LIFE12 NAT/DK/001073 Progress Report Covering the project activities from 30/03/2017 to 30/09/2018

30/09/2018

LIFE+ REDCOHA Restoration of Danish Coastal Habitats

Data Project Project location Denmark 1 Ejstrup Klit (pSCI: DK00FX274) 2 Bulbjerg og Vejlerne (SPA: DK00FX008, DK00EY012, DK00EY013, DK00EX019, DK00EX020; pSCI: DK00EY124) 3 Hanstholmknuden (PSCI: DK00EX283) 4 Hanstholm Reservatet (SPA: DK00EX022; pSCI: DK00EX130) 5 Vangså Hede (SPA: DK00EX025; pSCI: DK00EX025) 6 Ålvand (SPA: DK00EX017; pSCI: DK00EX017) 7 Lyngby Klitheder (pSCI: DK00EX265) 8 Agger Tange (SPA: DK00EX023, DK00EY027, DK00CX028; pSCI: DK00EY133) 9 Harboøre Tange (SPA: DK00CY039) 10 Nissum Fjord (SPA: DK00CX038; pSCI: DK00CX160) 11 Husby Klit (pSCI: DK00CX278) 12 Nymindestrømmen (SPA: DK00CX043; pSCI: DK00CY163) 13 Lyngbos Hede (pSCI: DK00AX173) 14 Kallesmærsk Hede (SPA: DK00AX056, DK00AX050; pSCI: DK00AX173) 15 Fanø (SPA: DK00AX049, DK00AX051, DK00AC052, DK00AX053, DK00AC055, DK00AY057, DK009X060, DK009X065; pSCI: DK00AY176)

Project start date: 01/08/2013 Project end date: 31/07/2018 Extension date: 31/07/2019 Total budget € 2,845,912 EC contribution: € 1,422,956 (%) of eligible costs 50

Data Beneficiary Name Beneficiary Danish Nature Agency (Naturstyrelsen) Contact person Mr Uffe Strandby Postal address Gl. Landevej 35, 7620 Lemvig Telephone +45 72543000 (+45 72543522) Fax: +45 97820240 E-mail [email protected] Project Website www.nst.dk/saarbarnatur

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Table of contents.

Executive summary ...... 4 General progress ...... 5 Assessment as to whether the project objectives and work plan are still viable ...... 5 Problems encountered...... 5 Administrative part ...... 6 Technical part ...... 9 5.1 Action A.1 (Mapping of Rosa rugosa) ...... 9 5.2 Action A.2 (Hydrological feasibility study) ...... 9 5.3 Action A.3 (Authority treatment) ...... 9 5.4 Action A.4 (Project engineering of bird islands) ...... 10 5.5 Action A5 (Preparation of applications to the agri-environmental scheme) ...... 10 5.6 Action A6 (Landowner contact and cooperation) ...... 11 5.7 Action A7 (Training of field staff) ...... 12 5.8 Action C1 (Reduce the distribution of Rosa rugosa in vulnerable habitat types) ...... 12 5.9 Action C2 (Improvement of hydrological conditions) ...... 15 5.10 Action C3 (Establishment of bird islands) ...... 17 5.11 Action C4 (Establishment of grazing) ...... 17 5.12 Action C5 (Reduce the occurrence of IAS in 2140 and 2180) ...... 18 5.13 Action C6 (Conversion of plantations to coastal dune habitats) ...... 18 5.14 Action D1 (Monitoring of project impact on habitat types targeted by the project) 19 5.15 Action D2 (Monitoring of impact on species targeted by the project) ...... 20 5.16 Action D3 (Assessing socio-economic impact of the project actions) ...... 22 5.17 Action E1 (Smartphone and tablet communication platforms) ...... 22 5.18 Action E2a (Information boards) ...... 23 5.19 Action E2b (leaflets and posting leaflets) ...... 23 5.20 Action E3 (Public tours) ...... 24 5.21 Action E4 (Project website) ...... 24 5.22 Action E5 (Layman’s report) ...... 24 5.23 Action E6 (Final seminar) ...... 26 5.24 Action F1 (Project management) ...... 26 5.25 Action F2 (Audit) ...... 26 5.26 Action F3 (Networking) ...... 27 5.27 Action F4 (After LIFE conservation plan) ...... 28 Envisaged progress until next report...... 28 Impact ...... 36 Outside LIFE ...... 37 Financial part ...... 38 Annexes ...... 40 Deliverables ...... 40 Complete list of annexes ...... 42 Dissemination materials ...... 42

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List of key-words and abbreviations

NST or DNA: Danish Nature Agency. NST-BLH: Danish Nature Agency, Regional Office, Blåvandshuk. NST-THY: Danish Nature Agency, Regional Office, Thy. NST-VES: Danish Nature Agency, Regional Office, Vendsyssel. NST-VJY: Danish Nature Agency, Regional Office, Vestjylland. THI-MUNI: The municipality of Thisted RING-SKJERN-MUNI: The municipality of Ringkøbing-Skjern

Executive summary The present project aims to restore some of Denmark’s large areas of coastal dune habitats before it’s too late. An urgent and comprehensive effort is imperative in order to reverse the trend of deterioration and to achieve a good conservation status of the targeted habitat types. This will be achieved mainly through combating IAS (conifereous species and Japanese Rose) (C1 and C5), conversion of plantations in order to create new habitats (C6). On the species level, this project aims at improving hydrological conditions (C2) and establishes a number of bird islands in order to minimize predation on vulnerable populations of ground nesting birds. The overall objective of the project is to improve the conservation status of the coastal dune habitats: 2120, 2130*, 2140*, 2180 and 2190 and to improve the conditions for a number of species, e.g. Scotch lovage (Ligusticum scothicum), Natterjack toad (Bufo calamita), Sand lizard (Lacerta agilis), Little tern (Sterna albifrons) and Gull-billed tern (Gelochelidon nilotica).

The project is in general developing according to the plan. The majority of the concrete conservation actions of the project are well underway. A variety of methods to fight Rosa rugosa have been initiated at both NST areas and private areas (municipalities), 2 small birds islands have been established in site no. 15 (Fanø) and 2 larger bird islands have been established in site no. 9 (Harboøre Tange) in August 2017. Grazing on 27.5 ha NST area was started at int. site no. 15 (Fanø) in January 2018 and THI-MUNI will initiate grazing on approximately 17 ha in int. site no. 4 (Hanstholm Reservatet) during autumn 2018, the area dominated by IAS have been reduced with 246.4 ha on NST areas and 4 ha on private areas (THI-MUNI), 91.3 ha on NST areas and 14.2 ha on private land (THI- MUNI) of plantations consisting of mainly Pinus mugo and Pinus contorta have been cleared with the purpose of converting it to coastal dune habitats. THI-MUNI initiated in spring 2016 in one site (no. 5) a relatively large and systematic project fighting Rosa rugosa – this project includes the application of herbicides. RING- SKJERN-MUNI initiated the fighting of Rosa rugosa during winter 2017/18 also by use of herbicides.

The regulatory procedures related to the hydrology actions (C2) have proven more difficult and prolonged than foreseen. Therefore, we have only managed to complete the establishment of new wet habitats encompassing app. 67.6 ha within 7 sites (no.1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13 and 14). However, at NST THY hydrology projects covering app. 170 ha are planned to be conducted during January to March 2019 – the necessary permits are obtained and the project will be put in tender autumn 2018. Furthermore, it has been possible to locate additional potential hydrology areas at NST property in order to

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compensate for the difficulties faced by THI-MUNI to complete the hydrology action within int. site no. 7 (Lyngby Klitheder). The baseline analyses in the monitoring actions have been completed and thereby we have, in combination with the effect monitoring scheduled for 2019, a solid basis for evaluating the project impact. The awareness actions are also proceeding satisfactorily. We have established the 2 communication platforms (mobilesite and the App). Unfortunately, we have encountered a severe delay concerning the development of the App. This issue is described more thoroughly in chapter 5.2.1. We have mounted 11 information boards in 9 different sites and we have designed a leaflet and distributed it to more than 10,000 households along the Danish West Coast. We have arranged 18 public tours in 9 different sites with roughly 444 participants.

General progress The project in general is progressing according to the plan. The early actions of the project with milestones within the reporting period have either been fully achieved or are being processed but slightly delayed mainly due to authority treatment. The overall management structure of the project is in place and numerous meetings in the project group and steering group have been held together with bilateral meetings with project partners and local NST units (see the paragraph ‘Administrative Part’ and Table 1). The project has been very well exposed in the media – national, regional and local radio/television, national/regional/local newspapers. In general the project is on the right track.

Assessment as to whether the project objectives and work plan are still viable Project objectives and working plan are still viable. The project has asked for 2 amendments, which both have been accepted, in February 2018 (Amendment no. 1) and in July 2018 (Amendment no. 2). In the present situation we see no need to make any essential adjustments of actions or timetable for the project. However, we ask for a few minor modifications, which are listed in the paragraphs below and in the cover letter to this report. The prolongation of the project with 1 year (Amendment no. 2) leaves adequate room to complete the project and achieve the objectives.

Problems encountered. Below is found a description of the problems encountered and the requests for minor adjustments.

Action C2 THI-MUNI has come across difficulties with the implementation of hydrology actions in int. site no. 7 (Lyngby Klitheder). In one specific location (‘Grønslets Rende’) landowners are generally willing to participate in the project pending an adequate level of compensation. The Nationalpark Thy supports the project and is willing to compensate the landowners. However, questions have been raised, whether or not such a solution complies with the EU de minimis

5 regulation. The clarification of this issue with the involved national authorities could require more time than available within the duration of this project. Therefore, we have investigated alternative solutions. Within the same N2000 area, the local NST unit NST-THY has managed to localize 2 potential hydrology areas, which in terms of area will substitute the uncertain hydrology project in ‘Grønslets Rende’. Therefore, we ask for permission to include these 2 alternative hydrology areas (see paragraph 5.9 for a more detailed explanation) in order to substitute THI-MUNI’s hydrology project in ‘Grønslets Rende’. THI- MUNI will still finance the external costs for the 2 alternative hydrology projects.

Action C3 The planned establishment of the bird island in int. site no. 10 (Nissum Fjord) has been problematic (see a detailed description of the process in Midterm Report p. 10-11). We received the permission to establish the island in January 2018 from the Danish Coastal Authority. However, 2 local fishing organizations lodged a complaint against this decision. The 2 organizations were concerned about the islands impact on the breeding and resting conditions for primarily cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo). Therefore, NST asked the University of Aarhus to analyse this aspect (Annex 1). Subsequently, we have asked the Danish Coastal Authority to reassess the application. We have just received a new permission (Annex 2). However, based on a meeting held on August 14, 2018 with the different stakeholders in the area (including the 2 organisations which submitted the complaint), we believe that the 2 organizations will lodge a complaint once again. The case will therefore be transferred to the Environmental Board of Appeal with a processing time of approximately 12 month. The establishment of the bird island in int. site no. 10 (Nissum Fjord) is therefore not realistic within the time frame of this project. We have therefore identified 2 alternative locations (Annex 3). One location is in int. site no. 9 (Harboøre Tange) where we already have established 2 bird islands. However, the new bird island is located in the northern lagoon approximately 1.5 km north of the existing bird island. We have already seen a positive impact on Avocet (Recurvivirostra avosetta), Common tern (Sterna hirundo) and Arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea) of the 2 new bird islands (see paragraph 5.10 and 5.15) in this N2000 area and an additional island nearby is argued to improve the breeding conditions for terns and avocet and to minimize the risk of predators. The second alternative location is in int. site no. 8 (Agger Tange), where an existing archipelago (a previous harbour area) can be transformed to a bird island by removing part of the archipelago. The Common tern (Sterna hirundo), Arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea), Sandwich tern (Sterna sandvicensis) and Little tern (Sternula albifrons) are bird species mentioned in the N2000-plan for this areas. Breeding attempts by different terns have been seen on and nearby the island but the archipelago is often visited by dogs and most likely also fox and other carnivores. A new bird island in this area is therefore argued to improve the conservation status for terns and avocet by reducing predation by dogs, foxes and other carnivores. To summarize, the disputable bird island in int. site no. 10 (Nissum Fjord) will thereby be replaced with 2 bird islands.

Administrative part In terms of organising and managing the project, we refer to paragraph 5.1.24 Action F1, where a detailed description of the project management is given. Furthermore, we refer to paragraph 5.1.26 Action F3, where a detailed explanation of networking activities is given. An Inception Report was delivered in April 2014, Progress Report in September 2015 and a Midterm Report in March 2017. An organogram is illustrated below in Figure 1.

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A more detailed description of management system and meetings in the steering and project group was given in the Midterm Report p. 6-8. An updated table of the number of meetings is given in Table 1

Table 1 Overview of management activities Type of meeting Date Purpose Project group 12/06/2013 Start-up workshop. Introduction to the 08/10/2013 structure and purpose of the project. 04/02/2014 Discussion and planning of activities 27/04/2015 related to action A2,A5 and E2b and 15/03/2016 strategic discussion of action C1. 16/08/2016 Discussion on how to implement the 28/08/2018 C1-action without using herbicides on NST areas Steering group 13/12/2013 Status on the different actions and 21/04/2015 activities and strategic discussion of 20/03/2018 action C1 Internal NST project manager 20/11/2013 Exchange experiences with respect to meeting 04/04/2014 projects setup, accounting systems, 23/06/2015 reporting etc 26/10/2017 Bilateral project meetings (project 15/05/2014 Action progress and planning manager and NST THY) 24/02/2015 05/04/2016 02/02/2017 Bilateral project meetings (project 20/05/2014 Action progress and planning manager and NST BLH) 10/03/2015 11/04/2016 07/02/2017 02/11/2017 Bilateral project meetings (project 03/06/2014 Action progress and planning and manager and THI-MUNI) 22/02/2015 economy review 12/08/2015 30/03/2016 09/06/2016 06/12/2016 17/01/2017 12/10/2017 16/08/2018 Bilateral project meetings (project 19/06/2014 Action progress and planning manager and RING-SKJERN-MUNI) 20/01/2017

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Steering Group Thomas Borup Svendsen (Chairman – Chief Forester) – NST VJY Uffe Strandby (Project Manager) – NST VJY Jesper Blom-Hansen (Chief Forester) – NST VSY Ditte Svendsen (Chief Forester) – NST THY Ulrich Lorenzen (Chief Forester) – NST BLH Ivan Thesbjerg (Team Manager) – RING-SKJERN-MUNI Lars Christian Adrados (Biologist) – THI-MUNI

Project Manager Uffe Strandby (Forest Officer) – NST VJY

Project Group Uffe Strandby (Forest Officer) – NST VJY Henning Fjord Aaser (Biologist) – NST VJY Henrik Schjødt Kristensen (Forest Engineer) – NST THY Cornelia Maj Christensen (Biologist – currently on maternal leave) – NST THY Stiig Charmig Bayer (Forest Engineer) – NST BLH Bjarke Huus Jensen (Biologist) – NST VSY Lars Christian Adrados (Biologist) – THI-MUNI Jeppe Pilgaard (Biologist) – THI-MUNI Thomas Mosgaard (Biologist) – RING_SKJERN-MUNI

Figure 1 Organogram of the projects

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Technical part

5.1 Action A.1 (Mapping of Rosa rugosa)

Progress in this reporting period The progress on this action has been described in detail in Midterm Report. We have had no activities on this action in the reporting period.

Progress expected during the next reporting period The action has been completed. However, we are currently communicating with a undergraduate student who is interested in doing a research on both estimating the annual growth of Rosa rugosa and evaluating the impact of some of the methods used to fight Rosa rugosa. In autumn 2004, approximately 1300 Rosa rugosa bushes in Thy (north-western part of Jutland) were identified and the area of each bush measured by GPS. The idea is to select a representative number of bushes and measure the annual growth rate over the last 14 years.

5.2 Action A.2 (Hydrological feasibility study)

Progress in this reporting period The progress has been thoroughly described in Midterm Report.

Progress expected during the next reporting period As described in the paragraph ‘Problems encountered’, Thisted Municipality has faced a problem with the implementation of a hydrology project in Lyngby Klitheder (site no. 7). We have therefore examined alternative locations within the same N2000 area. NST Thy has located 2 potential hydrology areas encompassing approximately 40-50 ha which will substitute the area planned by Thisted Municipality.

5.3 Action A.3 (Authority treatment)

Progress in this reporting period The progress concerning authority treatment has been thoroughly described in Midterm Report. In this reporting period, we have spent time on obtaining the permission to establish the bird island in int. site no. 10 (Nissum Fjord) and getting the necessary permits required for remaining hydrology actions mainly in NST THY.

Progress expected during the next reporting period The 2 additional hydrology areas in Lyngby Klitheder (int. site no. 7) need permissions from the Municipality according to the Nature Protection Act (§3), Protected Areas and possibly The Danish Act on Watercourses (§6) and from the Danish Coastal Authority according to the Nature Protection Act (§8). As described in the paragraph ‘Problems encountered’, we have witnessed severe challenges with the bird island in Nissum Fjord (int. site no. 10). We have therefore identified 2 alternative locations for bird islands. The alternative bird island in Agger Tange (int. site no. 8) requires permission from the Danish Coastal Authority (Act on Coastal Protection, § 16 and Nature Protection Act, §8) and from the Municipality (Nature Protection Act, §3) and from the Danish Nature Agency (State Protected Areas). The alternative bird island in Harboøre Tange (int. site no. 9) requires permission from the Danish Coastal Authority

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(Nature Protection Act, §8 and 15) and from the Municipality (Nature Protection Act, §3) and from the Danish Nature Agency (State Protected Areas). We do not anticipate any local and organizational resistance against the 2 islands. The island in int. site no. 8 (Agger Tange) is suggested and supported by local NGO’s like DN (Danish Nature Conservation Society) and DOF (Danish Ornithological Organization). In int. site no. 9 (Harboøre Tange), we have already established 2 islands which did not cause any opposition from local NGO’s and it should also be mentioned that the area is protected as a wildlife reserve and that access, hunting and fishing is prohibited all year round on the water surface.

5.4 Action A.4 (Project engineering of bird islands)

Progress in this reporting period The progress concerning this action has been thoroughly described in Midterm Report. As described in the paragraph ’Problems encountered’, we received the permission to establish the island in January 2018 from the Danish Coastal Authority (Annex 4). However, 2 local fishing organizations lodged a complaint against this decision (Annex 5). The 2 organizations were concerned about the islands impact on the breeding and resting conditions for primarily cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo). Therefore, NST asked the University of Aarhus to analyse this aspect (Annex 1). Subsequently, we have asked the Danish Coastal Authority to reassess the application. We have just received a new permission (Annex 2).

Progress expected during the next reporting period As described in the paragraph ’Problems encountered’, we expect that the organizations once again will lodge a complaint about the Danish Coastal Authority’s permission to establish the bird island in int. site no. 10 (Nissum Fjord). Therefore, we assess that there is a low probability for having enough time to establish this island before July 31, 2019. We have therefore identified 2 alternative locations for creating new bird islands (see paragraph ‘Problems encountered’). It is not fully clear at this point of time, to what extent project engineering is needed for the establishment of the 2 bird islands. The island in int. site no. 8 (Agger Tange) is quite simple as it involves converting a peninsula to an island by removing the connection to land. However, the new bird island in int. site no. 9 (Harboøre Tange) will most likely require the assistance by engineers as location, potential erosion by wind and waves, material composition etc. are regarded as crucial for the sustainability of the island.

5.5 Action A5 (Preparation of applications to the agri-environmental scheme)

Progress in this reporting period The progress has been thoroughly described in the midterm report. The large clearing in int. site no. 11 (Husby Klit) was only partly visible in the documentation Annex 7a in the Midterm Report. Therefore, an additional documentation is found in this report as Annex 5a. A few Drone-videos showing the large clearing of the blowout dune (parabolic dune) in int. site no. 11 (Husby Klit) are accessible at the folder ‘Action A5 and C2_clearing and creation of wet habitats in Husby Klit’on the attached USB-key. In this reporting period, THI-MUNI has received support from the agri-environmental scheme to establish the grazing facilities (fence, water and power supply) in int. site no. 4 (Hanstholm Reservatet). The support covers 13.17 ha but the real affected area is approximately 16 ha, because also areas not eligible for support will be fenced (Annex 6).

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Progress expected during the next reporting period THI-MUNI will establish the grazing in int. site no. 4 (Hanstholm Reservatet) during autumn 2018 or latest during spring 2019.

5.6 Action A6 (Landowner contact and cooperation)

Progress in this reporting period As described in detail in the Midterm Report (p. 18-19), RING-SKJERN MUNI changed the approach concerning action C1 due to the permission from The Environmental Board of Appeal. The municipality therefore decided to carry out this action on areas owned by the municipality itself as this approach would simplify the procedure and improve the future monitoring possibilities. The municipality has fought Rosa rugosa by herbicide lubrication on 1.5 ha (see Figure 2).The previous landowner contact presented in the Midterm Report (p. 12) will be used as a platform to motivate private landowners to start fighting Rosa rugosa – the municipality also believes that performing a project on their own property next to a summer cottage area will stimulate and encourage a positive dialogue about the need to fight Rosa rugosa.

Figure 2 Map showing the area of Rosa rugosa (red areas) where RING-SKJERN-MUNI has used herbicide lubrication as a method. The large cadastral is owned by the municipality and is bordering a number of small privately owned summer cottage cadastrals.

THI-MUNI is constantly working on this action in order to facilitate the implementation of action C1, C2, C4, C5 and C6. An updated list with all the private landowners involved in the different actions is given as Annex 7.Concerning action C5 and C6, THI-MUNI is still aiming at making a judicial registration to commit the involved landowners to remove regrowth of woody species in the future.

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Progress expected during the next reporting period THI-MUNI expects to have the judicial registrations concerning action C5 and C6 completed during spring 2019.

5.7 Action A7 (Training of field staff)

Progress in this reporting period In the evaluation of the Midterm report, it was accepted to omit the deliverable Training Memo. However, it was still argued to be appropriate to conduct minor lessons and instructions with entrepreneurs prior to e.g. excavating and milling in order to identify certain vulnerable species and map their distribution. This has been done in relation to especially action C1, C2 and C3, where it has been necessary and important to instruct private entrepreneurs in the occurrence of protected plants, sensitive nature types etc.

Progress expected during the next reporting period The instruction of and communication with private entrepreneurs will be relevant during the final stage of the project when it comes to action C1, C2 and C3.

5.8 Action C1 (Reduce the distribution of Rosa rugosa in vulnerable habitat types)

Progress in this reporting period The progress on this action has been thoroughly described in the midterm report. In this reporting period, the following additional actions have been achieved (see Table 2).

Table 2 Activities on action C1 in this reporting period Int. site and (no.) Area (ha) Follow-up Type of Costs (€) Date Responsible treatment (F) method or new action (N) Husby Klit (11) 1.5 F Milling 9,600 December NST 2017 Nymindestrømmen 7.45 F Milling 16,100 August NST (12) – Nymindegab 2017 Nymindestrømmen 1.6 N Milling 7,000 August NST (12) - Bjerregård 2017 Hanstholm Reservatet 1.9 N Milling 19,459 October NST (4) 2017 Agger Tange (8) – 5.33 F Milling 23,900 December NST area A 2017 Agger Tange (8) – 3.8 N Milling 22,300 December NST area B 2017 Vangså Hede (5)1 0.6 N Excavating October NST 2017 Hanstholm Reservatet 5.1 N Milling 36,900 February THI-MUNI (4) 2018 Ålvand (6) 0.15 N Milling 4,100 February THI-MUNI 2018 Husby Klit (11) 1.6 N Herbicide 23,700 December RING- lubrication 2017 – SKJERN January MUNI 2018 1 In Vangså, a total area of 2,6 ha will be excavated. Disagreements concerning the contract have resulted in a minor postponement, so that the remaining 2.0 ha will be excavated during October/November 2018

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In Annex 8 an updated status of the different methods applied so far on action C1 is given. Annex 8 gives thereby an overview of the applied treatments from the beginning of the project per site including the associated costs.

As it appears from Annex 8, we estimate that we have treated approximately 37.4 ha of Rosa rugosa since the beginning of the project (NST= 28.46 ha , THI-MUNI= 7.45 ha and RING- SKJERN MUNI= 1.5 ha). As explained in the Midterm Report, a total area of 109 ha was expected in the Grant Agreement pending the use of herbicide as the general treatment method. It was also emphasized that using only mechanical methods would reduce the area with 1/10 to approximately 10.9 ha. We therefore argue that we have reached a fairly high goal achievement with a variety of methods applied.

A few Drone-videos showing the covering of Rosa rugosa in int. site no. 11 (Husby Klit) are accessible at the folder ‘Action C1_covering Rosa rugosa in Husby Klit’ on the attached USB-key.

Progress expected during the next reporting period

THI- MUNI In THI-MUNI the ‘experiment area’ in Vangså (int. site no. 5) will be monitored. It has been decided to remove the fibertex and plastic covers successively, so that some of the fibertex and plastic will be removed this year, some in 2019 and the rest in 2020. The purpose is to strengthen the validity of the method, i.e. whether differences in Rosa rugosa regeneration can be linked to the period of fibertex and plastic coverage. The effect of lubrication with herbicides in Vangså has been very low. Therefore, it has been decided, that the bushes originally lubricated should be sprayed with herbicides as a post treatment. The replanting in Vangså is postponed to 2019. The reason is the prolongation of the covering. In Hanstholm Reservatet (int. site no. 4), the area has been treated with the milling-machine in February 2017 and will be treated again in the winter 2018/2019 and if necessary again in after-LIFE. The net-area of the area treated is approximately 5.1 ha. In Ålvand (int. site no. 6), the area has been treated with the milling-machine in February 2017 and will be treated again in the winter 2018/2019 and if necessary again in after-LIFE.The net-area of the area treated is approximately 0.15 ha.

RING-SKJERN-MUNI The municipality has completed this action. However, depending on the amount of Rosa rugosa regrowth, the municipality will carry out a follow-up treatment during the spring 2019.

NST In Vangså Hede (int. site no. 5), NST THY will complete the excavating process during autumn 2018. Apart from the action in Vangså Hede, NST will not initiate any new activities on this action. However, follow-up treatment will be completed in the different locations according to the remaining budget on this action.

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Finally, a few comments on monitoring related to this action are needed.

We have just started an effect monitoring related to the different methods applied to fight Rosa rugosa. The monitoring focuses on the regrowth capability of Rosa rugosa and we use the following parameters presented in Table 3. The aim is to evaluate all bushes treated by milling, excavating, covering with plastic/weed-mat and herbicide lubricating. This monitoring will be conducted by LIFE-REDCOHA project staff.

Table 3 Parameters used to evaluate the effect of fighting Rosa rugosa Parameter Choices Rosa rugosa ground cover 0 % 0-5 % 6-25 % 26-50 % 51-75 % 76-95 % 96-100 % Ground cover for other dune 0 % vegetation 0-5 % 6-25 % 26-50 % 51-75 % 76-95 % 96-100 % Any sand drift in or nearby the Yes, No plot Any Rosa rugosa within a 5 m Yes, No distance from the periphery of the treated area Note Date INI

Furthermore, an undergraduate student in forestry has just started (September 2018) his data collection related to his thesis. He will also evaluate the effect of the different methods used to fight Rosa rugosa. However, he applies a more sophisticated approach in order to evaluate the regrowth. A wooden frame 1*1 m divided into 100 small squares (10* 10 cm) is randomly placed within the plot and at the periphery in order to register the extent of Rosa rugosa regrowth (see Table 4 below)

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Table 4 Parameters used to evaluate the effect of fighting Rosa rugosa in the undergraduate project Method choices ID GPS coordinates 0 %, 0-5%, 6-25 %; 26-50 %; 51-75 %; 76-95 %; Rosa rugosa ground cover 96-100 % Ground cover for other dune 0 %, 0-5%, 0-25 %; 26-50 %; 51-75 %; 76-95 %; vegetation 96-100 % 0 %, 0-5%, 0-25 %; 26-50 %; 51-75 %; 76-95 %; Grond cover bare sand 96-100 % Any sand drift in or nearby the plot Yes, No Any Rosa rugosa within a 5 m distance from the periphery of the treated area Yes, No Grid analysis 1 (in the plot) 0-100 Grid analysis 2 (in the plot) 0-100 Grid analysis 3 (in the plot) 0-100 Grid analysis 1 (at the peripery) 0-100 Grid analysis 2 (at the peripery) 0-100

Finally, the University of Aarhus started a research project in May 2018 with the purpose of analyzing the impact of removing Rosa rugosa on spiders and other arthropods. This study primarily focuses on int. site no. 8.

5.9 Action C2 (Improvement of hydrological conditions)

Progress in this reporting period NST-VSY created 0.8 ha of new wet habitats in Ejstrup Klit (int. site no. 1) in April 2017. NST-BLH has completed wet habitats on 5.74 ha in Lyngbos Hede (int. site no. 13) and Kallesmærsk Hede (int. site no. 14) from May to September 2017and in October 2016 NST- VJY established 0.8 ha of new wet habitats in Husby Klit (int. site no. 11). In October 2015, NST-THY established 4.1 ha wet habitats in Bulbjerg (int. site no. 2) and in August 2018, NST-THY established app. 30.8 ha in Hanstholm Reservatet (int. site no. 4). THI-MUNI has created 25.35 ha of new wet habitats in Bulbjerg (int. site no. 2) and Hanstholm Reservatet (int. site no. 4) from September 2017 to August 2018. In Table 5 below is given an updated status on the progress on this action. A few Drone-videos showing the creation of new wet habitats in the blowout dune (parabolic dune) in int. site no. 11 (Husby Klit) are accessible at the folder ‘Action A5 and C2_clearing and creation of wet habitats in Husby Klit’on the attached USB-key.

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Table 5 Updated status on action C2 (the colours refer to different NST-units and THI-MUNI) Naturstyrelsen Completed Scheduled/Planned Area date Area 1 Ejstrup Klit 0,8 apr-17 2 Bulbjerg 4,1 okt-15 4 Hanstholm Vildtreservat 30,8 aug-18 34,1 5 Vangså 27,1 6 Ålvand 34,7 7 Lyngby Klitheder 73,4 8 Agger Tange 1,7 11 Husby 0,8 okt-16 13 Lyngbos Hede 1,15 maj-17 13 Lyngbos Hede 0,75 aug-17 14 Kallesmærsk Hede 3,2 aug-17 14 Kallesmærsk Hede 0,14 aug-17 14 Kallesmærsk Hede 0,5 sep-17 Total 42,24 171 Thisted Completed Scheduled/planned mar- 2 Bulbjerg (Tovsig) 11,3 18 2 Bulbjerg 0,05 aug-18 4 Hanstholm Reservatet (Nytorp) 14 sep-17 6 Ålvand 0,2 7 Lyngby Klitheder 40-501 The project could not be completed due to 8 Agger Tange intensive local opposition Total 25,35 0,2 Total (NST and Thisted) expected area 279-289 1 THI-MUNI has come across difficulties with the implementation of hydrology actions in int. site no. 7 (Lyngby Klitheder). In one specific location (‘Grønslets Rende’) landowners are generally willing to participate in the project (app. 100 ha) pending an adequate level of compensation. The Nationalpark Thy support the project and is willing to compensate the landowners. However, questions have been raised, whether or not such a solution complies with the EU de minimis regulation. As an alternative solution NST-THY is trying to identify areas within the same N2000 area that can substitute the area.

Progress expected during the next reporting period In the Midterm Report, an estimated hydrology impact on 270.3 ha is foreseen (204.5 ha by NST and 65.8 ha by THI-MUNI). NST-THY has just invited tenders for the remaining hydrology action (171 ha) and signed a contract with an entrepreneur, who will carry out the project during autumn 2018 and spring 2019. As described in the paragraph ‘Problems encountered’, THI-MUNI will consider 2 alternatives in int. site no. 7 (Lyngby Klitheder). If the ‘Grønslets Rende’ project is considered unfeasible, THI-MUNI will together with NST- THY implement the hydrology action on NST-owned land within the same N2000 area.

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5.10 Action C3 (Establishment of bird islands)

Progress in this reporting period The 2 bird islands at Harboøre Tange (int. site no. 9) were established in August 2017 (Annex 9). A few Drone-videos showing the establishment of the 2 bird islands are accessible at the folder ‘Action C3_Bird islands – Harboøre Tange’ on the attached USB-key.

Progress expected during the next reporting period The progress depends on the outcome of the process described in the paragraph ‘Problems encountered’. If the approval from the Danish Coastal Authority for the establishment of the bird island in Nissum Fjord (int. site no. 10) is accepted by the local NGO’s it is planned to be established during spring 2019. However, if the NGO’s lodge a complaint to the Environmental Board of Appeal, we pursue an alternative strategy as described in the paragraph ‘Problems encountered’ – one additional island at Harboøre Tange (int. site no. 9) and one island in Agger Tange (int. site no. 8) – see Annex 3. The deadline for submitting complaints to the Danish Coastal Authority is October 19 – hereafter the final strategy is chosen.

In the midterm report, a possibility for establishing a third bird island at Fanø (int. site no. 15) was described. However, this option has been evaluated to be too expensive. We will therefore only create 2 bird islands at this location as originally proposed.

5.11 Action C4 (Establishment of grazing)

Progress in this reporting period In this reporting period, NST has established grazing on 27.5 ha at Fanø (int. site no. 15) and THI-MUNI will fence approximately 16 ha in Hanstholm Reservatet (int. site no.4) in November 2018. See Table 6 below for an overview of this action.

Progress expected during the next reporting period

Grazing in Hanstholm Reservatet (int. site no. 4) will most likely be initiated during spring 2019. With the scheduled grazing action in Hanstholm Reservatet, we will reach approximately 43.5 ha which is 25.1 ha more than originally proposed 18.4 ha in the Grant Agreement.

Table 6 Updated status on action C4 C4 - grazing Naturstyrelsen Completed Site Area (ha) Date Fanø (no. 15) 27,5 January 2018 Thisted Completed Scheduled/planned Note Site Area (ha) Area (ha) Is planned to be fenced during Hanstholm Reservatet (no. 4) 16 November 2018 Project has be cancelled due to local peoples' reluctance to Agger Tange (no. 8) participate in the project

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5.12 Action C5 (Reduce the occurrence of IAS in 2140 and 2180)

Progress in this reporting period All the operations at NST were completed by the midterm reporting, except from wood chipping in int. site no. 13 and 14) and some manual clearing of small IAS (cutting down small trees by forest workers). These operations have been completed now. THI-MUNI has completed 4.33 ha in two sites (see Table 7 below for a status on this action)

Progress expected during the next reporting period NST has completed 246.4 ha and THI-MUNI 4.33. Thereby we have achieved 250.73 ha which is 29.9 ha more than the expected 220.8 ha foreseen in the grant agreement. However, THI-MUNI will still attempt to find (in cooperation with NST-THY) suitable areas within internal site no. 6 (Ålvand) in order to fulfil their target of 23.5 ha.

Table 7 Updated status on action C5

Action C5 (Reducing IAS)

Naturstyrelsen

Site Area completed 2 (Bulbjerg) 10,1 4 (Hanstholm) 4,4 13 (Lyngbos Hede) 75 14 (Kallesmærsk Hede) 66,9 11 (Husby Klit) 90

Thisted Site Area completed Area scheduled 3 (Hanstholm Knuden) – Febbersted 0,025 4 (Hanstholm Reservatet) - Kvadderkær 0,3 The intended project of app. 15 ha could not be realized due to lack of landowner accepts. We are trying to find new private landowners and areas were NST can reduce the occurrence 6 (Ålvand) - Førby Sø of IAS in the same N2000 site. 7 (Lyngby Klitheder) 4 Total 250,73

5.13 Action C6 (Conversion of plantations to coastal dune habitats)

Progress in this reporting period Almost all the operations on this action were completed at the midterm report. However, the remaining 6.5 ha in int. site no. 15 (Fanø) was cleared during autumn 2017

18 and THI-MUNI has completed the clearing in int. site no. 7 (Lyngby Klitheder) during spring/summer 2017. The Table 8 below gives a status on the achievements on this action.

Progress expected during the next reporting period No activities on this action are expected. We have reached 105.5 ha compared to 105.6 ha foreseen in the Grant Agreement.

Table 8 Updated status on action C6 Action C6 (Conversions of plantations)

Naturstyrelsen Site Area completed 2 (Bulbjerg) 11,7 4 (Hanstholm) 4,2 7 (Lyngby Klitheder) 44,4 13 (Lyngbos Hede) 2,6 15 (Fanø) 28,4

Thisted Site Area completed 3 (Hanstholm Knuden) 0,2 7 (Lyngby Klitheder) 14 Total 105,5

5.14 Action D1 (Monitoring of project impact on habitat types targeted by the project)

Progress in this reporting period During summer 2017 the midterm effect monitoring on Sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) was conducted. The purpose of this monitoring is to illustrate the impact of fighting Rosa rugosa on Sand Lizards breeding and foraging potential. Originally 10 areas were selected for the baseline monitoring (carried out in 2015 and annexed to the progress report 30/09/2015 as annex 14) but due to priorities among the different areas and methods for fighting Rosa rugosa, we had to change the number and location of the areas. 3 areas (transects) could be monitored because fighting of Rosa rugosa had been conducted (Husby Klit, Agger Tange and Nymindestrømmen), 3 areas (transects) were not monitored because the fighting of Rosa rugosa had not been carried out yet (Hanstholm Reservatet, Lyngby Klitheder and Kallesmærsk Hede) and 3 new areas (transects) were added in order to substitute 4 areas (transects) were fighting of Rosa rugosa was cancelled. The report is attached to this progress report as Annex 10. The conclusion from this midterm monitoring based on 3 areas (transects) is highlighted in Table 9 below.

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Table 9 Conclusions from midterm monitoring on changes on breeding and foraging conditions for Lacerta agilis due to C1 actions Site Tentative conclusion Husby Klit (int. site no.11) Only minor breeding and foraging improvements for the Sand Lizard is found which is argued to be due to the high proportion of bare sand. Better conditions are expected at the final monitoring where more natural dune vegetation has invaded the area Agger Tange (int. site no. 8) Only minor breeding and foraging improvements for the Sand Lizard is found which is argued to be due to the high proportion of bare sand. Better conditions are expected at the final monitoring where more natural dune vegetation has invaded the area Nymindestrømmen (int. site no. 12) At this location, a significant improvement in breeding and foraging conditions for the Sand Lizard was detected.

A baseline and monitoring report on a the impact of removing Rosa rugosa on Ligusticum scothicum and Calystegia soldanella has just been completed and is attached to this report as Annex 10a. The conclusion is that both species have benefitted from the removal of Rosa rugosa from baseline monitoring to the first impact monitoring. Ligusticum scothicum has decreased in number of occurrences but the total areas has increased with 15.5 %. Calystegia soldanella occurrences increased with 1 but the total area increased with 76 %.

Progress expected during the next reporting period Data from registration of Natura2000 sites in Denmark (DEVANO) in the period 2011-2012 have been used to make a baseline for the conservation status of the habitat types in the project sites by start of the project. We have made an overlay analysis between the areas designated for the actions C2, C4 and C5 and the available DEVANO data. By the end of the project, the next DEVANO (2017-2018) is expected to be ready. This registration will be used as project impact registration.

The final effect monitoring on the Sand Lizard will be carried out during spring/summer 2019.

5.15 Action D2 (Monitoring of impact on species targeted by the project)

Progress in this reporting period No activities on this action in this reporting period. The baseline monitoring was conducted during 2015 and attached to the progress report 30/09/2015 as annex 14, 15, 16 and 17. The baseline monitoring focusing on the impact on the Sand Lizard (Lacerta agilis) by other actions (C5 and C6) than fighting Rosa rugosa (action C1) was apparently not attached to the Progress Report 30/09/2015. It is therefore attached here as Annex 11.

In Husby Klit (int. site no. 11) we have had a fruitful cooperation with a group of botanist since 2015. The 4 botanist women live in or nearby the forest and are very interested in protection and conservation of the dune habitats especially in this area. In 2015 we started fighting the scattered occurrence of invasive alien conifers (action C5) together with clearing of Pinus mugo and Pinus contorta forest in this area and the botanist group expressed their concern and anxiousness for these interventions. Therefore, we suggested a kind of

20 partnership, where they could participate in the project by monitoring the effect of clearings on the dune vegetation. We helped the group by identifying a reference area and a test area. They have been monitoring the areas in 2016, 2017 and 2018. Their conclusion is that the areas previously forested have not yet developed into dune habitats (2130 and 2140) but the characteristic species have entered the areas but their dominance need to increase further. The group has produced a note witch is attached as Annex 12.

A baseline and monitoring report on a number of bird species has just been completed. The document is attached to this report as Annex 18. The report concludes that the applied actions (C2, C3 and C6) have had a detectable positive impact on the breeding conditions for Tringa glareola, Recurvirostra avosetta and Sterna paradisaea and Sterna hirundo. In 2018, the Danish Organisation of Ornithologist, has registered 12 breeding pairs of Tringa glareola and in 2017 8 pairs. This report documents that 2-3 pairs have been monitored at or nearby activities carried out by LIFE REDCOHA (action C2 and C6).

Sterna paradisaea and Sterna hirundo and Recurvirostra avosetta have already been breeding on the 2 new bird islands in int. site no. 9 (Harboøre Tange). Chroicocephalus ridibundus has been breeding on the 2 new islands in int. site no. 15 (Fanø), which indicate that breeding by Sterna paradisaea and Sterna hirundo is likely to occur in the nearby future.

Progress expected during the next reporting period The impact monitoring will be conducted during the spring/summer 2019. It will include the following components described in Table 10.

Table 10 Overview of the impact monitoring scheduled for spring/summer 2019 Component species Note Botany Pilularia globulifera The first 3 species will be monitored separately and in Subularia aquatic relation to the hydrology-actions (C2) whereas the last 2 Hammarbya paluosa species will be monitored also separately but in relation Ligusticum scothicum to action C1 Calystegia soldanella Insects Euphydryas aurinia Coenagrion armatum Erynnis tages Hesperia comma Coenonympha tullia Aeshna serrate Chorthippus jutlandica Amphibians Epidalea calamita Triturus cristatus Rana arvalis Reptiles Lacerta agilis This monitoring includes 2 components: 1) Evaluation of the impact of fighting Rosa rugosa on breeding and foraging conditions for Lacerta agilis 2) Registration of the number of Lacerta agilis specimens in areas influenced by action C5 and C6 Birds Tringa glareola Gelochelidon nilotica Recurvirostra avosetta Sterna albifrons Sterna ssp.

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The group of botanist in Husby Klit will continue monitoring the vegetation change in 2019.

5.16 Action D3 (Assessing socio-economic impact of the project actions)

Progress in this reporting period We have gathered information about tourism during 2013-2017 from 4 different municipalities and have also received information about changes in settlement and migration within the 4 municipalities. We have also managed to get in contact with 6 different beekeepers. The have been willing to report their honey production data from 2013 -2017. All of them have their beehives close to areas affected by actions C5 and C6.

Progress expected during the next reporting period In 2015, we had a consultancy to do a baseline report on the impact of the hydrology actions (C2) on ecosystem service. In 2019, an effect monitoring will be completed. We will also gather the necessary information from beekeepers and municipalities from 2018 concerning honey production and tourism and settlement. Data and findings from beekeepers, municipalities and tourist organisations will be reported in a separate socio-economic note.

We are currently discussing the possibility to conduct a survey related to people’s perception of Rosa rugosa in order to analyze changes in knowledge and perception during the last 5 years. The idea is to select app. 1000 households along the West Coast of Jutland in areas affected by C1 activities. We have been discussing this type of survey with a company (Analyse Danmark) and received an offer of app. € 16,000. These costs can be covered within the external assistance budget category.

5.17 Action E1 (Smartphone and tablet communication platforms)

Progress in this reporting period

Mobilesite During spring 2017, we incorporated an additional component in the mobilesite. It is a site- specific information component describing in detail what is taking place at given location. The component is accessed through ‘Oplev’ and is called ‘Hvad sker der i projektet?’ Then you can continue to a map to find the nearest location where project activities are visible. The project activities are illustrated on the map by the project logo and when you click on the logo a short description of the activity appears. The component is illustrated in Annex 13.

App The existing app (den Grønne Tråd) ”the Green Thread” has been developed more than 7 years ago, and therefore, the technology behind the app is rather outdated. Among time-killers has been, that updates should be send to external company for uploading and the app itself has received critics for being rather old school. In order to evaluate what will be the most reasonable further progress: To continue developing the old app or shift platform to existing app-platforms, we consulted an external web- and app-design company. Their recommendation was very clear, that in the long run, it will make most sense to redesign the app on an existing app-platform, which we pay a yearly fee for using and where we have direct updating access.

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Based on the recommendation, we decided to change to a new app, and requested external company to present an offer on the work on designing an app “THY-LIFE”.

Progress expected during the next reporting period

Mobilesite Additional site-specific descriptions ((“Hvad sker der I projektet?”) will be added according to the progress on especially action C2 and C3.

App The offer is accepted and THI MUNI had on 21.08.2018 a meeting with the contractor, where the task definition and development plan was presented (Annex 17). The purpose of the app is defined as:  To make it interesting for Thisted Municipality’s own population to experience selected Natura2000 areas, and hereby raising the awareness of the nature diversity in the municipality.  To invite tourists in the municipality to experience new nature areas, and hereby raising the awareness of the diversity of nature experiences in the municipality.

In THI MUNI a small work group consisting of REDCOHA project officer Jeppe Pilgaard and communication employee Anette Cadovius Rasmussen has been established to secure content progress of the app.

Following milestones are defined: · 15.11.2018: Nearly final developed app is presented for the RIGKILDE-LIFE project group (as the app will have its next life in RIGKILDE-LIFE). · 15.12.2018: Based on input from the aforementioned presentation, the app is technically final developed. · 30.06.2019: All REDCOHA-LIFE related content is uploaded and the REDCOHA-LIFE part of the app is completed.

5.18 Action E2a (Information boards)

Progress in this reporting period The progress on this action was thoroughly described in the midterm report and the corresponding Annex 25. Since then, we have raised 2 infoboards near the location of the 2 new bird islands in int. site no. 9 (Harboøre Tange) in august 2017.

Progress expected during the next reporting period It will be considered to raise information boards nearby the new bird islands.

5.19 Action E2b (leaflets and posting leaflets)

Progress in this reporting period The progress on this action was described in detail in the midterm report. No activities have been carried out during this reporting period.

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Progress expected during the next reporting period No specific activities are expected as the action has been completed. However, we do have a surplus of leaflets and if any summer cottage organisation asks for extra leaflets, we have the opportunity to disseminate this information.

5.20 Action E3 (Public tours)

Progress in this reporting period In this reporting period we have had 9 arrangement/public tours including 226 persons. Totally we have had 18 arrangements/public tours since the beginning of the project including 444 persons – see Table 11 below.

Progress expected during the next reporting period We have accomplished the objective on this action but we still find it relevant to arrange some public tours during spring 2019 in order to communicate the development on especially action C1 (Rosa rugosa), C2 (hydrology) and C3 (bird islands).

5.21 Action E4 (Project website)

Progress in this reporting period The progress on this action was described in detail in the midterm report. The webpage has been updated regularly according to the progress on the different actions

Progress expected during the next reporting period The website will be updated at least quarterly.

5.22 Action E5 (Layman’s report)

Progress in this reporting period No activities during this reporting period

Progress expected during the next reporting period The report will be published 31/05/2019 and produced during spring 2019.

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Table 11 Updated status on action E3 Action E3: Public Tours

Number of people Date Area/site participating

May 10, 2015 35 11 (Husby Klit) (Public tour) October 14, 2015 12 15 (Fanø) (Public tour) October 22, 2015 0 4 (Hanstholm reservatet) (Public tour) October 25, 2015 0 7 (Lyngby Klitheder) (Public tour) November 1, 2015 42 11 (Husby Klit) (Public tour) November 1, 2015 0 2 (Bulbjerg og Vejlerne) (Public tour)

4 (Hanstholm Reservatet); 5 (Vangså Hede); 6 (Ålvand) February 24, 2016 25 Arrangement with Thisted Gymnasium June 19, 2016 80 11 (Husby Klit) (Public tour) December 15, 2016 4 5 (Vangså) (Public tour) June 10, 2017 20 12 (Nymindestrømmen) (Public tour)

11 (Husby Klit) Presentation at the "Generalforsamling i Sdr. Klegod November 4, 2017 75 Grundejerforening" about Rosa rugosa

May 9, 2017 20 8 (Agger Tange) (Public tour) 11 (Husby Klit) Presentation at the yearly meeting at "Sammenslutningen af sommerhusgrundejerforeninger på Holmsland Klit"

August 26, 2017 35 12 (Nymindestrømmen); 13 (Lyngbos Hede), 14 (Kallemærsk Hede); 15 (Fanø) Kommunalt netværksmøde arrangeret af NST BLH (Varde, Esbjerg, Vejen, Billund, Ikast/Brande, Kolling og Vejle Kommuner deltog)

October 23, 2017 9 11 (Husby Klit) Tur med kredsbestyrelsesrepræsentanter for Friluftsrådet (region Midt) - Husby Klitplantage

April 14, 2018 20 11 (Husby Klit) Tur med Fjand Sommerhusforening i Husby Klitplantage

May 21, 2018 40 13 (Lyngbos Hede) NST Blåvandshuks tur ved Strib Sø (Public tour) June 21, 2018 7 15 (Fanø) NST Blåvandshuks tur på Fanø (Public tour) June 28, 2018 20 Total 444

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5.23 Action E6 (Final seminar)

Progress in this reporting period The final seminar was held in June 25-26, 2018. 79 persons from a variety of organisations and institutions participated in the seminar. A number of presentations and topics for discussion were at the agenda on the first day. We had Paul Rooney from Liverpool Hope University to give the introduction speech. On the second day we focused mainly on activities related to fighting Rosa rugosa. We had arranged a machine-demonstration with 3 entrepreneurs. They demonstrated the process and pros and cons related to the different methods were discussed among the participants. A note/memorandum including participation list and agenda for the seminar is attached as Annex 14

Progress expected during the next reporting period No activities during the next reporting period

5.24 Action F1 (Project management)

Progress in this reporting period: Project management has been dealing with 2 amendments in this reporting period. One budget modification (Amendment no. 1 – February 2018) and one project extension (Amendment no. 2 – July 2018) have been accepted during this reporting period. The arrangement of the Final Seminar in June 2018 has also been a time consuming activity in the project. Furthermore, we have held project group meetings, steering group meeting, and a number of bilateral meetings with NST-units and municipalities in order to coordinate and discuss the different activities. See list of meetings in paragraph ‘Administrative Part’ Table 1.

Progress expected during the next reporting period: In the remaining project period, the project manager will visit all project sites and regional NST offices and the 2 municipalities. At least 1 project group meeting and 1 steering group meeting will be held. The Final Report will be elaborated during summer and early autumn 2019, with deadline 31/10/2019.

5.25 Action F2 (Audit) Progress in this reporting period No activities during the inception period

Progress expected during the next reporting period The Audit of State Accounts ‘Rigsrevision’ will audit NST’s financial report whereas the financial report of the associated beneficiaries are audited by separate auditors. NST’s auditor will include the conclusions of the auditors of the associated beneficiaries in his audit report. The process will be initiated during spring 2019 with meetings with ‘Rigsrevisionen’ in order to balance expectations and discuss milestones and deliverables.

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5.26 Action F3 (Networking)

Progress in this reporting period The progress on this action was described in detail in the midterm report. Since then, we have participated in the LIFE Platform meeting in Örebro, Sweden, in April 2017; LIFE Platform Meeting on Invasive Alien Species in Milano, Italy, in November 2017; Final Seminar for LIFE SandLife in Sweden in May 2018 and a networking trip to United Kingdom (organised by Susan Rendell-Read, project manager at RSPB for LIFE+ Little Tern Recovery Project) in June 2018. A networking report from the trip to England in June 2018 is attached as Annex 18a. In Table 12 below is given a status on the progress on this action.

Table 12 Updated status on action F3 Action F3 - Networking

No. of LIFE Duration REDCOHA Date (days) persons LIFE projects (if relevant) Topic

Rosa rugosa and conversion of plantations to June 2014 5 3 LIFE11NAT/LV/371 coastal habitats

Rosa rugosa, hydrology and conversion of May 2015 2 2 LIFE SandLife plantations to coastal habitat types

LIFE BALTCOAST (LIFE05 NAT/D/000152) and LIFE REVITALISING NOORDDUINEN May 2015 5 9 (LIFE09 NAT/NL/000417). Rosa rugosa March 2016 1 1 Municipality of Lemvig Rosa rugosa LIFE13 NAT/DK/001357 (LIFE REWETDUNE) and the Municipality of March 2016 1 2 Holstebro Rosa rugosa LIFE platform meeting on restoration of sand dune habitats in Zaandvort June 2016 3 5 (Netherlands) presentation on Rosa rugosa

Naturmødet i Hirtshals https://issuu.com/hjoerringkommune/do May 2017 1 1 cs/naturm__det_2017_program Rosa rugosa

Platform meeting on LIFE and Invasive November 2017 2 4 Alien Species (Milano, Italy) presentation on Rosa rugosa

April 2017 2 1 Örebro - LIFE Platform møde poster presentation on Rosa rugosa

May 2018 3 2 Final Seminar SandLife presentation on Rosa rugosa

United Kingdom - RSPB. 3 days trip organised by Susan Rendell-Read, project manager at RSPB for LIFE+ conservation and protection of terns in coastal June 2018 3 3 Little Tern Recovery Project habitats Skovskolens naturforvaltningskonference - poster September 2018 1 2 presentation Rosa rugosa

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Progress expected during the next reporting period No travelling activities are planned as we find the objectives fulfilled on this action. However, it is most likely that the project will participate in LIFE Platform meetings, welcome other LIFE projects interested in visiting LIFE REDCOHA and participate in national networking meetings/conferences/seminars focusing on especially Rosa rugosa.

5.27 Action F4 (After LIFE conservation plan)

Progress in this reporting period No activities during the reporting period

Progress expected during the next reporting period The report will be ready 30/06/2019

Envisaged progress until next report.

The expected progresses related to the different actions are given in connection to the list of actions described above and the envisaged progresses are also illustrated in the revised Gantt Chart below. The Gant Chart was adjusted at the Amendment no. 2 (extension of the project with 1 year) and therefore the timetable below resembles the timetable submitted for the amendment no. 2 with only few modifications. The green cells indicate the process expected in the original Grant Agreement, the yellow cells illustrate the revised process presented in the Midterm Report and the purple cells illustrate the expected process from now on.

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Table 13 Gantt Chart. Green cells indicate the process expected in the original Grant Agreement, yellow cells illustrate the revised process in the Midterm Report and purple cells illustrate the expected process from now on

Actions 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

1T 2T 3T 4T 1T 2T 3T 4T 1T 2T 3T 4T 1T 2T 3T 4T 1T 2T 3T 4T 1T 2T 3T 4T 1T 2T 3T 4T

A1 Proposed

Midterm

Progress 30/09/18

A2 Proposed

Midterm

Progress 30/09/18 A3 Proposed

Midterm

Progress 30/09/18

A4 Proposed

Midterm

Progress 30/09/18

A5 Proposed

Midterm

Progress 30/09/18

A6 Proposed

Midterm

Progress 30/09/18

A7 Proposed

Midterm

Progress 30/09/18

C1 Proposed

Midterm

Progress 30/09/18

C2 Proposed

Midterm

Progress 30/09/18

C3 Proposed

Midterm

Progress 30/09/18

C4 Proposed Midterm Progress 30/09/18

Proposed

C5 Midterm Progress 30/09/18

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Actions 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

1T 2T 3T 4T 1T 2T 3T 4T 1T 2T 3T 4T 1T 2T 3T 4T 1T 2T 3T 4T 1T 2T 3T 4T 1T 2T 3T 4T

C6 Proposed

Midterm

Progress 30/09/18

D1 Proposed

Midterm

Progress 30/09/18

D2 Proposed

Midterm

Progress 30/09/18

D3 Proposed

Midterm

Progress 30/09/18

E1 Proposed

Midterm

Progress 30/09/18

E2a Proposed

Midterm

Progress 30/09/18 E2b Proposed Midterm Progress 30/09/18 E3 Proposed

Midterm

Progress 30/09/18

E4 Proposed

Midterm

Progress 30/09/18

E5 Proposed

Midterm

Progress 30/09/18

E6 Proposed

Midterm

Progress 30/09/18

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2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Actions

1T 2T 3T 4T 1T 2T 3T 4T 1T 2T 3T 4T 1T 2T 3T 4T 1T 2T 3T 4T 1T 2T 3T 4T 1T 2T 3T 4T

F1 Proposed

Midterm

Progress 30/09/18

F2 Proposed

Midterm

Progress 30/09/18

F3 Proposed

Midterm

Progress 30/09/18

Proposed

F4 Midterm

Progress 30/09/18

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Below in Table 14 and 15 is found an illustration of the progress in terms of milestones and deliverables. Green colour indicates that the milestone/deliverable has been achieved/completed and red colour indicates that the milestone/deliverable has not yet been completed.

Table 14 Status on deliverables

Name of deliverable Associated deadline "Progress comment action colour" The progress on this action was described Leaflet E2 31-03-2014 in detail in the Midterm Report The progress on this action was described in detail in the Midterm Report As described in connection to action A4, an additional engineering report might be Bird Island Report A4 30-06-2014 needed. The progress on this action was described Feasibility Study A2 30-06-2014 in detail in the Midterm Report The progress on this action was described in detail in the Midterm Report and the Maps A1 30-06-2014 Inception Report The progress on this action was described in detail in the Midterm Report. The following new actions has been carried out: A baseline report focusing on the impact of actions C5 and C6 on the number of observed individuals of Lacerta agilis has been attached to this report. A preliminary report analysing the impact of removing Rosa rugosa on the 2 plant species Ligusticum scothicum and Calystegia soldanella on NST-THY managed areas, has been attached this report Furthermore, a vegetation survey carried out by volunteer botanist living in in. site no. 11 (Husby Klit) has been attached this Baseline report D1 30-09-2014 report. The progress on this action was described in detail in the Midterm Report. Since then, we have raised 2 more infoboards close to the 2 new bird islands Info board E2 31-12-2014 in int. Site no. 9 (Harboøre Tange) The App has been accessible since 2014, but as described in relation to action E1 it has suffered severe delays and deficiencies. A solution has been found (see the description in relation to action E1) and a cooperation with the new LIFE project LIFE RIGKILDE has been Smartphone application E1 31-12-2014 arranged. The progress on this action was described in detail in the Midterm Report. In this reporting period, THI-MUNI has received support from the agri- environmental scheme to establish the grazing facilities (fence, water and power supply) in int. site no. 4 (Hanstholm AES report A5 30-06-2015 Reservatet) covering 16 ha.

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The progress on this action was described in detail in the Midterm Report The 4 baseline monitoring reports concerning amphibians, reptiles, insects and botany were attached to the Progress Report 30/09/2015 as annex 14, 15, 16 and 17 A midterm monitoring report on the effect of removing Rosa rugosa on the breeding and foraging conditions for Lacerta agilis has been carried out during autumn 2017 and attached this report. A monitoring report focusing on Tringa glareola, Gelochelidon nilotica, Recurvirostra avosetta, Sterna albifrons and Sterna ssp.has been attached to this Baseline report D2 30-09-2015 report The progress on this action was described in detail in the Midterm Report. The following new actions has been carried out: We have gathered information on honey- production during 2013-2017 from 6 beekeepers having their beehives nearby areas affected by mainly action C5 and C6. We have gathered information from 4 municipalities about changes in Baseline report D3 15-09-2014 settlement and tourism during 2013-2017 The progress on this action was described Mobilesite elaborated E1 31-12-2015 in detail in the Midterm Report Layman's report E5 31-05-2019 Monitoring Report D3 15-06-2019 After-LIFE conservation Plan F4 30-06-2019 Monitoring Report D1 30-06-2019 Monitoring Report D2 30-06-2019

Table 15 Status on milestones

Associate "Progress Name of milestone d action Deadline colour" comment Steering committee and management group setup F1 31-12-2013 Leaflets published E2 31-03-2014 Website is in operation E4 31-03-2014 Described in detail in the midterm report. In this reporting period, THI-MUNI has received support from the agri-environmental scheme 50% of applications to to establish the grazing facilities (fence, water AES elaborated and and power supply) in int. site no. 4 submitted A5 31-05-2014 (Hanstholm Reservatet) covering 16 ha. Feasibility stydy completed A2 15-06-2014 Described in detail in the midterm report Described in detail in the midterm report. As described in connection to action A4, an Bird island report additional engineering report might be completed A4 30-06-2014 needed. Described in detail in Inception Report and Mapping completed A1 30-06-2014 Midterm Report 33

Baseline survey completed D1 31-08-2014 Described in detail in the Midterm Report The baseline report related to water retention capacity and creation of groundwater has been delivered (Annex 19 in Progress Report 30/09/2015). Data for the two other categories encompassing the D3- action Baseline survey (Impact on local population and impact on completed D3 31-08-2014 local economy) will sought during 2017 First visit F3 31-08-2014 First public tour E3 30-09-2014 33% of areas restored C6 31-12-2014 Info boards placed out E2 31-12-2014 Participation agreements signed A6 31-12-2014 Described in detail in the Midterm Report Described in detail in the midterm report. In this reporting period, THI-MUNI has received support from the agri-environmental scheme 100% of applications to establish the grazing facilities (fence, water to AES elaborated and and power supply) in int. site no. 4 submitted A5 31-05-2015 (Hanstholm Reservatet) covering 16 ha.

Decision about use of herbicides C1 31-05-2015 Described in detail in the Midterm Report Baseline survey and collection completed D2 30-09-2015 Described in detail in the Midterm Report 50% eliminated C1 31-12-2015 Described in detail in the Midterm Report 10% of sites for improvement of hydrology conducted C2 31-12-2015 Described in detail in the Midterm Report 67% of area restored C6 31-12-2015 Described in detail in the Midterm Report Platforms ready E1 31-12-2015 Permissions for some of the hydrology actions in NST THY and THI-MUNI is currently being All permissions processed. The 2 alternative bird islands also obtained A3 31-03-2016 require authority approvals. 2 islands built C3 30-10-2016 Described in detail in the Midterm Report 50% eliminated C5 30-03-2017 Described in detail in the Midterm Report. Almost all the operations on this action were completed at the midterm report. However, the remaining 6.5 ha in int. site no. 15 (Fanø) was cleared during autumn 2017 and THI- MUNI has completed the clearing in int. site no. 7 (Lyngby Klitheder) during spring/summer 2017. We have reached 105.5 100% of areas ha compared to 105.6 ha foreseen in the Grant restored C6 31-10-2017 Agreement. The objective was not met by 31/10/2017. However, we have now established approximately 67.6 ha new wet habitats which constitutes 25 % of the expected 270.3 ha (see 25% of sites for midterm report p. 21-22 and see the improvement of explanations given in this report related tom hydrology conducted C2 31-10-2017 Action C2) Described in detail concerning action C3. 2 islands were created in August 2017 in int. 4 islands built C3 31-10-2017 Site no. 9 (Harboøre Tange) 50% fencing completed C4 31-10-2017 75% eliminated C1 31-10-2017

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NST has completed 246.4 ha and THI-MUNI 4.33. Thereby we have achieved 250.73 ha which is 29.9 ha more than the expected 220.8 ha foreseen in the grant agreement. However, THI-MUNI will still attempt to find (in cooperation with NST-THY) suitable areas within internal site no. 6 (Ålvand) in order to 100% eliminated C5 31-12-2017 fulfil their 23.5 ha. At Fanø (int. site no. 15) we had reached 27.5 ha by January 2018. Grazing in Hanstholm Reservatet (int. site no. 4) by THI-MUNIwill most likely be initiated during spring 2019. With the scheduled grazing action in Hanstholm Reservatet, we will reach approximately 43.5 ha which is 25.1 ha more than originally proposed 18.4 ha in the Grant 50% grazing started C4 31-01-2018 Agreement. Final Seminar held E6 30-06-2018 The final seminar was held in June 2018 100% fencing completed C4 31-08-2018 See explanation concerning milestone below At Fanø (int. site no. 15) we had reached 27.5 ha by January 2018. Grazing in Hanstholm Reservatet (int. site no. 4) by THI-MUNIwill most likely be initiated during spring 2019. With the scheduled grazing action in Hanstholm Reservatet, we will reach approximately 43.5 ha which is 25.1 ha more than originally proposed 18.4 ha in the Grant 100% grazing started C4 30-09-2018 Agreement. 50% of sites for improvement of hydrology conducted C2 31-10-2018 100% of sites for improvement of hydrology conducted C2 31-03-2019 We estimate that we have treated approximately 37.4 ha of Rosa rugosa. As explained in the Midterm Report, a total area of 109 ha was expected in the Grant Agreement pending the use of herbicide as the general treatment method. It was also emphasized that using only mechanical methods would reduce the area with 1/10 to approximately 10.9 ha. We therefore argue, that we have reached a fairly high goal achievement with a variety of methods 100% eliminated C1 31-05-2019 applied. As described in relation to Action C3 and the paragraph 'Problems Encountered', we are considering creating 2 alternative bird islands instead of the planned bird island in int. Site 5 islands built C3 31-05-2019 no. 10 (Nissum Fjord) Layman's report published E5 31-05-2019 Monitoring survey and collection completed D2 31-05-2019 Monitoring survey completed D1 01-06-2019 Monitoring survey completed D3 01-06-2019 After-LIFE conservation Plan F4 30-06-2019 Audit completed F2 31-10-2019

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Impact In the table below is listed all the concrete actions carried out at the different sites so far.

Table 1 Impact at site-level Int. Impact site no 1 Action C2: 0.8 ha wet habitats created Action E2a: 1 infoboard has been put up 2 Action C2: 4.1 ha wet habitats created (NST) + 11.35 ha wet habitats created (THI-MUNI) Action C5: 10.1 ha with scattered distribution of IAS has been cleared Action C6: 11.7 ha has been cleared Action E2a: 1 infoboard has been put up Action A5: Applied for and approved clearing of 3,57 and 1,41 ha through AES funding 3 Action C5: 0.025 ha with scattered distribution of IAS has been cleared (THI-MUNI) Action C6: 0.2 ha has been cleared (THI-MUNI) 4 Action C1: milling (fræser) Rosa rugosa on app. 1.9 ha (net area) Action C1: milling Rosa rugosa on app. 5.1 ha (net area) (THI-MUNI) Action C2: 30.8 ha wet habitats created (NST) + 14 ha wet habitats created (THI-MUNI) Action C5: 4.4 ha with scattered distribution of IAS has been cleared Action C5: 0.3 ha with scattered distribution of IAS has been cleared (THI-MUNI) Action C6: 4.2 ha has been cleared Action E1: A Rosa rugosa game/quiz with 7 poles with QR-codes have been established Action E2a: 1 infoboard has been put up 5 Action C1: excavating Rosa rugosa on app. 0.6 ha (net area) – the remaining 2.0 ha will be excavated during October/November 2018 Action C1: excavating, herbicide spraying and covering Rosa rugosa with plastic/geotextile – total net area 2.2 ha (THI-MUNI) Action E2a: 1 infoboard has been put up 6 Action C1: milling Rosa rugosa on app. 0.15 ha (net area) (THI-MUNI) 7 Action C1: milling Rosa rugosa on app. 0.13 ha (net area) Action C5: 4.0 ha with scattered distribution of IAS has been cleared Action C6: 44.4 ha has been cleared Action C6: 14.0 ha has been cleared (THI-MUNI) Action E2a: 1 infoboard has been put up Action C6: 44,4 ha has been cleared 8 Action C1: milling Rosa rugosa on app. 5.33 ha (net area) – area A Action C1: milling Rosa rugosa on app. 3.8 ha (net area) – area B Action E2a: 1 infoboard has been put up 9 Action C3: 2 bird islands (total app. 0.1 ha) established Action E2a: 2 infoboards have been put up 10 11 Action A5: Applied for and approved clearing of 110,69 ha through AES funding Action C1: grazing of Rosa rugosa by goat has been established on 0.75 ha (net area) Action C1: covering Rosa rugosa with plastic/geotextile has been established on ca. 0.4 ha (net area) Action C1: milling Rosa rugosa on app. 1.5 ha (net area) Action C1: lubricating Rosa rugosa with herbicide on app. 1.5 ha (net area) Action C2: 0.8 ha wet habitats created Action C5: 90 ha with scattered distribution of IAS has been cleared Action E1: A Rosa rugosa game/quiz with 7 poles with QR-codes have been established Action E2a: 1 infoboard has been put up 12 Action C1: grazing of Rosa rugosa by sheep has been established on 1.5 ha (net area) Action C1: grazing of Rosa rugosa by cattle has been established on 16 ha (gross area) Action C1: milling Rosa rugosa on app. 7.45 ha (net area) Action C1: milling Rosa rugosa on app. 1.6 ha (net area) Action C1: milling and grazing by sheep of Rosa rugosa on app. 0.6 ha (net area) Action E1: A Rosa rugosa game/quiz with 7 poles with QR-codes have been established Action E2a: 2 infoboards have been put up

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13 Action C2: 1.9 ha wet habitats created Action C5: 75 ha with scattered distribution of IAS has been cleared Action C6: 2.6 ha has been cleared

14 Action C1: excavating Rosa rugosa on app. 1.0 ha (net area) Action C2: 3.84 ha wet habitats created Action C5: 66.9 ha with scattered distribution of IAS has been cleared 15 Action C3: 2 smaller islands established Action C4: fencing and grazing completed at 27.5 ha Action C6: 28.4 ha has been cleared Action E2a: 1 infoboard has been put up

Indirect impact The project is quite often in touch with either municipalities or summer cottage communities They are in general interested in our efforts related to mapping the distribution of Rosa rugosa (action A1) and our preliminary experiences with the methods used to fight Rosa rugosa, in particular. 5 persons representing summer cottage communities in Fanø (int. site no. 15), Vejers (near int. site no. 14), Hvide Sande (int. site no. 12) and 2 communities from Holmsland Klit (int. site no. 12) have requested information and instructions on how to fight Rosa rugosa. The final seminar held in June 2018, had a participation of 12 municipalities, the University of Aarhus and Copenhagen, the Nature Management Unit for the Danish Defence and some private entrepreneurs, and has in our opinion facilitated information exchange and discussions of effectiveness and feasibility of the methods applied to fight Rosa rugosa.

Outside LIFE Action A5 (Preparation of applications to the agri-environmental scheme) was integrated in the project from the beginning as a complementary action. We have managed to complete 3 projects (2 small, and 1 big) - and received approval for 1 medium project (16 ha, Annex 6), which support the C5 and C6 actions in int. site no. 2, 4 and 11, as the clearing of IAS minimize the future threat of spreading IAS. Furthermore, the AES-projects also serve to improve the chances for the creation of new coastal dune habitats (mainly 2130 and 2140).

In December 2017, the Danish Parliament adopted a new law which, among other invasive species, prohibits any trade and commercial use of Rosa rugosa. The law is expected to come into force by January 2022. We believe that the focus within this project on the distribution of Rosa rugosa and the negative impact on native species and habitats and the intensive media attention has supported this process.

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Financial part Costs incurred

PROJECT COSTS INCURRED by 30/06/2019

Budget Costs Cost according to incurred incurred Cost category the from project compared to Amendment start to budget (%) no. 1 30/06/18

1. Personnel 924.106 896.516 97 2. Travel 48.977 33.518 68 External 3. 1.600.526 1.294.812 81 assistance Durables: total non- 4. depreciated cost - Infrastructure sub-tot. - Equipment 8.733 6.662 76 sub-tot. - Prototypes

sub-tot. 6. Consumables 78.635 50.947 65 7. Other costs 10.166 6.259 62 8. Overheads 174.769 149.682 86 TOTAL 2.845.912 2.438.397 86

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Action number and name Foreseen Spent so Remaining Projected costs far final cost

A1 Mapping of Rosa rugosa 42,249 42555 -306 42.750 A2 Hydrological feasibility study 28,734 30716 -1.982 32.000 A3 Authority treatment 18,626 22447 -3.821 25.000 A4 Project engineering of bird islands 61,720 58276 3.444 65.000 A5 Preparation of applications to the 7,702 agri-environmental scheme 7775 -73 8.000 A6 Landowner contact and cooperation 21,702 22135 -433 25.000 A7 Training of field staff 1,910 632 1.278 1.000 C1 Reduce the distribution of Rosa 716,423 rugosa 570334 146.089 700.000 C2 Improvement of hydrological 153,492 conditions 124671 28.821 155.000 C3 Establishment of bird islands 137,552 81838 55.714 125.000 C4 Establishment of grazing 24,092 7705 16.387 15.000 C5 Reduce the occurence of IAS in 356,621 2140 and 2180 336506 20.115 345.000 C6 Conversion of plantations to 476,382 coastal dune habitats 454315 22.067 455.000 D1 Monitoring of project impacts on 5,210 habitat types 7468 -2.258 8.000 D2 Monitoring of projects impact on 39,710 species 14149 25.561 41.000 D3 Assessing socio-economic impact 6,100 2157 3.943 7.500 E1 Smartphone and tablet 91,620 communication platforms 72787 18.833 82.500 E2 E2a: Information boards and E2b 34,849 Leaflets and posting leaflets 32376 2.473 33.000 E3 Public tours 15,127 7804 7.323 10.000 E4 Projects website 9,555 6985 2.570 8.000 E5 Layman's report 9,714 239 9.475 9.000 E6 Final seminar 26,216 18228 7.988 22.393 F1 Project management 283,172 286964 -3.792 345.000 F2 Audit 26,715 982 25.733 25.000 F3 Networking 75,950 78673 -2.723 86.000 F4 After LIFE conservation Plan 0 0 0 0 Overhead 174,769 149,682 25,087 174,769 TOTAL 2,845,912 2,438,397 407,515 2,845,912

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Comments on financial part The 3 updated financial sheets are found at the attached USB-key.

Personnel: As it appears from the project’s distribution of cost on cost categories, we have reached 97 % of the budget according to the Amendment no. 1. However, we argue that the 10 % elasticity in the cost categories (CP 15.2) allow the project e.g. use less expenditures on external assistance and correspondingly more on personnel and still achieve the different project goals and action objectives. For instance, an estimate of 2600 hours (with an average time unit rate of app. €46) assigned to the project in the remaining period will keep the expenditures on personnel within the 10 % limit.

Personnel costs for DNA for 2018 are based on an estimate. The exact time unit rates are not known at present but the number of hours worked for the project is easily extracted from the electronic database. The number of hours worked on the project are registered monthly by the employee and summarized and controlled every quarter by the project manager. The total number of hours worked by the project staff is entered into the Financial sheet at the end of the year when the annual working time and annual gross salary is known. Therefore, personnel costs for DNA are not specified in the sheet ‘Personnel’. In the sheet ‘AarligeForbrug’ is found an estimate of € 63,786 for personnel for 2018. This number is based on a registration of 1294 hours for officials (academic and project manager) and 214 hours for forest workers. Annexes

Deliverables Associ- Annex no. in Midterm Progress report ated Annex no. in Progress report 30/09/2018 Name of deliverable action Report 30/09/2015 Leaflet E2 22 3 and 4 4 (alternative 1 (report on the location) impact on cormorants Bird Island Report A4 and seals) Feasibility Study A2 1 and 2 The report by COWI was attached in the Inception Maps A1 Report The overlay analysis 12 (vegetation survey between the areas carried out by designated for the volunteer botanist – actions C2, C4 and C5 this report is both a and the available baseline and an DEVANO data is available impact monitoring ) as MapInfo files, and 10a (A baseline and have not been attached an impact monitoring to this progress report. on the 2 plant species Ligusticum scothicum and Calystegia Baseline report D1 soldanella)

Info board E2 21

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The majority of the components are ready (see paragraph 5.17). Can be accessed through either App Store or and Smartphone application E1 found as “Grøn Tråd” AES report A5 5,6,7 and 8 7a 14, 15, 16 and 17 10 (midterm monitoring + new baseline monitoring) 11 (baseline on the impact on Lacerta agilis of action C5 and C6) 18 (A baseline a n impact monitoring on bird species) Baseline report D2 Baseline report D3 19 Can be accessed through: http://m.vestkystnat ur.dk/ Mobilesite elaborated E1 Layman's report E5 NA Monitoring report D3 NA After-LIFE conservation NA Plan F4 Monitoring Report D1 NA Monitoring Report D2 NA

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Complete list of annexes

Annex 1 A study by Aarhus University. The impact of a new bird island in Nissum Fjord on the breeding and resting conditions for cormorants and seals Annex 2 The new permission (September 2018) from The Danish Coastal Authority to establish an island in Nissum Fjord Annex 3 A description of the alternative 2 new bird islands Annex 4 The old permission (January 2018) from The Danish Coastal Authority to establish an island in Nissum Fjord Annex 5 Documentation for the complaints lodged by 2 organisations concerning the establishment of the bird island in Nissum Fjord Annex 5a Documentation for action A5 in int. site no 11 (Husby Klit) Annex 6 Documentation for support from the agri-environmental scheme to the fencing/grazing conducted by THI-MUNI in int. site no. 4 (Hanstholm Reservatet) Annex 7 An updated status of THI-MUNI’s agreements with private landowners Annex 8 An updated status on action C1 Annex 9 Documentation for the establishment of 2 bird islands at int. site no. 9 (Harboøre Tange) Annex 10 A midterm monitoring and new baseline monitoring related to the species Lacerta agilis and the impact of removing Rosa rugosa Annex 10a Baseline and project monitoring of the 2 plants Ligusticum scothicum and Calystegia soldanella affected by removing Rosa rugosa Annex 11 A baseline monitoring related to the species Lacerta agilis and the impact of action C5 and C6 Annex 12 A report made by the volunteer botanist group in int. site no. 11 (Husby Klit) on vegetation changes caused by action C5 in Husby Klit Annex 13 Documentation for the integration of the component ‘Hvad sker der i projektet?’ into the mobilsite Annex 14 A memorandum from the Final Seminar (Action E6) Annex 15 Answers to questions and comments raised in EC letters (evaluation of the Midterm report and the letter following the project visit 10th and 11th April 2018) Annex 16 An updated list of all the media events related to LIFE REDCOHA Annex 17 Presentation of the development plan for THI-MUNI’s App Annex 18 Baseline and project monitoring of bird species Annex 18a Networking report – trip to England in June 2018 Annex 19 Financial report_Naturstyrelsen (not printed – available at the USB-key) Annex 20 Financial report_Thisted (not printed – available at the USB-key) Annex 21 Financial Report_Ringkøbing-Skjern Kommune (not printed – available at the USB-key)

Dissemination materials As it appears from the website, the project has been fairly well presented in the national and local media.

A list of all the media events are listed in Annex 16

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