Best practice examples for environ- mental protection & agriculture Landcare Associations in Natura 2000 sites 2

Contents

Ebersberg Streuwiesen Water meadows on the 4 Lech near Augsburg 20

Dillingen river mussels Höchstadt wetlands 8 24

Dingolfing bird Würzburg paradise farmland biotopes

12 suzbah - fotolia.com 28

Heathland in the Bamberg Albtrauf area 16

Editorial information

PUBLISHED BY: Deutscher Verband für Landschaftspflege e.V. (Landcare Germany) Promenade 9 91522 Ansbach Tel: 0981/1800 990 [email protected] CONCEPTUAL DESIGN AND COPY: Christiane Feucht PHOTOS: Peter Roggenthin, www.roggenthin.de LAYOUT: Nicole Sillner, alma grafica UG PRINTING: Thuy GmbH, Ansbach Carbon neutral; printed on 100% recycled paper © All rights reserved; Second, revised edition Ansbach 2018 3

Voluntary collaboration – Landcare associations in Natura 2000 sites

The Natura 2000 network was set up to protect the diversity Farmers, nature conservationists and local politicians work of species and biotopes in Europe. Bavaria has designated a together on an equal footing in Landcare Associations. This total of 11.4 % of its area as Natura 2000 sites. The diversity brochure highlights how they collaborate by managing Natura that they contain is our region’s natural treasure. These sites are 2000 sites. dependent on careful management in many ways. Employees of the Landcare Associations are at the forefront. The species and biotopes in Natura 2000 sites have to be They inform, advise, communicate and are reliable partners for conserved and developed. Managing these areas is not easy local authorities and agriculture. My thanks go to them together because there are often conflicting interests of owners, land with my recognition of their commitment and work. users and nature conservationists. The DVL approach focuses on “cooperative nature conservation” and is based on voluntary cooperation of all parties.

Landcare Associations have been mentioned several times by the European Commission as exemplary organisations for Josef Göppel collaboration with local authorities and farmers. Chairman of Landcare Germany (DVL) Leo Ott Farmers are a godsend 5 for this area.

Ebersberg Streuwiesen JOSEF RÜEGG LANDCARE ASSOCIATION EBERSBERG

Natura 2000 site Gutterstätt Streuwiesen (meadows cut for animal bedding) Locality Ebersberg rural district Size of site 16 ha Landowners Predominantly private owners, district Agricultural use Grassland, predominantly approved for direct payments Programme of the Bavarian Ministry Landcare and nature Mowing, scrub clearance for Environment and reserve regulation Consumer Protection 6 mall is beautiful”: Josef Rüegg, Di- fritillary can be espied on occasion. he Landcare Association was able to rector of the Landcare Association prevent a change of management in “SEbersberg, puts it in a nutshell when de- owever, this change did not happen Tthe Gutterstätt Streuwiesen. When many scribing the six hectares of the Gutterstätt by itself – it is the result of excellent farmers abandoned the unprofitable Streuwiesen. Hcooperation between the nature conser- meadows in the early 1990s, the area These are meadows of purple moor grass vation authority, the Landcare Association, threatened to return to scrubland. This and low-lying marshlands on the north- landowners and farmers. would have meant the loss of numerous ern edge of the foothills of the Alps. The Purple moor grass meadows and low-ly- species of flora and fauna. In order to agrobiologist enthusiastically explains ing marshlands are to be found primarily avoid this, the Landcare Association talked how these meadows, which are poor in the south of Germany, with their main to many landowners and they agreed to in nutrients but rich in species, are still geographical concentration in the Alpine maintain extensive mowing. The Landcare used as traditional meadows for provid- foothills of Bavaria. The meadows were Association submitted its first application ing animal bedding – as they were 150 created by extensive late mowing and are for funding from conservation funds and years ago – where the marsh gladiolus mostly very rich in species, which makes started looking for farmers to mow the blossoms once again and the marsh gen- them so valuable for nature conservation. grass and cut the bushes. tian spread. Where the dusky large blue They react very sensitively to fertilisation flutters and the highly endangered marsh and changes in utilisation.

The Streuwiesen meadows are Josef Rüegg discusses The numbers of the rare marsh fritillary have a jewel for nature conservationists. upcoming activities been steadily increasing over the years since with the three farmers. the meadows have been cut. 7 n 2007 the Gutterstätt meadows were he three livestock owners Josef Abin- here, and we can preserve them through designated as European protection ger, Martin Hutterer and Hans Zehet- our work for the Landcare Association.” Iarea. “I thought that everything would Tmaier traditionally mow the meadows in be forbidden” Josef Abinger, farmer and September and use the cut grass as animal hey are paid for their work by the landowner, remembers. But this was far bedding. “It’s physically very demanding Landcare Association and they receive from the case, as he and his colleagues because a lot of the work is manual. We Tdirect payments for the management of were astonished to find. “Nothing has do it because we live here. We see nature the area. Josef Rüegg smiles. “These three changed really. We keep on mowing the all the time, we drive past here often farmers are a godsend for the area! With it meadows and we’ll do that as long as we enough. We can see the success. It’s also being used agriculturally, these meadows, can and we get money for it.” On the basis an extra way of making money, particularly rich in species, have been created and we of the many years’ good cooperation be- nowadays when, as a farmer, you always can only maintain this jewel with the help tween the Landcare Association and local have to look for ways to earn a little extra. of these farmers and appropriate funding” players, discussions between the nature But we don’t do it just for the money, we he explains, with a satisfied look over the conservation authorities and all parties in- want to do something good for the area. meadows. volved regarding the designation of nature For ourselves but also for everyone else. protection area ran smoothly. We like the plants and animals we’ve got

The three farmers and livestock owners The farmers mow the meadows once a year, These meadows, with their numerous orchids, are happy with the as their ancestors did, and keep an eye on the can only maintain such a rich diversity of management of the Natura 2000 site. diversity of plant life. species by late mowing.

In order to keep streams in their 9 natural state, we have to consider the whole catchment area and make a lot of adjustments. Dillingen river mussels SUSANNE KLING DONAUTAL-AKTIV E.V.

Natura 2000 site Nebelbach, Klosterbach and Brunnenbach streams Locality Dillingen rural district Size of site 318 ha Landowners Private owners, district authorities, local authorities, the Free State of Bavaria Agricultural use Woods, arable land, meadows and pastures, approved for direct payments Contractual nature conservation 22 ha extensive use of grassland Programme of the programme Bavarian Ministry Hydromorphological implementation of for Environment and Guidelines for grants for stream the Brunnenbach concept, hydromor- Consumer Protection basin management phological measures Biodiversity project “Bringing back Swabia’s best river mussels” – Swabian Other projects and regional government; BayernNetzNatur project “River mussels in the funding authorities Dillingen rural district” – Bavarian Nature Conservation Fund; boden:ständig – Bavarian State Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Forestry 10 illingen has the largest stocks he river mussels live in clear, fast-flow- the streams have an uninterrupted course of river mussels anywhere in ing streams with dense, sandy to and are well structured. Settling ponds and “DBavaria! We bear a great responsibility” Tgravelly beds. They are dependent on fish buffer zones are created in places affected Susanne Kling from Landcare Association such as minnows to reproduce, which act by erosion. Susanne Kling agrees all proj- Donautal-Aktiv justifies her active commit- as alternate hosts. Soil and nutrient con- ect activities with the owners and users ment to these rare animals. The streams tamination, water pollution and the drying of the area, applies for funding from con- Nebelbach, Klosterbach and Brunnenbach up of stream sections are having a nega- servation, agricultural or water manage- actually have significant stocks of river tive impact on the river mussel and other ment funds and oversees implementation. mussels on a European scale. That is why water inhabitants. Local authorities are responsible for main- their interconnected flowing water system taining small waterbodies. Susanne Kling has been designated a European nature n order to keep streams in their advises them how to keep the streams protection site. The landscape planner and “Inatural state, we have to consider clear sustainably and improve their eco- her team have been taking especial care the whole catchment area and make a logical value. This means they can also of them for three years now and receive lot of adjustments” Susanne Kling ex- contribute to flood prevention. monies from conservation funds of the plains. Man-made obstructions have to Free State of Bavaria. be removed and natural elements such as ince agricultural use of the land in the stones and tree trunks brought in so that S catchment area can have a negative

The river mussel is The river mussel needs clear flowing water and Checking progress at the stream: Susanne Kling threatened with extinction a sandy, gravelly bed. and volunteer Leo Schaudi inspect the river and is under strict protection. mussels. Susanne Hochwald 11 impact on the quality of water, Susanne some farmers to create riparian strips, use mussels.” For example, when a landslide Kling has started an advisory service for mulching methods for sowing and use silts the water badly, then they have to farmers. She proposes measures, such as grubbers instead of ploughs. “The soil take action quickly. cultivation methods that protect the soil, should stay where it belongs and we all the creation of riparian strips and exten- benefit from clean water” Walter Joas, f course Susanne Kling is in constant sive farming methods and identifies suit- mayor and farmer, confirms. O communication with the relevant able subsidy programmes to compensate authorities for nature conservation, water the farmers for the extra work. “It’s not ince Susanne Kling can’t keep her management and agriculture and main- a case of prohibiting farmers from doing S eye on the whole 40 kilometres of tains contact with local authorities, farmers things. I can’t do that anyway” Susanne the streams, she is looking for people to and fishing associations. Her job as water Kling explains. “The aim of my advice is monitor the mussels. She has been able to neighbourhood advisor is very useful here. to open their eyes, make suggestions and find four volunteers so far. They regularly With all these activities Susanne Kling identify financial options.” Of course, not check their sections of stream and report hopes to save the river mussel. “It’s still all farmers or local authorities accept her any irregularities. “It works fine!” Susanne too early to show any results. But we are proposals. “Some say no, but a lot listen Kling smiles. “With their help we are able doing what we can and everyone is doing and think about what I say.” In this way to respond quickly because sometimes a their bit.” Susanne Kling has been able to motivate few hours are crucial to saving the river

The river mussel volunteers inspect the Susanne Kling, Leo Schaudi and farmer Walter Farmers use windrowers to water and report problems to Susanne Kling Joas discuss how to prevent soil erosion in maintain and preserve immediately. fields bordering waterbodies. the riparian strips.

Getting a call that sets a date for mowing is 13 tough for farmers. But now they understand why this work is necessary. Dingolfing bird paradise JOCHEN SPÄTH LANDCARE ASSOCIATION DINGOLFING-LANDAU

Natura 2000 site Meadow birds breeding areas in the lower Isar Valley Locality Dingolfing-Landau rural district Size of site 1,386 ha Predominantly private owners, 174 ha district, Landowners 165 ha ecological compensation and “eco-account” areas Agricultural use Arable land, grassland, approved for direct payments Contractual nature 270 ha under an extensive grassland mowing Programme of the conservation programme programme Bavarian Ministry Monitoring, creation of small moist biotopes, for Environment and Landcare and nature creating meadows by sowing grassland seeds (swath Consumer Protection reserve regulations transfer) , measures to encourage biodiversity. Other projects and Compensation areas: creation of new meadows, channels for draining funding authorities water, and filling in ditches 14 ochen Späth proudly points out that in the Moos and over 120 migratory bird to farmers who manage them sensitively. J the Königsauer Moos is the only area species stop over here. The Landcare Association has also created in Bavaria where the numbers of the small moist biotopes in many parts and has European curlew, threatened with extinc- he bustle of activity with the birds transformed monotonous pastureland into tion, has increased in numbers. The area in the spring is stunning. That is meadows rich in species. in the lower Isar Valley, comprising 1,400 “Tthe recompense for our work.” The biolo- ha, is one of the most important breeding gist Jochen Späth has been working in the ochen Späth advised the district au- grounds for curlews in Bavaria and there- Königsauer Moos for decades and has par- J thorities and farmers when drawing fore has been designated a European bird ticipated in all the conservation measures up lease agreements and on agricultural sanctuary. The protection of meadow of the nature conservation authorities. The methods that respect nature conservation. birds such as the European curlew and district authorities became involved in 1995 The lease agreements run for five years the peewit is of especial importance here. and are responsible for these areas and and contain special provisions, such as The wide open landscape with its large developing them into little gems rich in winter fallow strips and flexible mowing marsh areas offers ground-breeding birds diversity of species. The district purchased dates. “Getting a call that sets a date for ideal conditions. Over 60 species breed 174 hectares and all meadows are leased mowing is tough for farmers. But we have

The Königsauer Moos is an important The curlew is an index species Every year Jochen Späth agrees resting place for migratory birds; up to 120 in open marsh areas. the best date for mowing species have been sighted here. meadows with the farmers. Nature photo Ottmann photo Nature 15 explained to them that this is the only way ing. So it’s no big change for us. On the but also on many meadows in private we can give the birds the best protection.” contrary, we can rely on the Landcare ownership in the Königsauer Moos. When Many farmers were sceptical because of Association now so we’re sure we’re not curlew chicks are around, the farmers the strict conditions. But a low lease price mowing down any birds. We don’t want are quite ready to delay mowing by a and subsidies from the contractual nature to do that.” Every spring the Landcare few days until the birds are fully fledged. protection programme have made these Association, together with ornithologists, “The farmers now understand why this agreements acceptable to farmers and observes the ground-breeding birds and work is necessary. We have got to know recompense their readiness to be flexible discusses the best time to mow with the each other very well by now and we are and to consider the birds who breed in farmers and the exact area to mow, de- very proud of what we have achieved.” the meadows. In addition, the farmers re- pending on the breeding location and the ceive direct payments for the leased areas. birds’ stage of development. ochen Späth’s years of supervision and J cooperation are now bearing fruit. That he Mittermeier family farms 11 ha ut the protection of ground-breeding is the recipe for success for the positive of meadows in the area.“We have birds takes top priority not only on development of ground-breeding birds in Talways looked out for birds when mow- Bthe land owned by the district authority, the Königsauer Moos.

The farmers leasing land from the district The Mittermeier farming family If the spring swathes are mowed in wavy lines, in the bird sanctuary have to comply has no problem alowing the chicks can hide better. with strict rules. for ground-breeding birds.

17 We talk to everyone involved until the problem is solved.

Heathland in the Bamberg Albtrauf area CHRISTINE HILKER LANDCARE ASSOCIATION OF THE BAMBERG RURAL DISTRICT

Natura 2000 site Albtrauf from Dörrnwasserlos to Zeegendorf Locality Bamberg rural district Size of site 3,063 ha Landowners Private owners, municipalities, State of Bavaria, district Grazing for sheep and goats, extensive utilisation of meadows: Agricultural use meadows are approved for direct payments Landcare and nature Grazing for sheep and goats, removal of Programme of the reserve regulations scrub, mowing Bavarian Ministry for Environment and Contractual nature Consumer Protection conservation total of 80 ha: 43 ha mowing, 37 ha grazing programme Other projects and BayernNetzNatur project “The Bavarian Jura in bloom in the Bamberg funding authorities district” – Bavarian Nature Conservation Fund 18 er favourite place is the view point hey were created by hundreds of The shepherds are a decisive factor in this!” at the “Grosser Staa” near Schnee- years of grazing sheep. Because of Hberg on the slopes of the Franconian Ttheir steep slopes and poor fodder many shepherd practicing transhumance Jura. From here Christine Hilker from the of these areas have been abandoned and five owners of fenced-in pasture Landcare Association of the Bamberg over recent decades. The nutrient-poor grazeA their sheep and goats on the valu- rural district can see over the 3,000 ha grassland has reverted to scrubland, with able biotope areas in the nature reserve. of this European nature protection area livestock trails disappearing and the land- Christine Hilker looks after their concerns: into a narrow, jagged valley landscape scape losing its open character, along “We ensure that grazing areas are en- of meadows, fields, orchards and woods with many animals and plants. “Animals larged, grazing paddocks are created, with scattered limestone crags and scree. and plants of open landscapes are espe- trails are improved and water is available. Large areas of juniper heathland and cially under threat here” explains Chris- We also discuss the intensity of grazing lime-stone dry grassland cover the slopes tine Hilker, a biologist. and options for funding.” of the Jura; they are important due to “That is why we’re doing all we can to their rich biodiversity. maintain and restore these biotopes. Erich Kisslinger appreciates her help. He is

The juniper heathland was created by sheep Numerous special plants grow on the Christine Hilker and Klaus Weber advise the grazing and is characteristic of the landscape lime-stone dry grasslands, such as the branched only remaining practicing transhumance of the Franconian Jura. St Bernard’s lily. shepherd. 19 the only remaining practicing transhumance “sometimes you need a lot of patience.” in question, then they instruct to local shepherd in the Jura Mountains near Bam- The fact that she can look after this area farmers. The work often has to be done berg. “Nature is important to me and the is thanks to funding from the Bavarian Na- by hand because the slopes are too steep Landcare Association always helps me when ture Conservation Fund. She coordinates for machines. I need them.” with the nature conservation authorities, does public relation, offers guided tours, “It’s back-breaking work” says farmer ut not everyone is happy about the mediates when there are disagreements Heinrich Kerling with a wry smile. He knows grazing. “Sometimes they come into and organises maintenance measures. that he is doing this work in one of the most Bconflict” Christine Hilker describes the beautiful areas of Bavaria. “That’s why we occasional disagreements between land or example, the meadows have to like doing it. And because we get paid for users and the livestock farmers. Together be cleared of scrub, mainly black- it.” Christine Hilker and Klaus Weber are with her colleague, Klaus Weber, she tries Fthorn and other undergrowth. The two pleased about it. “Landscape management to mediate. We talk to everyone involved Landcare Association officials apply for and nature conservation only work with until the problem is solved” and admits conservation subsidies for the precise area such farmers and livestock owners.”

The proposed measures are discussed in Heinrich Kerling enjoys working to maintain the The craggy slopes and steep lime-stone dry detail with the farmers. landscape, even though it is hard work. grasslands in the Franconian Jura are character- istic of the area and deserve to be protected.

The management of Coppiced woodland 21 by the forest administration has proved a great success for nature conservation. Water meadows on the Lech near Augsburg NICOLAS LIEBIG LANDCARE ASSOCIATION OF THE CITY OF AUGSBURG

Natura 2000 site Flood plains on the Lech near Königsbrunn and Augsburg Locality City of Augsburg Size of site 2,304 ha City of Augsburg and Augsburg Wasser GmbH; land administration and Landowners utilisation by the local forestry management Landcare and nature Programme of the Experimental cutting of coppiced woodland reserve regulations Bavarian Ministry Contractual nature for Environment and 60 ha of maintained and restored conservation Consumer Protection coppiced woodland programme 22 icolas Liebig is full of enthusiasm areas in riparian forests) alternate with created the ideal habitat for the common for the Lech riverscape in the city of heath, pine and deciduous forests and European viper, the smooth snake, sand NAugsburg. The manager of the Landcare are crossed by a dense network of crys- lizard, tree pipit, green and grey-headed Association of the City of Augsburg is tal-clear streams. Nicolas Liebig describes woodpecker, the silver-washed fritillary talking about the largest continuous allu- it as “an absolutely outstanding and quite and many more besides. But coppicing vial forest on the Lech, with its unbeliev- enchanting combination”. was abandoned over 50 years ago as able diversity in the structure and density unprofitable. As a result, the grey alders of biotopes, its rich populations of alpine, he forest provided the inhabitants aged and the habitats of many species continental and Mediterranean plants, of Augsburg with firewood into the were destroyed. including the largest occurrence of marsh T1960s, and this use increased biodiversi- gladioli in Germany. ty. Coppicing resulted in different stages ith the agreement of the city forest in development within the forest, from administration and aided by con- he mosaic of biotopes is especially several years’ growth to dense grey alder servationW funding, the Landcare Associa- exciting for the Landscape manager. copses, interspersed with other trees and tion tried coppicing again in 2006 in order TDry grasslands and Brennen (dry open bushes, such as the rare black poplar. It to restore the coppiced grey alder wood-

The municipal forest administration is manag- The endangered smooth snake has Nicolas Liebig and Jürgen Kircher, head of the ing the coppiced woodlands in a traditional once again become a regular visitor Forestry Office, look for rare beetles manner. to the coppiced woodlands. in dead wood. fotofreakdgy, fotolia.com fotofreakdgy, 23 lands. Nicolas Liebig explained: “It was an over 60 ha of the grey alder woods in 2009. unbureaucratic contractual nature conser- experiment”! We didn’t know whether “It is very important for us to maintain the vation programme for forests” he adds. the grey alders would send out shoots or grey alder stocks along the Lech as the The material harvested is utilised as whether they were too old and which spe- dominant woodland biotope in the munic- woodchips for heating in Augsburg’s bio- cies would re-establish themselves after ipal woods of Augsburg. In order to achieve mass generation power station and used coppicing”. For three years he observed this, we manage them as typical coppiced throughout the area. the coppiced areas and was relieved to woodlands and coppice-with-standards see that the alders resprouted and no dis- forests. It’s sustainable, encourages bio- n the meantime, species that live in turbing plants established themselves. “A diversity and helps to implement the FFH coppiced woodlands are making a great result, and the crowning glory was Directive” explains Jürgen Kircher, head of Icomeback. “What the forest administra- some chance sightings of the grey-headed Augsburg’s municipal forest administra- tion has achieved here is a big success for woodpecker and the smooth snake.” tion. “However, without financial support nature conservation” Nicolas Liebig says from the government, it would be difficult aprovingly. ue to these findings the city forest ad- to make it pay. That’s why we are particular- D ministration re-introduced coppicing ly pleased with this well-funded and quite

Lumberjacks coppice young grey alder New shoots grow from the The grey alder resprout after coppicing to to encourage rejuvenation of the trees. tree stump after coppicing. create a pioneer forest.

Cooperation between fish farming, 25 nature conservation and landscape management is working excellently here. Höchstadt wetlands KARIN KLEIN-SCHMIDT LANDCARE ASSOCIATION CENTRAL FRANCONIA

Natura 2000 site Ponds and wetlands in the Aischgrund near Mohrhof Locality Erlangen-Höchstadt rural district Size of site 422 ha Private owners, municipalities, district, Friends of the Earth Bavaria, LBV, Landowners Bavarian State Forests Agricultural use Fish farming (carp), wetlands, approved for direct payments Landcare and nature Removal of bushes in accretion zones, mowing of Programme of the reserve regulations wet grassland, levelling riverbanks, desludging Bavarian Ministry Contractual nature for Environment and Funding for ecologically valuable ponds conservation Consumer Protection with accretion zones programme BayernNetzNatur project “Biotope network of marsh wetlands and fens”, project sponsor: Erlangen-Höchstadt district authority, Landcare Associa- Other projects and tion Central Franconia– Bavarian Nature Conservation Fund funding authorities BayernNetzNatur project “Natural carp” - project sponsor Friends of the Earth Bavaria 26 er favourites are the big, old pollard- any ponds are known as “heaven’s ponds are managed by common property ed willows. Sitting in their shadow, ponds” (Himmelsweiher) because associations (Rechtlergemeinschaften) in HKarin Klein-Schmidt looks at the wide Mthey are fed only by rainwater or surface which pond managers are organized. They open ponds with their many birds. The water from the surrounding land and were not enthusiastic when the area was Aischgrund is one of the largest pond sometimes dry up. “There are an unbe- designated a Natura 2000 site. “We were landscapes in Central Europe. 7,000 ponds lievable number of rare plant and animal worried that there would be more rules with a total area of 3,000 hectares have species, such as the pillwort, the crested and regulations and less money left” Man- been managed for hundreds of years. A newt or the yellow-spotted whiteface. A fred Mischberger explains, chairman of the representative part of them was designat- very special inhabitant is the moor frog – it 24 Hesselberg Rechtler, a pond manager ed a European nature protection site in turns sky blue in the spawning season”, and pub landlord. Numerous meetings, 2004: 190 nutrient-poor to nutrient-rich enthuses Karin Klein-Schmidt from the round tables and one-to-one discussions ponds or Weiher, as they are called in Landcare Association Central Franconia. took place with the nature conservation Franconia. They are a paradise for birds, authorities. “We talked a lot. Afterwards it including rare species such as the marsh here are 1,200 pond managers active was clear that we could live quite well with harrier and the purple heron. T in the Aischgrund. Several groups of the new nature protection site.” Many

The moor frog is an attraction Karin Klein-Schmidt and specialist Johannes Manfred Mischberger in the ponds during the spawning season. Marabini agree on the conservation measures clears underwater plants that are with the pond managers not indigenous to the area. Josef Röhrle 27 pond managers continue to manage their measures for the ponds, which are partic- very year at the beginning of October pond in the traditional manner. Some have ularly valuable in conservation terms, and nature conservationists and pond decided to introduce voluntary restric- agree on them with the pond manager. Emanagers help each other to harvest the tions on use, such as not feeding fish or They apply for state funding and pay local fish in the Blätterweiher. “I like taking complying with rules on stocking. Others farmers to carry out the work. Many pond part. It’s a good atmosphere and the meal have decided not to manage the ponds managers such as Manfred Mischberger of carp afterwards is really delicious” Kar- at all so that the moor frogs and marsh carry out the conservation measures for in Klein-Schmidt explains. It makes for a dragonflies can reproduce and increase in their ponds themselves. They mow the good combination of nature conservation number. They receive financial compensa- banks and adjacent wet meadows or up- and utilisation. And ultimately flora and tion from the contractual nature conserva- root bushes from accreation zones. They fauna benefit: The stocks of marsh harrier, tion programme. receive a fixed wage. “It’s a good source little bittern, purple heron and European of extra income for us” Manfred Misch- weatherfish, a rare species of fish, have ohannes Marabini from the lower na- berger acknowledges. increased since then. J ture conservation authority and Karin Klein-Schmidt plan the conservation

The pond manager carries out The reeds are part of the most The endangered little bittern is conservation work themselves, such as mowing sensitive areas of the ponds – rare bird species a shy bird that likes to hide the wet meadow. breed here. in the reeds. Josef Röhrle 28 With compensation payments we can make 29 farmers appropriate offers adapted to intensive production. Würzburg farmland biotopes HUBERT MARQUART LANDCARE ASSOCIATION WÜRZBURG

Natura 2000 site Ochsenfurt and Uffenheim region and landscapes NE Würzburg Locality Würzburg rural district Size of site 22,162 ha Landowners Predominantly private owners Agricultural use Arable fields, approved for direct payments “More biodiversity in an agrarian landscape” – a compensation project in the Würzburg rural district Other projects and funding authorities Species protection project: the common hamster – the Government of Lower Franconia 30 ubert Marquart gazes out over Würzburg. Many of these birds breed on strips of crops standing and extensification the wide open countryside of the the ground and need a suitable place and of the land use of sections of land. But they HWürzburg Landscape. He is standing enough time to bring up their offspring, haven’t had much luck with many farmers in the largest breeding ground for the and find enough food. But the ground, with their extensification offers under the Montagu’s harrier and in the only area with its high value soil, is under intensive agri- environmental programme. “Unfor- in Bavaria where the common hamster agricultural use. There is little space in the tunately the readiness to participate isn’t is found. The surrounding area is also an fields of this agrarian landscape for birds sufficient because we can’t offer farmers important feeding ground for marsh har- and other species, such as the highly en- enough from the nature conservation riers, red kites and black kites and is also dangered common hamster. programme to compensate them for the a key area for many endangered birds loss in earnings” Hubert Marquart explains. such as the skylark, quail, partridge and or many years now, the nature con- corn bunting. 10 years ago, in the midst servation authorities, the regional ut Hubert Marquart saw a chance to of intensive crop cultivation, the nature Fassociation for bird protection, the site- change this through compensation conservation authorities designated it a manager and the Landcare Association Bpayments. With the construction of wind European bird sanctuary. “It was clear that have endeavoured to mark the nests, create turbines in the Würzburg rural district, the problems would arise” comments Hubert hedges and hedgerows and agree on spe- intervention in the ecological balance was Marquart from the Landcare Association cial measures with farmers, such as leaving compensated by an amount of money

The wildflower and crop strips help farmland The grey partridge searches for food Farmer Tobias Sauer and Hubert Marquart are birds and bring variety and protection in fallow land and amazed at the busy comings and goings of into the agrarian landscape. stubble fields. insects in the wildflower strip. Taviphoto - fotolia.com Taviphoto 31 correspondingly earmarked in accordance such as creating wildflower strips for “Because they are short-term, fit well into with the Bavarian Compensation Regu- ground-breeding birds, leaving strips of farming methods and are easy to process. lation. These monies have to be used in crops standing for the common hamster And the financial compensation is suffi- the rural district for nature conservation. or other measures integrated in agricultur- cient” confirms farmer Tobias Sauer. Hubert Marquart convinced the nature al production, i.e. ecological upgrading of conservation authorities to invest part of agricultural areas. “We offer farmers the ubert Marquart points to the wild- the compensation payments in the pro- available agri- environmental programmes, flower strips in the middle of a corn tection of farmland birds and the common but we also talk about greening and now Hfield. The conservationists have recorded hamster. “We can finally make farmers we can also make them additional offers.” their first successes: breeding rates of the appropriate offers that are adapted to Montagu’s harrier have improved in recent production and really achieve something his environmental advice is going years through targeted nest protection. across the board for all species” he smiles. down well: For 2016 they were able “We are well on the way helping other Tto agree with farmers 90 strips over 30 ha. endangered species in the agrarian land- n behalf of the Lower Nature Con- scape. Initial investigations in the crop servation Authority he and his team t is primarily the measures integrated strips show a positive trend for the com- Ohave been on the road since 2015, talking into production from the compensa- mon hamster and farmland birds.” to farmers. They put forward proposals Ition project that are attractive to farmers.

The measures are best Tobias Sauer leaves a strip of crops ...who benefits from the discussed in a one-to-one chat with standing for the common hamster cover and food offered by this strip of crops. farmers in the fields. when threshing... Roland Sauer www.dvl.org

PUBLISHED BY Deutscher Verband für Landschaftspflege e.V. (Landcare Germany) DVL Promenade 9 D-91522 Ansbach Tel: 0981/1800990 [email protected]

Funded by the Bayerischer Naturschutzfonds (Bavarian Nature Conservation Fund) from monies earmarked by the GlücksSpirale TV lottery.