Urban Grove on Freedom Boulevard

The once shady and underused green area along Freedom Boulevard has been given new life – a multi-layered habitat has been created here, featuring woodland species that offer shelter to insects, birds, and small animals, while also providing a pleasant space for people to enjoy.

The urban grove is part of the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024 project Curated Biodiversity, which aims to make Tartu’s parks more nature-friendly and diverse. The park has been planted with shade-tolerant shrubs and forest flowers, including liverworts, wood anemones, hazels, and bird cherries. Most of the plants were rescued directly from nature – saved from clear-cut areas where they had no chance of survival. Similar changes are being made elsewhere in Tartu: a blooming urban meadow already grows in Uueturu Park, a flower mat will be added to Central Park, and in several parks the grass is now allowed to grow as nature intended.

You may also notice deadwood – trunks and branches left to decay. Though they may seem unfamiliar at first, they are invaluable habitats for fungi, insects, and small animals. The result is a park that doesn’t try to tame nature, but lets it grow and thrive in its own rhythm – yet in a thoughtfully designed way.

The Urban Grove on Freedom Boulevard invites explorers, walkers, and those in search of rest. It’s a perfect place to slow down, observe spring blossoms, or simply be – in the heart of the city, yet surrounded by nature.