The coastal meadow is a rare habitat type that requires constant grazing to prevent it from overgrowing with reeds and shrubs.
Highland cattle are purposefully introduced to the reserve during the grazing season to maintain the open landscape biodiversity.
The nature reserve is a critical stopover point for thousands of migratory birds during the spring and autumn.
The trail allows visitors to traverse a transition zone between the managed city beach and a strictly protected nature area.
Rannaniidu matkarada is a 2-kilometer circular coastal hiking trail located within the Pärnu Coastal Meadow Nature Reserve. The path features a wooden boardwalk that winds through protected grasslands, pine forests, and reed beds along the Pärnu Bay shoreline. It is designed specifically for the protection of rare meadow plant species and coastal bird habitats. Visitors can access a bird-watching tower located midway along the path for elevated views of the landscape. The trail incorporates informational signage detailing the unique ecosystem and the role of Highland cattle in preserving the vegetation. It serves as a buffer zone between the urban Pärnu beach area and the protected natural reserve.
The bird-watching tower provides an elevated panoramic view of the coastline and the vast meadow landscape.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes as parts of the trail can be damp, especially after rainfall.
Bring binoculars for bird watching, as the coastal meadow is a prime habitat for wetland species.
Stay strictly on the wooden boardwalk to protect the fragile meadow flora and prevent disturbing nesting birds.
Do not attempt to walk through the meadows outside the boardwalk, as the ground can be muddy and it disturbs the protected wildlife.
No picking plants or disturbing wildlife; keep dogs on a leash at all times; do not leave the marked boardwalk path.
