2020

#stayhome Here in Latvia!

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SC “Latvia’s State forests” (LVM) has joined the initiative #stayhome, urging people to be responsible in this emergency situation, which is caused by the spread of coronavirus COVID-19 in Latvia and worldwide, and enjoy peace and fresh air in nature that is freely available to everyone here in Latvia. We have such beautiful nature, so many yet unexplored forest trails and places that are perfect for a peaceful walk and escape from daily worries. At the same time, it is important to follow the precautionary measures, developed by the Ministry of Health and the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control in order to prevent the spread of the virus and disease.

Wooden watchtowers are a perfect destination, where you can enjoy spring and watch birds return. One of such towers in Kurzeme is the Watchtower of Mount Ūdrukalns. It is located on the shores of LVM Lake Gulbju Ezers and tourism and recreation centre “Spāre”. Those who are planning their trip to Zemgale are warmly invited to visit the watchtower of the Hill Ložmetējkalns (Machine Gun Hill).

A trip will get even more exciting by taking a walk along the curved swamp trails, which during this time of the year allow visitors to observe unusual swamp scenes. For example, Tirumnieki Nature Trail is built on wooden footbridges, so that the walk would be enjoyable even for the most unprepared walker. On the cost of Tīrumnieki Swamp Lake, there is a small and comfortable recreation area with an observation deck. To draw inspiration for walking trails such as Kaņiera Niedrājs, Ragakāpa and other routes read some exciting trail stories at https://www.tvnet.lv/timeline/takas.

LVM GEO app will help you to plan the most exciting route. This app offers information about more than 300 tourist places throughout Latvia, all of which are maintained and restored by LVM. The app provides information about appropriately equipped recreational areas with a special place for bonfire, where you can recover after a walk, surrounded by forest sounds and scents, what a wonderful #letsgototheforest adventure! In turn, the new project “Mežtaka” (Forest Trail) encourages everyone to go on a hike in Latvian forests enjoying beautiful and inspiring scenes. Those who enjoy even more active recreation can go on a bicycle ride along the hilly forest roads in the neighbourhood of Smiltene, selecting one of the three cycling trail routes that best matches everyone’s needs and abilities. For the inspiration see: Get to know Latvia - four most beautiful cycling nature trails.

Each time of the year has its own magic, and spring allows us to watch nature and animals waking up from their winter sleep. Within the LVM project for environmental education and research “Birds and Animals in the Swamp” everyone interested has a chance to watch nature through online cameras and experience numerous exciting events that are usually left unnoticed in our daily rush. For example, intense events are currently taking place in the nest of golden eagles, where eagle male Virsis and female Spilve are getting ready for the nesting season. If the golden eagle couple has an egg, it will be a rarity, because nothing like this has been seen online in Europe before. Online cameras: https://www.lvm.lv/sabiedribai/web-kameras.

Due to the spread of COVID-19 virus in Latvia, a state of emergency has been declared in the country until 14 April. Studies have been suspended in schools, cultural and sports events are limited, but epidemiological safety measures for residents, who have returned from the virus-affected countries, are mandatory, and not a recommendation.

Recommended precautionary measures to prevent further spread of Covid-19:

If you have any questions about Covid-19, please call experts of the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control at 67387661 (on working days, from 8:30 to 17:00).