päälliskangas

Päälliskangas, also known as Undercourt Wetland, is a wetland area located in the city of Helsinki, Finland. It is situated in the Töölö district, near the Salmisaari power plant.

The area is a subtropical and seasonal wetland, characterized by its strongly fluctuating water table. Päälliskangas is home to a variety of plant species, including several rare and endangered species. The site is also an important habitat for several species of invertebrates, birds, and fish. The wetland is a critical stopover point for many migratory bird species, with over 150 species documented to use the area.

Päälliskangas wetland is relatively small in size, covering an area of approximately 3 hectares. It is owned by Fortum, a Finnish energy and heating company. The site has been under environmental protection since 1987, when it was designated as a Nature Reserve by the City of Helsinki. The area is maintained by Fortum and the Helsinki Urban Environment Division.

The wetland has undergone restoration efforts to counterbalance the degradation caused by the nearby power plant. The goal of these efforts is to create a more natural and thriving ecosystem. The results of these actions are being closely monitored and analyzed by local authorities and researchers.

Päälliskangas is a rare example of a functioning, wild wetland within a densely forested urban area. The site serves as a wildlife corridor, connecting other green areas in Helsinki. Despite its small size, päälliskangas plays a vital role in supporting biodiversity in the region.