On Saturday, June 20, as part of the “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” programme, a community work event took place in Polīšu gravas, in Vārme Parish, Kuldīga Municipality – during which neighbours whose properties in the Šķēde River valley feature sandstone outcrops, joined by a small group of like-minded individuals and interested participants, cleared a trail by mowing the grass, removing fallen trees from the path, and adding homemade signs, thereby making this natural site more accessible for walks and hikes.
By implementing the “Neighborhood” initiative within the “Liepāja 2027” programme and exploring the environment of rural homesteads, the resources available to their residents, and the ways they interact, we are discovering how the river connects neighbours across the area. Its valley, the ravine landscape, and a shared responsibility for the natural environment create common ground, even as everyday life revolves around each household caring for its own stretch of forest or bend of the river.
During the cleanup event, participants shared stories about the Šķēde River, traditional haymaking in forest meadows, and the dances that were accompanied by a brass band in the Polīšu Ravine during the first half of the 20th century. Conversations also touched on how the landscape has changed over time, including in places where erosion has exposed monumental sandstone formations and in other areas where landslides have reshaped the terrain.
The community work event confirmed that a natural resource – functioning as part of the local cultural environment – can serve as a unifying force for society. Since the Polīšu Ravines are located within the event zone of the European Capital of Culture – in the “Land of (un)rest” – this summer’s project aims to develop and test potential opportunities for exploring nature by organizing yet another cultural event.
Anyone interested is invited to explore the Polīši Ravines at their convenience. For recommendations on planning your route, please contact the coordinator of this project: Annemarija Gulbe, phone: +371 26 258 118; e-mail: annemarijagulbe@gmail.com.
Special thanks to all the volunteers and “Ineses tortes” (Inese’s Cakes) for the opportunity to enjoy cakes baked in Vārme after the cleanup event.
The previous public cleanup event in the Polīši Ravines took place in 2013, when several signs and markings were installed. During this cleanup event, thanks to the support of “Liepāja 2027,” these signs were further supplemented.
This event was organized by the association “KONTYNIUUM” as part of the “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” project programme. Financed by Liepāja State City, South Kurzeme and Kuldīga municipalities, the Ministry of Culture and the State Culture Capital Foundation. The “Liepāja 2027” programme is supported by the leading partner in environmental education and sustainability AS “CleanR Grupa”, the leading partner in air traffic and international communications AS “Air Baltic Corporation”, partner in legal matters SIA “Sorainen ZAB”, partner in land traffic SIA “Lux Express Latvia”, partner in maritime traffic and international communications SIA “Stena Line”. Media partners – VSIA “Latvijas Sabiedriskais medijs”, SIA “TVNET GRUPA”, AS “KURZEMES RADIO”.
Photo: Annemarija Gulbe
Association “KONTYNIUUM”
Annemarija Gulbe
Phone: +371 26 258 118
E-mail: annemarijagulbe@gmail.com
