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Avaleht » What We Do » Estonian nature » Rivers
Rivers Print
Natural and unregulated rivers

manniku_ojal_Biebrzha marshes in Poland are famous throughout Europe for their vast alluvial wetlands along unregulated rivers. Even bigger riverside wetlands can be found at Pripjat, Bielorussia. There are several big natural river systems in Estonia which replay the scenery of these famous habitats in a slightly smaller scale.

Managed alluvial meadows on floodplains of Kasari (in Matsalu nature reserve) and Emajõgi rivers (in Lower-Pedja nature reserve) are essential for several bird species - especially for corncrake and great snipe. Floodplain meadows provide also feeding grounds for Storks and Lesser Spotted eagles. Baltic states together with a part of Russia are considered to be the core area of the distribution of Corncrakes. Great Snipe - the bird that possibly bred west to Netherlands and Germany in the past is still present at these riverside meadows.