The first alleys appeared in Latvia as early as the 18th century. Later, they were massively planted by nobles who followed the early 19th century Western European garden and park fashion. The alleys usually led to manor houses and churches. When farmers in the Baltic provinces could buy property, they began planting alleys around their homes. Although the alleys were formed not only from local, but also from introduced (imported) tree species, the former proved to be more durable, therefore oak and linden alleys are more common in Latvia than larch alleys. Old oak avenues are an important living environment for a variety of species of mushrooms (including polypores), insects, lichen, moss, mammals and birds. In Latvia, the 64 most beautiful and significant alleys have the status of a protected natural monument. Jaunmoku and Vecmoku alleys are also included in the list of protected alleys.