Urban green spaces, specifically meadows, planned for expansion in Riga city
In the heart of Riga, the Latvian capital, a green revolution is underway. The urban meadows, a brainchild of botanist Rūta Sniedze-Kretalova from the Latvian Fund for Nature (LDF), are not just wild plant oases, but also neighbourhood unifiers.
The initial seeds of these urban meadows were sown in 2021, with the LDF spearheading the movement. Today, the urban meadow network in Riga spans across 45 sites, covering a combined area of 16 hectares.
The network is set to expand further, with new sites being added. Among the upcoming locations for these green spaces are Skanste Park, the renovated part of Uzvaras Park, and the promenade of the Buļlūpe River. In addition, the Academic Centre of the University of Latvia and the swimming pool of Rīga Technical University will also welcome these natural additions.
These urban meadows are more than just patches of green. They are active spaces for community engagement, with activities such as collecting meadow plant seeds, site management, and meadow clean-ups encouraging participation from locals.
The LDF is encouraging everyone to get involved in the development of urban meadows throughout the summer. Rūta Sniedze-Kretalova expressed her delight at the growing appreciation for natural areas in the community, with more people opting for these wild, meadow-like spaces over neatly mown lawns.
The LDF is pleased to see this shift in perspective, reflecting a broader appreciation for the city's natural beauty and biodiversity. As the urban meadow network continues to grow, Riga's residents and visitors alike can look forward to these green spaces not just as a breath of fresh air, but as a testament to the city's commitment to sustainability and community spirit.
