The Finnish Natural Heritage Foundation acquired at the end of April an area of 7,5 hectares in the Nokkola village in Hollola, south of Lahti, on the eastern bank of the Luhdanjoki section in the Porvoonjoki river. The deal was made through a middleman following a competitive bidding won by the foundation. The new conservation area, which will be called Luhtaranta, consists of two small closely connected farms.

The area includes low-lying swamp that is flooded in the spring with mainly willows, alders, and other deciduous trees growing there. Later in the summer, there are ponds that have stretched out of the flooded part and remained separate from the river. The higher sections of Luhtaranta also contain slopes with forest, more than a hectare being made up of aged spruces with grand aspens growing among them. There is also a little brook included in the higher parts of Luhtaranta.

All in all, the Luhtaranta slopes have an exuberant soil that practically approaches a grove – there is February daphne, among others, appearing in the area with the goat willows, the bird cherries, the rowans, the birches, and the aspens living in perfect harmony with the willow trees, in addition to the spruces higher up. Even though the area has not entirely been allowed to remain in its natural state – there was once earthmoving procedures and cuttings conducted there – this place is about a quickly recovering terrain favoured by birds with its importance being further increased by the long shoreline that has a fluctuating water level.

Luhtaranta is the 53rd conservation area of the foundation and the 12th one in the Häme region.

Photo Anneli Jussila