Bio-diversity

Dukstai oakery is situated 30 km north-west from Vilnius, in Neris Regional Park. The oakery is close to small town Dukstai with 270 dwellers. The total area of the oakery is 302 ha. The part of the oakery that purely consists of old relict oaks (Quercus robur) is 170 ha. Trees are hyper matured, they rot and there is no natural renewal of ecosystem. The oakery is under the threat of extinction if no preservation and renewal measures are taken. There are very few such oakeries left in Lithuania. It is also a habitat of 7 bats species. These are bats species of particular importance for the conservation of biological diversity within the territory of the EU. It is also a habitat of big dormouse (Glis glis) that is listed in the Lithuanian Red Book. The main aim of the project is to preserve relict oakery and its bodiversity from the extinction. Project has several goals: 1. Conservation and enhancement of oakery eosystem by implementing special forestry methods; 2. To conserve populations of rare and endangered species by taking concrete practical measures; 3. To strive for the inscription of Dukstai oakery in a network of protected areas of the European Union NATURA 2000. 4. To coordinate the stream of tourists and rise their environmental education by making a nature educational path in the oakery; 5. To raise environmental awareness of local community involving dwellers in environmental practical activities. In order to include this aoakery into Natura 2000 network, complex scientific investigation of lichens, fungus, insects and bats will be carried out during the project, because the data about the biodiversity in this area is insufficient. The main partners for this activity Botanic Institute. The project partner the local forestry- is going to clear impurities of other tree species and to plant new oaks thus favorable micro infrastructure will be established in the oakery. Improved path with information stands about biodiversity will serve direct flows of the visitors and to present values of this territory. Nesting boxes for bats, dormice and owls will be produced and placed by pupils of local secondary schools. Local community will participate in voluntary works in tiding the oakery, in monitoring the biodiversity and safeguarding from damages. Info materials, like leaflets, newsletter of Dukstai about biodiversity in the oakery, will be produced in partnership with administration of RP, and will be distributed among local people, visitors, and other interested people. The internet page will give detailed information on this area including also description of wider area of the Neris RP. In local schools attractive and informative corners will be established that will introduce local values and educate pupils how to become friends of nature.

Lithuania