A new chance for Viurilanlahti arises from nature conservation cooperation with Nexamass

Cooperation with Nexamass

Wiurila and Nexamass are starting a collaboration aimed at improving the biodiversity of Viurilanlahti and the well-being of the Baltic Sea by utilizing the removed reeds as part of a circular economy.

Wiurila has started a collaboration with the Finnish company Nexamass Oy to manage the eutrophicated reeds in the Viurilanlahti Natura 2000 area. The collaboration combines nature conservation, watercourse restoration and the circular economy.

Viurilanlahti has become eutrophic over the years, as a result of which reeds have taken over large areas. Controlled mowing of the reeds helps restore open coastal nature, reduce nutrients bound to the watercourse and create better living conditions for many plant and animal species.

“Developing Wiurila also means taking care of the environment,” says Alexander Aminoff, owner of the Wiurila Estate.

For the benefit of nature, i.e. no waste, but a new raw material

Traditionally, mowing reed beds has been considered a challenging and expensive environmental measure, as the mowed biomass has not always found a useful use. Now, a new purpose has been found for the lake reed that is being removed.

Nexamass utilizes the collected lake reed as a renewable raw material for industry, for example in the production of bio-based materials. At the same time, significant amounts of nutrients are removed from the watercourse, which would otherwise maintain eutrophication. In this way, nature conservation and the circular economy support each other.

Long-term work for the benefit of Viurilanlahti

The first mowing work is planned to start in the winter season, when the ice will allow work on sensitive shore areas in the most environmentally friendly way possible. The goal is to gradually expand the operation to other areas in cooperation with landowners.

It is estimated that there are approximately ten hectares of reed beds in Viurilanlahti alone, in the Wiurila area. The longer-term goal is to create an operating model to support nature conservation and the well-being of the Baltic Sea.

A living manor takes responsibility for its environment

In the development of the Wiurila estate, nurturing a culturally and historically valuable environment goes hand in hand with sustainable development. The care of the reed beds is one concrete example of how the historic manor landscape and valuable nature will thrive in the future.

Caring for the environment is an integral part of Wiurila’s long-term sustainable development.

Nexamass: Sustainable business from biomass

Biomass created due to eutrophication is an underutilized natural resource with significant business potential. By collecting it, nutrients can be removed from waterways and eutrophication can be curbed. At the same time, valuable raw material is created for industrial needs.
Nexamass connects landowners, harvesting and transport entrepreneurs, processors and buyers into a chain that benefits everyone, including the environment.
Nexamass website