The 10-hectare territory next to the Slate Forest is in a quiet place and 50 km away from the nearest cities.  The forest is a unique complex of archaeology, culture and history.  This is the site of the only known early or middle Iron Age graveyard on white hillocks (3rd to 7th century).  There is also a graveyard known as Corpse Hill.  Surrounding these are flatlands with forests and fields.  The Eglaine River and the Tīreļi Swamp, which is full of berries, are nearby. 

Lelde and Mārtiņš Uzkurs are a young couple which has lived at Kalnaleiskini since 2019.  Mārtiņš' family has lived in Sēlija for several generations, while Lelde moved there five years ago from Jūrmala.  The couple own a carpentry shop where the husband is the carpenter and the wife is the designer.  Lelde is a member of the Latvian Association of Ornithologists, and she is an experienced tour guide who has been excited about birdwatching for the past seven years.  Lelde particularly likes to count up owls. 

During your visit, you can build a feeder or birdhouse for the birds.  You can be sure that it will satisfy all carpentry standards.  The birds will like them.

THE PROGRAMME:

• Arrival at Kalnaleiskini and meeting Lelde as the guide;
• A short (3 km) hike to the Slate Forest to watch birds, listen to their song, and learn about various types of birds;
• After the hike, there is a workshop to build feeders or birdhouses, with participants preparing materials on the basis of samples (measuring and sawing boards) so as to build a feeder or birdhouse which the person may take home.