Volunteers gather to restore unique habitats on Ulkokrunni and Maakrunni islands in Finland

The islands of Ulkokrunni and Maakrunni create a unique marine conservation area of international significance, attracting researchers and nature enthusiasts. However, access to these islands is highly restricted, with visitation allowed only from mid-July to the end of August. Over 87 years of protection has allowed the islands’ flora and fauna to thrive in their natural state. Despite this, human intervention is necessary for the preservation of the area’s rare natural environments and cultural landscapes.

Volunteers recently gathered on Ulkokrunni to help manage the islands’ ecology. Their main task was to clear away undergrowth, restoring this rare traditional habitat. The islands are home to unique plant species, often found nowhere else in Finland, including the critically endangered butterwort and four-leaf water crowfoot.

Ulkokrunni, situated about 20 kilometers off the coast near Ii, is characterized by a significant geological phenomenon known as land uplift, which emerged in the 16th century. In the late 1930s, the Maakrunnisäätiö (Maakrunni Foundation) was established to protect the area as a sanctuary for barnacle geese, buying lands and enforcing conservation measures.

Volunteering on Ulkokrunni provides a unique opportunity for participants to experience the island’s untouched beauty and wildlife. Attendees often comment on the camaraderie and fulfilling nature of the tasks at hand. The islands support a diverse bird population, including the resurgence of barnacle geese from near extinction. They also provide critical habitat for various insects and plants, highlighting the importance of ongoing conservation efforts in the region.

As discussions continue regarding broader public access to the islands, the delicate nature of these environments must be carefully considered to maintain their ecological integrity for future generations.