Finland’s national television station, YLE News, joined Adventure Apes in the forest on a blueberry picking adventure connecting foreigners and Finnish Grandmothers.
A group of eleven people — including immigrants from Vietnam, China, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Iran, along with several Finnish grandmothers — recently joined a berry-picking outing led by Adventure Apes guide Heidi Savolainen.
The gathering aimed to make the forest more accessible to those who rarely or never venture into nature, especially newcomers in Finland.
Many participants had never gone berry picking before. For instance, Amal Hevadewage, who had previously bought berries at markets, seized the opportunity to explore the forest firsthand. The event blended locals and newcomers, promoting cultural exchange and encouraging interaction with Finnish nature.
Savolainen observed that foreigners often hear “you may pick berries freely,” yet lack the guidance, gear, or confidence to enter forest areas. Many came wearing sneakers when they needed boots or rain gear; the role of the guide was crucial in enabling a safe, enjoyable experience.
This forest is inside all of us Finns. If someone has lost it, a little digging will bring it back. It's completely free, healthy, and stress-relieving. You'll go home feeling completely different.
This is amazing! I'm so happy and I love picking blueberries. It's great to be here in the middle of the jungle.
