The team of the Kurzeme Planning Region project “Green Guardians” is currently actively working on the evaluation of data submitted during the campaign “Become an Alley Detective.” The information provided by residents is being analysed using an alley assessment criteria system developed by the project team, which allows the quality and significance of alleys in Kurzeme to be evaluated in a unified and comparable manner.
Alley Assessment Based on Defined Criteria
The submitted alley questionnaires are carefully analysed, paying attention to several key aspects, including:
- the number of alley rows and trees,
- the shape of tree crowns and age groups,
- tree species and thinning,
- the scenic and historical significance of alleys,
- the presence of monumental trees within alleys, and other qualitative indicators.
This approach makes it possible not only to identify the most visually impressive alleys, but also to recognise those with significant cultural-historical, natural, or landscape value.
A Large Volume of Data and Diverse Information Sources
Within the framework of the campaign, 228 questionnaires containing data on alleys across Kurzeme have been received to date. In parallel with the evaluation of data submitted by residents, the project’s Geographic Information System (GIS) specialist–cartographer continues to identify potentially valuable alleys using a wide range of information sources, including data on castles and manors, topographic maps, information from the Nature Conservation Agency, dziedava.lv, data from the State Land Service, as well as historical materials from scientific institutions and botanical collections.
New Alley Reports Can Be Submitted in Spring
The autumn submission session has concluded; however, new alley reports will be most effectively submitted in spring, when trees begin to leaf out, alley silhouettes become more clearly visible, and it is possible to better assess their condition and species diversity. At the same time, the alley questionnaire remains open during the winter period for those who wish to join the initiative already now.
The Kurzeme Planning Region invites everyone to notice alleys in their surroundings and to rejoin the alley detectives team in spring. Information submitted by residents is a valuable contribution to the preservation of Kurzeme’s landscape and cultural-historical heritage for future generations.
The alley data assessment questionnaire is available here: https://ej.uz/alejudetektivs
The project “Preservation of Tree Alleys for Biodiversity in Kurzeme and Northern Lithuania” (Green Guardians) is implemented with the support of the Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme 2021–2027. Its aim is to promote the identification, preservation, and sustainable management of alleys as an important component of natural and cultural heritage.
Information prepared by:
Inga Hartika
Project coordinator in the field of tourism and marketing, PR specialist
+371 26678815, +371 25494758
inga.hartika@kurzemesegions.lv
