Meadow Festival Champions Nature’s Fragile Beauty

Rīga Event Spotlights Vanishing Natural Grasslands

Dreiliņkalns Park in Rīga will transform into a vibrant hub this Saturday, July 26, for the third annual Meadow Festival. Organised by the Latvian Fund for Nature (LDF), the event aims to draw public attention to the critical issue of disappearing natural meadows and inspire proactive conservation efforts.

Hands-On Conservation and Traditional Skills

Kicking off at 11 am, the festival will offer a lively meadow products market alongside a series of engaging workshops. Attendees can dive into practical conservation techniques like collecting meadow seeds, exploring insect biodiversity, and learning botanical drawing. A special feature will be demonstrations by the mowers association, who will share the art of scything and hay stacking.

“The event will bring together experts, natural meadow managers and product manufacturers, as well as like-minded people who care about nature and its diversity.”

—Rūta Sniedze-Kretalova, LDF Botanist and Festival Author

According to the European Environment Agency, over 99% of species-rich meadows in Europe have been lost since the 1950s (EEA, 2019). This stark statistic underscores the urgency behind the festival’s mission.

Cultural Delights and Community Engagement

Beyond the educational activities, festival-goers can enjoy a dedicated cinema tent. Culinary offerings will include local beef burgers and vegetarian options, ensuring something for every palate. The day will be further enlivened by a musical performance from the Jakob Noiman Festival band.

All activities and entry to the festival are free of charge. A comprehensive schedule of events is accessible through the Latvian Fund for Nature website.