Alvar grasslands and overgrown wooded meadows are predominantly represented on the Elda Peninsula that is situated in the southern part of the national park. Alvar grasslands are habitats for different orchid species, such as the early-purple orchid (Orchis mascula) and fly orchid (Ophrys insectifera).
Early-purple orchid (Orchis mascula). Photo: Maris Sepp
COMMUNITIES
Viidumäe Nature Reserve offers many opportunities for hiking and enjoying nature. We recommend getting first acquainted with the area at Viidumäe Nature Centre where information brochures are available and a permanent exhibition introducing the conservation values and the history of the nature reserve is open daily all year round.
Three study trails start from the Nature Centre: Audaku, Allikasoo and Viidumäe. About 700 meters from the centre, Raunamäe observation tower offers gorgeous views of Western Saaremaa.
Based on the protection rules of Viidumäe Nature Reserve, the main objective of the reserve is to protect the diverse biotic community and the protected species, ecological communities, and habitats in the uplands region of Western Saaremaa.
According to the protection procedure, Viidumäe Nature Reserve is divided into:
The surface area of Viidumäe Nature Reserve is relatively small, but it is still a home for many plant, fungal, and animal species. The ancient coastal terrace divides the area into two completely different parts. The drier areas above the terrace are divided by low beach ridges and dunes. The area lower than the terrace is wetter due to the spring waters and also cut through by past coastal landforms.