08 Suolijärvi nature trail information board

The bright foliage of Lake Suolijärvi

In Finland, heathland is very scarce, although it is a very important biodiversity hotspot. Heathlands are rich in species of vegetation, insects and birds. They are often located on slopes and along streams, where run-off provides more water and nutrients. In the absence of shade from conifers, the area has more light and forest stratification in the form of grove shrubs, such as spruce bushes and sedges. 

Singing grove

Especially in springtime, the groves ring out as birds communicate with each other in song. The layered structure of the leaves provides shelter and food for many birds. This makes the groves particularly rich in birdlife. Birds have a wide range of sounds for different purposes. Typically, they sing to attract a mating partner or to defend their territory. In addition to singing, birds have warning and calling calls, for example, used by chicks when foraging for food. 

Thanks to the soil, which is rich in soil and nutrients, the groves are home to demanding species, such as the elm. Rare in Finland, it is best recognised by its almost heart-shaped leaves. Like the aspen, the linden is home to very rare insect species, such as the linden bark beetle and the linden bark beetle, which have been found in Lake Suolijärvi.