The most prominent part of our surrounding nature is Lake Lohja, which is the largest lake in southern Finland for its area of 122 square kilometers. While the Lohja ridge protects the area from cold sea breezes and Lohjanjärvi stores heat, the annual accumulated temperature of the growing season in the area is higher than in Helsinki, for example. The calcareous soil and the mild climate create ideal conditions for floral growth in the area. The area is also part of a rare oak zone in Finland in which many hardwood trees, rare plants, fungi and insects thrive. Thanks to the favourable conditions, there are plenty of apple trees in the Lake Lohja area, both domestic and commercial apple orchards. The first apple trees came to Lohja in the 16th century and there are many local varieties of rare species in the area.

 

As the Lohja Ridge protects the area from cold sea winds and Lake Lohjanjärvi stores the summer heat, the annual heat sum of the growing season in the area is the highest in mainland Finland. The calcareous soil and mild climate create ideal growing conditions for the area, and it belongs to a rare oak zone in Finland. Thanks to the favorable conditions, there are many apple orchards around Lake Lohjanjärvi. The first apple trees came to the Lohja region as early as the 16th century, and many local varietal rarities still grow in the region.

 

Pitkänperänlahti, located between Suurniemi and Karkal, is a significant nature reserve with dense hazel bushes and many endangered forest habitats. The area is home to many rare plant species that prefer lime, such as yellow anemone, grove blueroot and grove starwort. The beetle species, the Lohjanseppä, is found in Finland only in the Torhola area. Karkal Nature Park is the largest continuous forest area in mainland Finland, where, among other things, the rare straight-mouthed snail occurs. The more commonly known inhabitants of the area are the white-backed woodpecker and the hazel grouse.