Wetland Under Construction in Ypäjä on the Catchment Area of Finland’s Largest Stable Complex
Häme University of Applied Sciences participates in a newly launched wetland project in Ypäjä aimed at improving the water quality of the Loimijoki River. We help reduce the nutrient load coming from the Loimijoki river basin by contributing to the implementation of a water-retaining wetland.
The project, led by the The Water Protection Association of the River Kokemäenjoki, plans to construct a wetland on the riverfront field of the Ypäjä Equine College. The purpose of the wetland is to balance water flow and thereby reduce the amount of suspended solids and nutrients entering the Loimijoki River from the surrounding area.
The wetland will also increase biodiversity in the area. In addition, it will later serve as a demonstration site showcasing solutions that can be used to improve water status and natural biodiversity.
We contribute our expertise in nature-based solutions to the project. We will conduct water quality monitoring before, during, and after the construction of the wetland. The samples will be analyzed in our new laboratory.
“Water sampling plays an important role in ensuring the wetland functions as intended,” says HAMK Project Specialist Josefiina Ruponen.
This autumn, we have focused on more detailed planning of the project stages. Construction of the wetland is scheduled for spring–summer 2026, depending on weather conditions. More information about the timetable will be provided closer to the implementation. After the wetland is constructed, piles of tree trunks are placed there by volunteers to help slow down the flow of water. Landscaping will be carried out later in the summer.
We will participate in public events organized during the project, giving interested people the opportunity to follow the wetland construction process. For example, a work demonstration is planned.
The project is coordinated by The Water Protection Association of the River Kokemäenjoki, with Häme University of Applied Sciences and Hippolis ry as project partners. The project has received funding from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development for 2023–2027. It is a public-benefit environmental and climate investment that supports the sustainable management of natural resources. The municipality of Ypäjä and the Equine College are also involved as local stakeholders.
You can also hear more about the planned wetland in the Current Environmental Topics in the Equine Sector webinar on 4 December 2025. Additional information and registration are available here (in Finnish). A recording of the webinar will be published on Hippolis’ YouTube channel.
More information:
Hanna Arola
Project Specialist
The Water Project Association of the River Kokemäenjoki
hanna.arola@kvvy.fi
+35832461322