Campus for people, plants and pollinators

Published: 4.7.2024

The Otaniemi campus nature is managed with respect to biodiversity and the characteristic species of habitats. Endangered habitat types and their endangered species can be supported for example by establishing biodiverse neonate habitat meadows. These meadows provide pollinators with food through vegetation that flowers at different times of the year.

Ahomansikka — Wild strawberry at the heart of the campus Photo: Minttu Somervuori / ACRE

At the Otaniemi campus, outdoor areas are managed with various meadow plants to support the area's biodiversity. Established as new habitats, the meadows have their natural origins in traditional Finnish landscapes, such as rock outcrops or scorched meadows. Meadows provide habitat for various plant and animal species, including many rare butterflies and other insects. Meadow areas are not only visually beautiful and culturally and historically valuable traditional landscapes but are also essential for many endangered species, including many pollinators. Pollinators, which need a wide variety of food throughout the growing season, are particularly dependent on the vegetation of the multi-species grasslands.

Niittykukkia — Meadow near Dipoli. Photo: Minttu Somervuori / ACRE

Finnish wild plants are an essential part of the diversity of our meadows and our landscape heritage. Although the flora of dry meadows and meadows is naturally endemic in Finland, their conservation requires protection and management of the habitats. Many meadow plant species are threatened by habitat loss and afforestation, as well as competition from invasive species.

On campus, invasive species control has been carried out this spring, including Japanese tataract, giant ragweed and lupine. Meadows are forming for example near of the Dipoli.

Pollinators are the backbone of the ecosystem

Pölyttäjä kampuksella — Pollinator on the campus, A Bloc shopping centre behing. Photo: Minttu Somervuori / ACRE

Pollinators are vital to the functioning of the whole ecosystem. Their importance for plant reproduction, crop production and even human food production is irreplaceable. However, pollinator populations have collapsed in many places due to habitat loss and other factors.

Creating and maintaining pollinator-friendly habitats is a key measure to safeguard biodiversity and the functioning of the ecosystem as a whole. On campus, this has been considered by favouring multi-species environments and providing nesting sites for wild pollinators. In addition, the timing and frequency of mowing in grassland, for example, is regulated to allow flowering plants sufficient time to produce seeds and provide food.