Nekala Players Log 85 Forest Clover Sightings to Map Habitat for Critically Endangered Moth

According to the City of Tampere, a mobile nature game launched in June asked residents in Nekala to find and photograph forest clover to help map habitat for a critically endangered moth whose caterpillars feed on the plant. The task built on the game's earlier June launch in Nekala that invited residents to map woodland clover.

The Crowdsorsa task was part of the Horizon EU-funded INNATURE project, coordinated by Tampere University. The project is testing citizen-driven ways to support urban biodiversity in five European cities.

Participation was voluntary. Thirteen locals produced 85 observations over the summer, and many took part out of concern for nature rather than for payment. Participant Anu Rajala said concern about the state of nature motivated her, adding that taking photos was easy and the app was a good idea.

City planners and researchers will review the geotagged photos to refine the game and consider wider use of crowdsourcing for endangered species protection. As part of the project, new multi-species meadows will be created in Nekala and Härmälänranta.

A public sowing event led by Villi Vyöhyke ry will begin on October 21 at 17:00 near Nekala, with forest clover set to play a central role, Tampere University’s Katja Maununaho said.