the highway, there is sign to Grizu Velna kresls ( Grizu Devil Chair) which is an attractive boulder (protected).
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At the centre of this restricted area is the eutrophic Lake Tosmare, a former lagoon from the Littorina Sea. The lake and its surroundings offer protection to many plants and birds. At the southern end of the lake one can spot remnants of the former Liepāja fortification system, and to the West is one of the most important parts of that system – the Fortress canal. |
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Nature restricted area has been established in old and overgrowing gravel pit and where rare species in Latvia - Natterjack toad (Bufo calamita) can be found. Natterjack toad needs open sand – gravel area therefore the population of it is decreasing once gravel pit is overgrowing by bushes. The population of this amphibian is depending on the activity of people in the area. There is very little chance to find Natterjack toad just by entering the restricted area, therefore please respect this area as especially sensitive.
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One of few places in Latvia (around 1 km to the North from Lapmezciems) where used to be beautiful juniper meadows. Since no agriculture activity (grass cutting, cattle grazing) has been implemented in the area, juniper meadows are overgrowing and disappearing. To save the area sustainable management is needed. Slitere National Park with Blue Mountain cliff and Slitere lighthouse is located in short distance from Kadiku nora (Juniper meadow).
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Natural flood-land meadows along the banks of the Lielupe before Jelgava. Many protected plants are found here, and birds nest and rest here during migration season.
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This area is full of coastline meadows, lagoons, muddy little lakes and sandy shallows, all full of reeds. This area of the eastern shore of the Bay of Rīga is found between Ainaži and Kuiviži. The Randa meadows are an enormously important location for water birds and rare plants – some 500 in all. A new bird-watching tower and a nature trail have been established for those who wish to study the meadows.
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Nature restricted area is established to protect various wetland habitats – Big Kirba Bog and protected plant species within it. Only the West part of the Bog is a protected nature area. The rest of the bog is used mainly for intensive extraction of peat and large cranberry cultivation. Nature restricted area of the bog has no tourism infrastructure therefore is not useable for tourist visits.
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Zilais (Blue) Hill is the highest point in the Idumeja highlands – it is a very distinct hillock covered by forest, and from it there is a “narrow” landscape featuring the northern part of the highlands, as well as the Burtnieks flatlands. The restricted area is there to protect habitats such as gullies, hillsides and the boreal (northern) forest of the area. Zilais Hill is a popular tourist destination.
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The most important aspect of the Sasaļi forest is the eutrophic Lake Sasalis, as well as the unusual Lake Melnezers. Also of importance are various types of forestland in the area. Lake Sasalis is a popular place for leisure and swimming.
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This lighthouse is in Ovīši, which is an ancient Livonian village. The 38-metre lighthouse on Cape Ovīši was built in 1814 and modernised in 1860, and it is the oldest functioning lighthouse in Latvia today. Visitors will get a great view of the shores of the Baltic Sea and the forests which cover them. The lighthouse also offers an exhibition devoted to the history of lighthouses in Latvia.
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One of the rare places (see also Rucavas ivju audze) in Latvia where two rare and protected wild tree species grow - yew-tree and Baltic ivy. Territory is not marked on site with information signs or stands. Territory is not suitable for visitors as visitor without environmental knowledge will see “regular” forest. On the East side of the restricted area is located extending low wall – former narrow gauge railway (600 mm, length 41 km) line Dulbeni – Rucava. Railway was built by German military forces with the goal – to export wood.
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The recently renovated old brick bridge and the viewing area that is on the left bank of the Venta beyond the castle guard’s hut offers a lovely view of the widest and most impressive waterfall in Latvia – the Venta falls. It is worth visiting during the spring floods, when fish are migrating.
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Similar as Alsungas mezi (Alsunga forests) – is not intended and appropriate for visits. A narrow path of the restricted area can be seen from the gravel road – Saka-Apriki. Nature restricted area established mainly for protection of Erica tetralix (often called "cross-leaved heath") and it is one of the most important growing places.
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The Ukri forest on the border of the Dobele district is what is known as a vast forest. It has oak trees (including many huge ones), linden trees, oak trees (large stands of oak are uncommon in Latvia), and other deciduous trees. A small area of the forest can be toured in the company of a guide to look at the animals of the area and their importance in the flow of nature. The restricted area protects forest habitats, plants and animals, including many that are typical of the southern areas of Latvia. |
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A small and forested territory with sulphurous springs, among which the most popular one is the Ellīte sulphur spring. It has sulphurous water with a low level of minerals, and the water supposedly has medicinal properties. The area around the stream is well-appointed, and a pathway leads to it. The stream is considered to be the source of the Iecava River. The restricted area is there to protect biotopes and protected plants which are in the area.
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The Lake Lubāns depressions which are alongside the lake’s western and south-western parts feature little-changed forests and swamps, where many rare and protected birds nest. Many uncommon and protected habitats are in the region.
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There is picnic area and information stand at the end of the forest path leading from Muiznieki to Klanu Bog. Klanu Lake was formed in the place of Littorina marine lagoon. Nature restricted area was established to protect biotopes in the area of Klanu, Dziru and Stavu Lakes. There is wide information about the area available on the information stand.
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The restricted area protects the seashore meadows of the Lielupe River estuary, which are a very uncommon habitat in Latvia. The restricted area is on the left bank of the river, where one of the largest areas of wild swamp angelica is found. This is an important nesting area for birds. The territory is not improved for tourism, and it should be viewed from the Baltā (White) dune that is on the opposite bank of the Lielupe River. From there, the visitor will see a lovely landscape featuring the river estuary and the meadows which are around it.
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