Latvia's forests, fields, and landscapes occasionally surprise us with discoveries that leave us in awe. As we await the arrival of spring, Latvijas valsts meži nature park in Tērvete invites you to head out into nature and explore the diversity of the Latvian landscape. While hiking through more remote areas, keep a close eye on your surroundings – perhaps you too might discover a mighty natural treasure!
Did you know that Latvia is known as a land of monumental trees? Here, any species of tree can become a monumental tree. Across the country, more than 13,500 monumental specimens have been identified and registered. These giants stand tall, their trunks rising towards the sky like mighty living columns. Have you ever touched the rough bark of an ancient oak or an aged linden and tried to fathom the secrets and essence of such a majestic trunk?
Monumental trees are considered to be the oldest and largest specimens of their species. Every monumental tree plays a significant role in preserving overall biodiversity. They are regarded as independent ecosystems, providing a habitat for many rare and endangered groups of mammals, birds, insects, fungi, and other organisms.
The chance of becoming a discoverer of a monumental tree by finding and registering a previously unknown one is quite high. First, however, you must be certain that you can identify the tree species correctly. Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 264 serves as the basis for determining which tree species qualify as monumental and based on what parameters. These regulations list 54 species, 25 of which are native and the rest exotic. It is equally important to know how to measure the tree correctly and compare it with the dimensions provided in the regulations. A tree acquires monumental status by reaching one of two criteria: circumference or height. For all trees, the circumference is determined by measuring the trunk at a height of 1.3 metres from the root collar. You can check whether a tree has already been registered by using the Nature Conservation Agency (DAP) nature data system “Ozols”. A tree acquires protected status following an inspector's assessment.
A monumental tree and its immediate surroundings form a specially protected nature area; protection extends not only to the tree itself but also to the area beneath the tree's canopy and a 10-metre buffer zone around it. It is the duty of the landowner and user to ensure that the rules for the protection and use of protected areas are observed, and to notify the Nature Conservation Agency regarding any existing or potential changes to these natural sites.
The felling (removal) of a protected tree is permitted only in cases where it has become dangerous and there are no other ways to eliminate the threat (for example, pruning branches or installing supports), and provided that written permission has been received from the Agency.
The number of monumental trees in Latvia is constantly changing, and the “Oak Leaf” Ozollapa sign for specially protected nature areas is used for their identification. It should be noted that upon reaching the circumference and height specified in the regulations, a tree gains the status of a protected tree regardless of whether or not it has a plaque featuring an oak leaf attached to it.
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