The Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve was established by Estonian law in 1995 and since 2004 is designated as a Natura 2000 site. The protected area is also recognized as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention (designated by Estonian government in 1997). Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve is the fourth largest protected area and the second largest nature reserve in Estonia. It is located to the northwest of Tartu and northeast of Estonia’s largest inland lake, Lake Võrtsjärv, and spans over 3 counties. The nature of the area has been little affected by human activities over the years, providing suitable habitats for many protected and rare species. With its large size and various habitats, the Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve’s objective is to protect the diversity of ecosystems, mainly through preserving the natural development of forest and mire communities and securing management of floodplain grasslands.
The nature reserve is managed by the Jõgeva-Tartu region of the Estonian State Nature Conservation Centre.
Nature and hiking trails have been developed for visitors to the area and for educational activities. For more information see the brief information on this site or contact the centre.
