The future nature reserve will be located in Länsi-Vuosaari on the eastern shore of Vartiokylänlahti. The area consists of two separate areas, of which the smaller, more northern area has an exceptionally fine ancient rocky shore. Other habitats occurring in the area are near-natural conifer-dominated heath and rocky forests. Among them are herb-rich forests and paludified areas, such as treeless bogs and eutrophic spruce mires. The special features of the area are several rivulets and two open calcareous rocky slopes. The total area of the nature reserve is 34.8 hectares.
Meri-Rastila’s shelf fungi species are among the most diverse in Helsinki: a total of 93 species have been found in the same forest area. The most significant of these is the endangered Antrodia cretacea. Two regionally endangered plant species, the Carex loliacea and the softleaf sedge, grow in the paludified parts of the area. There is a diverse forest bird population, and at least four different species of predatory bats are also found in the area.
The establishment of the nature reserve and the management and use plan drawn up for it will ensure that the Meri-Rastila forest area will mainly remain as natural as possible. This will also improve the opportunities to develop the recreational use of the area so that natural values are well taken into consideration.
Outdoor trails will remain unchanged and unofficial paths, including the skiing trail, will remain mostly in use. A guided nature trail will be established on the existing paths, for which a separate plan will be prepared. Mountain biking can continue in the area, but will be limited to paths marked separately and used by all outdoor enthusiasts.
The old barbecue spot located in the area will be preserved and can be refurbished into a better-equipped cooking shelter. Among others, the management and use plan also proposes measures to combat harmful invasive plant species, such as the Rosa rugosa and the Reynoutria japonica. The plan has been prepared by Luontoselvitys Metsänen Oy and Ympäristötutkimus Yrjölä Oy.
The Environment and Permits Sub-committee of the Urban Environment Committee will consider the conservation proposal in its meeting on 4 December 2024. Based on the proposal of the sub-committee, the City Board will decide on the submission of an application for the establishment of the nature reserve to the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centre).
