Meadow Tasting Day in the Sita and Pededze floodplains

On 6 July, the Latvian Nature Fund and nature farmer Jurijs Prokofjevs hosted the second ‘Taste of the Meadow’ event in the Sita and Pededze floodplains. Together with the farmer and nature experts, we walked through his meadows and learnt about their natural value. We also learnt how farming is carried out in the wetlands, which the Latvian Nature Fund has designated as this year’s ‘Habitat of the Year’.

Yuri Prokofiev’s farm, “Sita Nature Park”, is situated within the “Sita and Pededze Floodplain” nature reserve. Here, the River Pededze is markedly meandering, and the reserve features extensive natural grasslands and a great diversity of natural grassland habitats, where many meadow birds nest. After rainfall and during floods, the grasslands of the Sita and Pededze floodplain are rapidly inundated, forming extensive flooded areas, as the river flows over clayey soils with low water permeability. Consequently, the floodplain provides a vital ecosystem service – water absorption and purification – thereby protecting the fields and farmland further upstream.

Listening to Yuri’s stories and the experts“ comments, one could imagine what it means to manage such a territory and how to live alongside unpredictable nature and regular flooding. The meadows also give back – in the form of hay and pasture – and they are also an excellent place for bees to gather nectar. Yuri’s herd fulfils its purpose – by grazing the floodplain meadows, the natural grasslands are restored and maintained. Furthermore, Jurijs produces high-quality beef and venison and holds the ”Natural Meadow Product’ label.

On returning to the farm after an 8 km walk, the event participants were treated to delicious burgers from “Latvijas Liellops”, followed by a tasting session featuring grass-fed beef, hosted by Kaspars Jansons, head chef at the “Meat Chef” restaurant. Guests had the opportunity to learn about the preparation of beef from cattle reared in natural meadows and to savour the taste of the meadow in the dishes prepared by the chef.

The event was organised as part of the project “LIFE MarshMeadows: Integrated Wetland Restoration in Latvia and Lithuania” and “LIFE IP LatViaNature: Optimisation of the Management and Administration of Natura 2000 Protected Areas”. The projects are being implemented with financial support from the EU LIFE programme.