Homepage
Xeric grasslands are some of the most endangered habitat types in Europe. Within the last few decades, they have been pushed back to isolated residual areas as a result of considerable loss of surface and the giving up of cultivation. At the same time, xeric grasslands are among the most species-rich habitats of all. They are home of a multitude of rare and endangered species, among them numerous orchids, birds, and butterflies.
Therefore, the foundations for nature protection of the Saarland, Schleswig-Holstein and Rhineland-Palatinate realise LIFE-Nature projects in order to conserve and restore xeric grasslands. The co-operation between the three states is supposed to draw attention to the supra-regional importance of the habitat type “xeric grassland” and to the fact that it is in danger all over Europe.
The aim of the projects is to incorporate xeric
grasslands into the European Natura 2000 Network. The project areas will
be conserved in a favourite state by restoration, maintenance care, and
development of xeric grasslands. The implementation of the projects takes
place within four years – adapted according to the cultivation history
of each area – for instance by clearance, maintenance care with
mechanical treatment, grazing, the setting up of a droving pasturage system,
and intensive public relations work via circuits, information boards,
brochures, and excursions. By these means, calcareous grasslands, juniper
heathlands, steppe grasslands and other xeric grasslands are to be protected
in the long run in order to give visitors the opportunity experience their
natural beauty.
| |
|
