The EHLA Kunta-Helmi project of the municipality of Hollola investigated the natural state of the Tiirismaa and Pyhäniemenlahti nature reserves and the need for management measures. The targets were Pirunpesä, Soisalmensuo and Puronvarsilehto in Tiirismaa and the Myllymäki nature reserve in Pyhäniemenlahti.
Results of the environmental assessment
According to the surveys, the nature of all sites is in good condition, and no significant management measures were observed. On the positive side, there were many observations of birds and bats in all areas. On the other hand, there have been no observations of flying squirrels since 2013, which indicates that the species has been in decline in the Lahti region for over a decade.
Effects of recreational use
The effects of recreational use on nature were observed in the Pirunpesä and Soisalmi areas. In these areas, the vegetation and fauna were clearly less diverse and dense compared to the two more distant sites. Despite this, the activity of bats, for example, was surprisingly abundant. This is to be strengthened in the future, and forest management measures have taken into account the natural values of the areas and the connections between them.
The aim is to direct recreational use of the areas to more clearly signposted routes, thereby limiting wear and tear outside the routes.
The project, which lasted from May last year (2024) to the end of October this year (2025), received funding from the Municipality and Organization Helmi special grant, awarded by the Uusimaa Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment.
