The main purpose of the LIFE project is to take concrete conservation measures to improve the conservation of flying squirrels. The measures consist of planning sites (A), implementing measures (C) and monitoring impacts (D).

Flying squirrels need food and security to live. Suitable nesting sites in forests are cavities in aspen, twig dens in spruces (made by the red squirrel) or nest boxes. Aspen and other deciduous trees are important sources of food for the flying squirrel. Aspen is also an extremely important key species for forest biodiversity, which means that a large number of forest species depend entirely on it.

In Finland, we improve the continuity of aspen generations for the future by safeguarding aspen seedling establishment and growth. We make flying squirrel nesting boxes in Finland and Estonia.

The themes are listed below: Aspen continuity, nesting boxes & new nature reserves (project action code in brackets).

• Project action codes make it easier to find project publications

Aspen continuity (A8>C3>D1)

Aspen continuity means that aspens of different ages are available in the same area as food and shelter. The situation of available aspens representing various age classes, especially of large aspens, in worrying: there are extensive areas that will have to wait a hundred years before the next generation of large aspen trees reaches maturity, and some areas have scarcely any seedlings at all.

The aspen is a pioneer tree, which needs open space to grow. We remove pines and sometimes break up the raw humus (mor) to make room for growth. At some of the sites, we also fence seedlings for 10-15 years so that they can grow into young trees without being disturbed.

Nesting boxes (A9>C4>D1)

In northeastern Estonia, 250 nesting boxes will be placed to support the function of flying squirrel habitat networks with the help of nesting sites. In particular, nesting boxes will be placed along movement corridors between habitat sites mainly on Estonian state-owned land (Riigimetsa Majandamise Keskus/State Forest Management Center).

A9 Protection measure plans for nesting box sites in Estonia

• Location of flying squirrel nesting boxes in Estonia

New nature reserves (B1)

During the project, the ELY Centres for North Karelia, North Savo and Southwest Finland will establish three new nature conservation areas covering a total of 26 hectares. The sites have been prepared in advance and no actions will be taken on them.