On 20 July 2026, Krustpils Castle hosted a lecture and practical workshop on landscaping and sustainable park management as part of the Interreg project “Know the Park in the Dark”. The five-hour event brought together park management and planning specialists from Latvia and Lithuania, promoting cross-border cooperation and the exchange of professional experience.
The lecture was delivered by Gvido Leiburgs, Managing Director of SIA Koku Eksperts, certified arborist, dendrologist, and expert in tree protection with more than 25 years of professional experience.
During the theoretical session, participants gained knowledge about the principles of sustainable park management and current trends in the maintenance of green spaces. The programme covered topics including the maintenance of tree alleys, flower beds, veteran trees, and exotic plants, as well as practical solutions for everyday park management. Particular attention was given to responding to unforeseen situations, such as storm damage and other environmental impacts, together with the effects of climate change and possible adaptation measures for historic parks.
The practical workshop took place in the grounds of Krustpils Castle Park, where participants explored professional tree assessment methods through real-life examples. The lecturer demonstrated the use of a Resistograph, a specialised diagnostic device used to assess the internal condition of tree trunks and branches with minimal damage to the tree. The instrument operates by inserting a very fine needle into the wood while measuring drilling resistance. The recorded data are presented as a resistogram, enabling specialists to identify variations in wood density, internal decay, cavities, and other structural defects that are essential for evaluating the condition and safety of valuable trees.
The workshop provided participants with the opportunity to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience by learning modern methods for assessing the condition of historic parks and mature trees. Activities of this kind strengthen the professional competencies of park management specialists, support the sustainable preservation of cultural and natural heritage, and promote cross-border cooperation between partners from Latvia and Lithuania.
