Nature Surveys Help Assess the Project’s Environmental Impacts – Expert Observes Species On-Site

“In Finland, species monitoring and observation are carried out at a very high level. We already have a wealth of information about species and habitats in different regions, which the results of nature surveys complement and refine,” says Joose Saijets, Sweco’s nature expert, who conducts surveys in the planned Puhti project area.

“Nature surveys focus on species, and most do not require special equipment. The most important tools are rubber boots, note-taking materials, and a map—usually digital these days. Binoculars are used occasionally, especially in bird surveys. So, surveys are generally not visible in the environment unless you happen to run into us. That’s rare, but during the last Puhti project survey, I met someone outdoors, and we had a pleasant conversation.”

Tracks and Sounds Observed During Snow Season

The first surveys began in the project area last March. Each survey is scheduled for the most suitable season, depending on when different animal and plant species can best be observed.

“We conducted an otter survey in winter because snow tracks provide good information about breeding areas. Seeing otters themselves is rare. We also identified other mammals based on tracks,” Joose explains.

“During the snowy season, we also surveyed forest grouse, as signs of capercaillie mating are easy to detect from certain tracks. For forest grouse, we also observed sounds.”

Breeding Birds and Plants Are Easiest to Identify in Spring and Summer

Spring is an especially busy time for biologists conducting nature surveys. For example, small birds are rarely seen, so breeding bird species are mainly identified by their songs when singing activity peaks. A breeding bird survey was recently carried out in the Puhti project area.

“As we know, birds don’t sing year-round. We observe breeding birds mainly in spring and early summer, in at least two phases, so we can listen for both early and late breeders,” Joose describes.

Later in the summer, vegetation and habitat type surveys will be conducted. Midsummer is the best time for these because plants are easiest to identify when they bloom. Plant species, in particular, reveal habitat types such as forest and mire types. In addition, several water system surveys are planned.

“It’s essential that we identify areas valuable for biodiversity whenever we conduct nature surveys. On a broader scale, it’s important that society operates in ways that cause as little harm as possible to natural environments,” Joose concludes.