Vilnius city council abandons plans to cut down centuries-old pine trees in Vingis Park

Vilnius city council has partially reversed its special urban plan that would have allowed the felling of pine trees over 200 years old in Vingis Park, following public outcry, LRT reports.

The park, home to some of Lithuania’s oldest pine forests, had faced potential changes to its land-use designation along Geležinio Vilko Street, raising concerns that the trees would be cleared for infrastructure development. Urban engineer Adas Paulius Paražinskas warned that the plan would have converted roughly one hectare of forest into other uses, effectively requiring the trees to be cut down.

“This is a large area where the average age of the pines exceeds 200 years,” Paražinskas said. “These trees are valuable and form a unique old-growth forest ecosystem.”

Biologist Andrejus Gaidamavičius of Aukštaitija National Park emphasised the park’s national significance, noting that Vingis is Lithuania’s oldest natural pine forest and one of the few places in Europe where such ancient woodland survives in an urban centre. “Last year, a Ural owl—a species dependent on old-growth forests—nested here, proving the ecological value of this place,” he said. “Pines can live up to 400 years, and Vingis Park is the only place in Lithuania where future generations might one day see trees of that age.”

The city council clarified that the special plan had initially included provisions for bike paths and greenery but acknowledged public opposition. “We rushed in presenting these proposals,” admitted Benas Bučelis, a council representative. “The municipality has now rejected those plans—no trees will be sacrificed for road expansion, no viaduct will be built over Geležinio Vilko Street, and the forest’s land-use designation will remain unchanged.”

Updated proposals will be presented to the public in early July, with final approval expected by next year.