Nature Reserve “Lielupes palienes pļavas” and Pilssalas Street in Jelgava
Description
The nature reserve “Lielupes palienes pļavas” as a specially protected nature area of national importance was established in 1999 to preserve natural floodplain meadows on the banks of Lielupe, habitats of specially protected plant and animal species and the landscape characteristic of the area. Since 2004, the reserve has been included in the European network of specially protected nature areas Natura 2000, as an important area for the protection of wild birds, natural habitats and plant species in Latvia.
The total area of the reserve is 352 ha, of which approximately 273 ha are located in the territory of the city of Jelgava, therefore the protected nature area is also unique in its inclusion in the urban landscape, creating an example of the successful coexistence of urban and natural environments. Since 2007, more than 80 wild horses have been grazing in the Lielupe River floodplain meadows in Pilssala, which ensures natural grazing of meadows.
Pilssala is suitable for peaceful walks and exploring natural values, it is a popular recreation place for city residents, tourists and nature lovers. In 2018, a 19-meter-high wooden observation tower was built for the needs of Pilssala visitors before the entrance to the nature reserve territory, suitable for observing wild horses, birds and the panorama of the Lielupe River floodplain meadows, a well-maintained picnic area was created at the foot of the observation tower, and a 3.2-kilometer-long Health Trail was created in the reserve territory.
Before the implementation of the project, a large part of the Pilssala territory up to the nature reserve was degraded, Pilssalas Street was in poor technical condition, with worn-out pavement, without lighting, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and an outdated rowing base of the Jelgava Children and Youth Sports School was located on the Lielupe bank at Pilssalas Street 8.
Improvements made within the project
Within the framework of the European Union Fund project “Pilssalas Street Degraded Territory Redevelopment”, the environmental quality of the Pilssalas territory has been improved and the nature tourism offer has been improved: Pilssalas Street has been reconstructed for approximately 680 meters, pedestrian and bicycle paths have been created, a bridge over the canal has been rebuilt, the Lielupe riverbank has been reinforced for approximately 67 meters, a parking lot has been built, areas for physical activities, including a basketball court, a children’s playground, a wild horse feed shed has been created, as well as territory improvement works have been carried out with the construction of engineering communications throughout the territory. A new facility has been built at Pilssalas Street 5 for the needs of the Jelgava Children’s and Youth Sports School – Water Tourism and Sports Base, which also houses a Tourism Information Point.
The total cost of the project is 11,131,033.49 euros, of which 3,400,000.00 euros is funding from the European Regional Development Fund, 150,000.00 euros is a state budget grant to municipalities, and 7,581,033.49 euros is co-financing from the Jelgava State City Municipality. Project implementer – Jelgava State City Municipality.
Address
Pilssalas Street, Jelgava.
Water Tourism and Sports center – Pilssalas Street 5, Jelgava.
Working time
Pilssala – 24 h.
Water tourism and sports base Tourist information point working hours:
Mondays 8:00 – 19:00
Tuesdays – Thursdays 8:00 – 17:00
Fridays 8:00 – 14:30
Admission fee
For free
Getting there
By foot, personal transport or intercity and Jelgava city public bus.
Good to know
Visiting the Health Trail of the nature reserve is prohibited during the bird nesting period from April 1 to June 30.
Contacts
Jelgava Regional Tourism Center
+371 63005447
[email protected]
