The Turaida Museum Reserve Support Association, in cooperation with Turaida Museum Reserve, is implementing the project No. I1-10-4/36/2026 “Care of Landmark and Veteran Trees at Turaida Museum Reserve to Improve the Habitat of the Hermit Beetle”, supported by the Latvian Environmental Protection Fund. The two-month project will conclude at the end of October 2026.
Project objective
The project aims to improve and preserve habitats for the hermit beetle (Osmoderma barnabita) at Turaida Museum Reserve, while safeguarding landmark and veteran trees as important elements of biodiversity and Turaida’s cultural landscape.
The project combines practical nature conservation with public education about the ecological importance of old trees, protected species and the sustainable management of natural values.
Tree Care in the Turaida Museum Reserve
Turaida Museum Reserve covers 58 hectares and is home to landmark and numerous veteran trees that provide habitats for insects, birds, fungi and other organisms. Particularly valuable are the cavities of large broadleaf trees, which provide habitat for the hermit beetle. As an umbrella species, protecting its habitat also benefits many other species associated with old trees.
The project will include the care of 34 trees – 6 landmark trees and 28 veteran trees. Depending on the condition of each tree and the natural values it supports, dry, damaged and crossing branches will be removed, trees will be reduced in weight where necessary, and safety support systems will be replaced on two trees.
These measures will help extend the lifespan of old trees, improve the hermit beetle habitat and ensure visitor safety.
Turaida Golden Autumn Laboratory – discovery and learning for different audiences
Public engagement and education are an important part of the project, helping to increase understanding of old trees, biodiversity, the conservation of the hermit beetle and Turaida’s natural and cultural landscape.
The three-part “Turaida Golden Autumn Laboratory” programme is designed for different audiences – school students and teachers, specialists, landowners and landscape managers, as well as families and younger children.
On 24 September, from 12.00 to 15.00 at Turaida Museum Reserve, the “Turaida Nature Laboratory: Explore! Understand! Preserve!” will take place. This educational event for students and teachers will turn the natural environment into a setting for hands-on research and the exchange of experience. Participants will explore Turaida’s natural values and STEM programmes, while science teachers will have the opportunity to learn how the natural environment can be used as a learning resource. The session will also involve museum specialists and museum educators, Līga Sausiņa, co-author of the STEM programmes at Turaida Museum Reserve, biology teacher and currently Principal of Sigulda State Gymnasium, and Daina Bojāre, biologist and habitat expert. Ilze Locāne, Head of the Environment Department at Turaida Museum Reserve and project manager, will introduce the project and present Turaida Museum Reserve’s environmental development strategies as well as join the discussion.
On 28 October at 13.30, in the forest park of Turaida Museum Reserve, “Old Trees – A Valuable Part of the Landscape” will offer a practical session and discussion on the care of landmark and veteran trees. Led by dendrologist and arborist Gvido Leiburgs, participants will examine trees in the landscape and discuss their management, safety and importance for the hermit beetle habitat.
On 30 October at 10.00, at the Krišjānis Barons Monument in Sigulda, the folk-song morning “Visi sīki kukainīši / All the Tiny Little Beetles” will introduce preschool children, families and primary school pupils to the world of insects/beetles and biodiversity in a playful and engaging way.
The programme is promoted through outdoor advertising, digital communication and media, including Turaida Museum Reserve’s website and social media channels. Activity sheets and other educational materials will support hands-on learning and help participants reinforce their knowledge.
The project brings together practical nature conservation, cultural landscape management and public education, helping people see Turaida’s old trees not simply as elements of the landscape, but as living ecosystems and important habitats.
The project is financially supported by the Latvian Environmental Protection Fund.
Prepared by Leonarda Ķestere-Kļaviņa, Head of the Development and Communications Department
Turaida Museum Reserve