Kalli – Landscape Protection Area, Fens and Cultural Traces

Natural area with clear protection rules

Kalli is primarily known for its protected natural area. The Kalli Landscape Protection Area protects a representative fen and spring area. In addition, the Kalli soo Natura 2000 site covers 73 hectares of species-rich fens. The figure of 73 hectares refers specifically to Kalli soo; it does not describe the size of the landscape protection area. The two protection categories have different focuses: the landscape protection area is characterized by its fen and spring area, while Kalli soo is characterized by the specific area of species-rich fens. Both the spring area and the fens are therefore central to the character of the place.

For observing nature, the breeding birds provide a distinct point of reference: at least three pairs of red-backed shrikes breed in the Kalli Landscape Protection Area. In addition, at least one pair of ruffs breeds there. The minimum figures refer to breeding pairs, not individual birds; additional pairs cannot be ruled out, and they do not imply that the birds will be sighted at any particular time. The red-backed shrike and the ruff represent two different breeding bird species in the protected habitat. Here, the natural area is reflected both in its wet habitats and in specific breeding occurrences.

Visiting without developed nature park infrastructure

The available orientation differs from that of a signposted nature park. The Kalli Landscape Protection Area has no hiking trails, nature education trails, fire pits or information boards presenting the protected area. There is likewise no signposted educational route or specially established fire pit.

At the same time, specific regulations apply to use of the area. Camping and lighting campfires are permitted only in farmyards and at locations that have been prepared and marked for this purpose with the permission of the protected-area administration. By contrast, picking berries and mushrooms is permitted throughout the Kalli Landscape Protection Area. Permission to collect applies throughout the Kalli Landscape Protection Area, not only at prepared and marked locations.

Driving vehicles is permitted on the roads in the Kalli Landscape Protection Area. The permission applies to the roads themselves; this regulation contains no provisions concerning parking areas, paths away from the roads or driving times. The authorization to drive applies exclusively to the roads themselves and not to other areas.

Historical traces and local remembrance

In addition to its natural area, Kalli also offers a historical context. At the end of the 18th century, Kalli was an auxiliary farm of the Sassi manor. This farm history anchors part of the local history in the period of the late 18th century. Another local trace is Kokakivi: the site is recorded in Kalli as a local cultural and remembrance site and was located on the basis of local tradition and with the help of local residents. Kokakivi complements the historical trace of the auxiliary farm with a place of local remembrance. Together, manor history and local remembrance represent two different historical approaches to Kalli.

For the broader travel overview: Valjala Parish.

The same higher-level local area also includes Turja, Kungla and Sakla.