Tiilitehtaanmäki-Pohjoislahti Nature Trail

The landscape of Tiilitehtaanmäki-Pohjoislahti varies from the groves of the Tiukanjoki Estuary to both open fields and meadows and enclaves of conifer forest and mixed woodland. Most of the area is part of Natura 2000 network and pastures of Tiilitehtaanmäki are important traditional landscapes. Tiilitehtaanmäki has been utilised as pastureland for cows and horses for centuries and is a great example of grazing’s effect on creating a traditional landscape.

Pohjoislahti Area does not only comprise of the intrinsic Tiukanjoki Estuary and the vicinal bay, but also of woodlands, cattle pens and old fields. For the sake of natural diversity, the lush islands prone to be inundated by floods and riparian forests are especially significant.

Tiilitehtaanmäki (“Brickyard Hill”) has been named after a brickyard that operated in the area in the 18th century. The clay the factory needed was taken from the Lerviken Bay nearby and the finished bricks were transported to the construction sites along the river. For example, the City Hall of Kristiinankaupunki has been built of bricks from Tiilitehtaanmäki.