On May 5, 2026, the soil ecology working group went on a spring field trip to the hiking trails of Taevaskoja. Sunny weather and birdsong provided a refreshing change from the daily office and classroom work.

The trip actively focused on observing spring nature. Among other things, we managed to see a common slow worm (Anguis fragilis) and find a witches cauldron (Sarcosoma globosum). We discussed material cycles and their connections with land use, focusing on both forestry and agriculture.

In addition to the nature education aspect, the trip also offered exciting cultural and historical insights. We explored the forest brothers’ bunker and visited the filming locations of “Viimne Reliikvia”, including the bridge, which is known from the film scene of the horse falling.

Several pictures were also captured from the trip, including a rare shot of a slow worm without a tail. The day spent together offered both new knowledge and memorable experiences.