NATURE PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT Current situation The Central Park contains approximately 700 hectares of forest areas. The forests are predominantly old-growth forests with most stands dominated by spruce, but deciduous trees, particularly aspen, are common in Maunula and Haltiala. Nature protection areas The Haltiala primeval forest conveys an enchantingly primitive atmosphere; the approximately 23-hectare area features old-growth spruce forests, decayed wood and lush herbage in open locations. At Pitkäkoski, a handsome stand of spruces grows on the slopes following the River Vantaa. Foreign tree and shrub species have been planted at the Niskala Arboretum founded by Jakob Kavaleff. Floods have submerged a portion of the lush Ruutinkoski grove area along the banks of the River Vantaa. The spruce trees and shrubs at the protected hazel grove in Maunula are ablaze with colours, particularly in the autumn. The handsome European White Elms at Ruutinkoski are protected as a natural monument. Special natural features Stands of aspen in Haltiala Haltiala primeval forest Abundant display of wood anemone in spring in different parts of the Central Park Riverside hepatica occurrences along the River Vantaa in Haltiala. Ash and hazel groves in Maunula Stand of larch in Haltiala Forests edging open areas Meadows and violets Mätäpuro, Maunulanpuro Nature management The Central Park is being continuously developed as a forested recreational area that provides city dwellers with daily opportunities for outdoor exercise and enhances their appreciation of the natural environment. The forests in the park are managed to preserve biodiversity in the face of environmental stress and intensive recreational use. Helsinki’s forests are maintained to preserve many ecological – natural, landscape and recreational – values. For example, the nesting places of birds and mammals are left undisturbed during logging. The city has a set of clearly defined and diverse management objectives, including the conservation of biodiversity in forests. Besides loggers, forest machines and even horses take part in the upkeep of Helsinki’s forests. The best time for logging is winter, when the frozen ground supports the heavy machines required for the work. Other maintenance work, such as the clearing of thickets, is carried out at other times during the year. Careful harvesting leaves the soil or nature unharmed. Besides the meadow and field areas managed as part of the culturally historic Haltiala landscape, smaller meadows in the Central Park’s interior are also maintained regularly as a part of the recreational environment. The Central Park is managed according to a long-term nature management plan, jointly prepared by the authorities and local residents, that takes into consideration landscape and environmental values, recreational use, and wishes of the park’s users.