Posts about nature, the environment, and outdoor recreation in Uusimaa and across Finland.
The Helsinki metropolitan area keeps attracting new residents, and many move here to live close to nature while still being near work and services. Imagine old-growth forest half an hour by train from the capital rather than only in eastern Finland. That requires nature to count in every zoning and budget decision, because a felled forest does not grow back for decades. Data centres must meet the same bar: ecological sustainability, protection of valuable natural sites and use of their waste heat.
Nature should belong to everyone. The coast must be within reach without a boat of your own, and residents must have a say in how their local forests are managed already at the planning stage. Informing residents is not the same as involving them. As a Kirkkonummi councillor I saw the difference in September 2026, when a forest management programme was approved without an impact assessment or a chance for residents to comment. We proposed returning it for further preparation.
Related posts
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Kirkkonummi bypassed residents in planning forest logging
Kirkkonummi approved its forest management programme without consulting residents and without an advance assessment. The municipal strategy promises otherwise.
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Data Centres Can Be Finland's Ace in International Politics
A leaked US cable exposed lobbying against data sovereignty. Data centres can be Finland’s ace in international politics, if we build them on our own terms.
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Lähteelä — a gem on Kirkkonummi coast
Kirkkonummi acquired Lähteelä, a coastal area. One of the few places on Kirkkonummi's coast accessible without a private boat — now permanently open to all.
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Our nature is our trump card — year after year
One of Kirkkonummi's greatest attractions is our nature. The participatory budgeting that has just begun has shown this once again.
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Local nature must be cherished
Not every forest needs to be felled. Local nature that is in active use in particular must be preserved, and it is an important part of our municipality.
