Welcome to the introduction page of the nature observations database! We invite everyone to enter their nature observations (the first springtime common hepatica, the roe deer you saw, the nightingale you heard, etc.) in the nature observations database. This database has been created for all nature lovers who want to keep a so-called nature observations diary and share their observations with...

Citizen science is the contribution of volunteer citizens to science by carrying out observations, helping to compile databases, or engaging in other assisting activities. Although the lion’s share of citizen science today takes place in the field of natural sciences, the help of amateur scientists is also used in one way or another in medical research, linguistics, anthropology, etc. The Estonian...

You can follow in the footsteps of Livingstone or Darwin even in the nearest wooded area, on the bank of a ditch, on the roadside, or perhaps even in your own backyard It is not necessary to buy a sailboat or organise a month-long journey through the jungle for a scientific expedition. You can follow in the footsteps of Livingstone or Darwin even in the nearest wooded area, on the bank of a ditch...

Spending time outdoors, climbing trees, playing with rocks, watching insects – all this makes a child notice the nature around them Getting to know nature begins with noticing and giving thought to the surroundings. Therefore, no one is ever too young or too old to discover for themselves the endless wonders of nature and the uniqueness of every moment. How do I make my children interested in...

The twenty-first century is a century of environment, climate, and nature protection – every purposeful activity that protects nature and contributes to preserving the living environment is worth following With simple actions, or occasionally lack of action, you can help preserve habitats and species. Both everyday nature-friendly behaviour as well as active participation in nature conservation...

Restrictions may seem incomprehensible and sometimes annoying, but they contribute to the preservation and enhancement of biodiversity and, ultimately, to the improvement of the surrounding environment There is a long list of restrictions. In a very general sense, they can be divided into the following categories: restrictions on movement in protected areas and species protection sites...

When moving in nature, always remember that you are in someone’s home Many people consider hiking in the nature and discovering new places their favourite hobby. But it should be kept in mind that nature is our common treasure and we should take care of it while hiking – in this way, future generations can enjoy the beauty of nature as well. When moving in nature, always remember that you are in...

Winter cave trips endanger wintering bats Bats spend almost half a year hibernating, thus avoiding the harshness of the winter. For the winter, bats hide in underground spaces – in Estonia, they favour basements, mines, caves, old military tunnels and shelters. The main criterion for the choice of wintering grounds is the temperature, which must not fall below zero; high humidity is also a plus...

The purpose of the marked trails in nature is to introduce natural values to hikers both in and outside protected areas There is no explanation for the meaning, differences, and similarities of the phrases ‘hiking trail’ and ‘nature trail’. It seems that no need for that has arisen. The Estonian Ramblers’ Association’s Matkaseletussõnastik (Explanatory dictionary on hiking) says that a hiking...

When moving around in nature, treat the surroundings with respect, understand and value biodiversity The freedom to roam formulates the rights and responsibilities of people when moving in nature. In the Nordic countries, this freedom is based on historically established practices and is often not enshrined in legislation, but rather is based on respect and trust. In Estonia, the rights and...