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LIFE and Europe's Grasslands

LIFE and Europe's Grasslands

L I F E I I I

LIFE and ´s

Restoring a forgotten

European Commission Environment Directorate-General

LIFE (“The Financial Instrument for the Environment”) is a programme launched by the European Commission and coordinated by the Environment Directorate-General (LIFE Unit - E.4).

The contents of the publication “LIFE and Europe’s grasslands: Restoring a forgotten habitat” do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the institutions of the .

Authors: João Pedro Silva (Technical expert), Justin Toland, Wendy Jones, Jon Eldridge, Edward Thorpe, Eamon O’Hara (Astrale GEIE-AEIDL, Communications Team Coordinator). Managing Editor: Philip Owen, European Commission, Environment DG, LIFE Unit – BU-9, 02/1, 200 rue de la Loi, B-1049 Brussels. LIFE Focus series coordination: Simon Goss (LIFE Communica- tions Coordinator), Evelyne Jussiant (DG Environment Communications Coordinator). The following people also worked on this issue: Juan Pérez Lorenzo, Frank Vassen, Karin Zaunberger, Aixa Sopeña, Andrej Seliškar, Iva Rossi, Lubos Halada, Camilla Strandberg-Panelius, Lynne Barratt, Chloé Weeger. Production: Monique Braem. Graphic design: Daniel Renders, Anita Cortés (Astrale GEIE-AEIDL). Acknowledgements: Thanks to all LIFE project beneficiaries who contributed comments, photos and other useful material for this report. Photos: Unless otherwise specified; photos are from the respective projects. This issue of LIFE Focus is published in English with a print-run of 5,000 copies and is also available online.

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Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, 2008

ISBN 978-92-79-10159-5 ISSN 1725-5619 DOI: 10.2779/23028

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Ecolabel Flower Printed on recycled paper that has been awarded the EU Ecolabel for graphic paper (http://ec.europa.eu/ecolabel/) LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands I p. 

Philip Owen

Grassland hold an important part of Europe’s . They offer ideal conditions for a vast diversity of and , and are especially important for and invertebrates, providing vital breeding grounds. Grasslands are also the source of a wide range of public goods and services, ranging from meat and dairy products to recreational and opportunities. In addition, they act as ‘sinks’ and are therefore a vital asset in the effort to reduce levels of gases in the atmosphere.

Except for very limited areas of special natural types, most European grasslands are maintained through or cutting. However, changes in agricultural practices and use pressures mean that grass- are disappearing at an alarming rate and are nowadays among Europe’s most threatened ecosystems.

As a contracting party to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the European has taken decisive steps to fulfil its commitments and to meet the target defined by the Heads of State and Government, to halt biodiversity loss by 2010. In May 2006, the European Commission adopted a Communication on Biodiversity and an Action Plan that defines priority actions to meet this target. Many of the objectives, targets and actions are directly relevant to the conservation and wise use of grasslands.

The Habitats and Birds directives are the main pieces of legislation ensuring the protection of Europe’s grass- lands.

Since its beginning, the Commission’s environment and funding programme, LIFE, has been contributing to projects with actions targeting grassland ecosystems within the Natura 2000 network. This brochure presents a selection of grassland projects that have received LIFE co-funding since 1992. The majority of projects focus on the restoration and management of grasslands, while a few also target key grasslands species.

Of particular importance is the link between and grasslands habitats, which is being developed through LIFE and will be strengthened by the Rural Development Programme. EU Rural Development Policy aims to reconcile agriculture with the objectives of EU nature conservation policy. This goal is achieved by financing agri-environmental measures that go beyond the usual good farming practices and that have a direct impact on the conservation of European grasslands, particularly through the maintenance of extensive systems and support for agriculture in Natura 2000 sites.

Looking to the future, it is hoped that Member States will take advantage of new opportunities for the funding of grassland projects under the Commission’s LIFE+ programme.

Philip Owen Head of Unit – LIFE Directorate-General for the Environment European Commission Background to Europe’s Mountain and Latvia: Protecting floodplain grasslands ...... 3 grasslands ...... 21 in partnership with farmers...... 39 European grasslands Introduction to mountain – definition, status and and steppe grasslands.... 21 : La Serena threats...... 3 – a farming model that : Pastureland and lets birdlife flourish...... 41 EU grasslands policy ...... 6 conservation in Piedmont...... 23 UK: Limestone pavements LIFE’s contribution to – a restoration success grasslands ...... 8 Italy: Managing Tuscan story...... 42 mountain grasslands...... 25

Dry and calcareous Hungary: Restoring Grasslands species...... 43 grasslands ...... 9 grasslands and Introduction to Introduction to dry and in the Hortobágy...... 27 grasslands species...... 43 calcareous grasslands ...... 9 : Converting Bustards: LIFE support for : Restoring spruce plantations into grasslands species.... 44 grasslands...... 29 and conserving xeric Falcons and kestrels: grasslands ...... 11 Germany: Conserving Conserving these : From timber the inland salt marshes majestic hunters ...... 46 to biodiversity ...... 13 of Thuringia...... 32 Habitat restoration and management to aid the Belgium: Local involvement Grasslands as high threatened corncrake...... 48 in limestone grassland biodiversity farmland Invertebrates: An essential management...... 16 areas ...... 33 and oft forgotten element Slovenia: Conservation Introduction to grasslands of grasslands ...... 49 at the Karst Edge ...... 17 as high biodiversity : Emergency farmland areas ...... 33 Further projects measures benefit dry : Farming for focusing on grasslands... 51 grasslands ...... 19 conservation in the List of available LIFE Burren ...... 35 publications...... 53 LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands I p. 

Europe’s grasslands – definition, status and threats

Europe’s grasslands are one of our most important biotopes. In this section, we define what is meant by ‘grasslands’, examine the status of this habitat-type and look at the threats it is facing.

What are grasslands? Area under grassland in utilised agricultural area (UAA) in some European countries in 1995 In its narrow sense, ‘grassland’ may be defined as ground covered by veg- etation dominated by grasses, with lit- tle or no cover; UNESCO defines grassland as “land covered with her- baceous with less than 10 per- cent tree and shrub cover.” According Area under permanent grassland to FAO, grasslands (sensu lato) are among the largest habitat type in the ; their area is estimated at 52.5 million km2, or 40.5% of the ’s landmass.

In Europe there are various types of grasslands, ranging from almost desertic types in south-east Spain through steppic and mesic types to humid grasslands/meadows, which dominate in the north and north-west.

Since almost all European grasslands are more or less modified by human activity and have to a major extent been created and maintained by agricultural activities, they could be defined as “semi-natural grasslands”, although their communities are natural. These grasslands are main- tained through farmers’ grazing and/or cutting regimes. There are also some more natural ‘permanent grasslands’ that occur in Europe. The distribution EEA, Copenhagen, 2004 Source: of these is determined by natural con- ditions including , topography communities (up to 80 plant species/ falcons, etc – and other species such and structure. m2). This extremely high plant diver- as rodents (souslik, voles, etc). sity gives rise to high diver- Grasslands are among the most spe- sity (e.g. ) and can support Current status cies-rich habitats in Europe. Indeed grassland-adapted birds – bustards, calcareous (chalky) grasslands are According to FAO (2006), the area Europe’s most species-rich plant of grasslands in the EU declined by  WallisDeVries MF., Poschlod P., Willems JH. (2002). Challenges for the conserva- tion of calcareous grasslands in Northwes-  Grasslands of the World, eds J. M. tern Europe: integrating the requirements  FAO (Food and Agricultural Organisation SUTTIE, S. G. REYNOLDS & C. BATELLO. of and . Biol. Conserv. 104, p. of the United Nations) 2006: FAO Statisti- xxii+514 pp. Rome: FAO (2005) 265–273. cal Yearbook. – FAOSTAT LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

12.8% from 1990 to 2003; only a few Types of grasslands in Europe Member States managed to buck this trend. • Natural grasslands – includes nine grasslands habitats that thrive without direct human intervention and are limited by specific ecological, soil and climate condi- According to EEA (1999): tions, e.g. Alpine grasslands • Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies – includes 12 grasslands habi- l Except for very limited areas of special natural grassland types, all European tats that are to some extent managed, ranging from Mediterranean grasslands grasslands are maintained through to Pannonic steppe and Fennoscandinavian grasslands. grazing or cutting, the continuation • Sclerophillous grazed () – includes only one grassland habitat and intensity of which are crucial for known in Portugal montado and in Spain as dehesas – semi-natural - the protection of the grasslands and like open with scattered oak and extensive grazed grasslands. the species they harbour. • Semi-natural tall-herb humid meadows – includes six grasslands habitats that have some soil presence. l Pressure on grassland habitats is increasing steadily. Some 60% of • Mesophile grasslands – includes three grasslands habitats comprising all meadows. the newly afforested area in the EU was formerly permanent or  Adopted from Annex 1 of the Habitats Directive meadows, 37% was and only 3% was permanent cropland. affected the conditions for farming of the grassland habitat. Therefore, (e.g. EEA 2004a). For example, a changes in the number and distri- Threats survey of Estonia in 2000 found that bution of may profoundly some 25% of the arable land was affect the grasslands and their value l Changes in land use and land abandoned and the corresponding for . According to FAO (2006), abandonment / abandonment of figure for permanent grasslands was the numbers of and in traditional activities – The conver- as high as 56% (EEA 2004b). EU-25 declined by 10.3% and 11.4% sion of grasslands to arable land l  – In several Member respectively from 1990 to 2003. has mainly been driven by increased States, deliberate afforestation, e.g. l Intensification of grassland man- demands for agricultural products with poplars Populus sp., is a sig- agement and mowing – Intensifi- and a generally higher profitability nificant threat to permanent grass- cation of grassland management of arable farming. More recently, lands. For the EU-15 as a whole, a includes the use of fertilisers, pes- increased pressure on farmland breakdown of newly afforested land ticides and phytocides, re-- from production is exac- according to previous use revealed ing with improved or alien grass erbating the situation. On the other that 60% was formerly permanent varieties, and faster, more efficient, hand, those more traditional farm- or meadows while only mechanical mowing techniques. This land areas where socio-economic 40% was cropland (EEA 2001). change in management increases conditions for extensive agriculture l Changes in livestock density plant density and , but also are generally unfavourable tend – The presence of grazing livestock reduces the structural and floristic to be abandoned. This situation is is often essential for maintenance diversity of the sward. In general, particularly worrying in central and eastern Europe, where political and economic changes have negatively Figure 1: Change of area in grasslands EU-25 (1990-2003)



Typical “montado” or “” semi-  natural grassland of the Iberian peninsula 





 Y -ALTA  3PAIN #YPRUS !USTRIA %STONIA 0ORTUGAL 3LOVAKIA )TALY $ENMARK ,ITHUANIA Photo: LIFE02 NAT/P/008476 &RANCE 3LOVENIA 'REECE "ELGIUM (UNGARY ,UXEMBOURG 3WEDEN 'ERMAN

 0OLAND ,ATVIA #ZECH 2EPUBLIC .ETHERLANDS 5NITED +INGDOM )RELAND 

 INLAND

 &

Source: FAO, 2006 (FAO Statistical Yearbook. – FAOSTAT)

Background to Europe’s grasslands LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands I p. 

Grasslands goods and services

Food, foraging and livestock

Above all, grasslands are used for the production of domestic livestock. From cattle, sheep and herds, to horses and water buffalo, grasslands support large numbers of domestic , which become the source of meat, milk, wool, and leather prod- ucts for humans.

Biodiversity

Grassland biodiversity encompasses a wide range of goods useful to humans. Grass- lands have been the seed beds for the ancestors of major crops, including wheat, , , , sorghum, and millet. They continue to provide the genetic material necessary to breed cultivated varieties that are resistant to crop diseases. Grasslands also provide a habitat for plants and animals – soil microfauna and large alike. Grasslands also support large numbers of wild that depend on the biotope for breeding, migratory, and wintering habitat, and share the land with domestic herds. An EU-funded research project (BIODEPTH)* has shown that the loss of biodiversity in European grasslands would make them less productive, reducing the amount of energy available to the rest of the food chain and threatening the overall health of the .

Biodiversity and Ecological Processes in Terrestrial Herbaceous Ecosystems – The report was published in 1999 at “Plant Diversity and Productivity Experiments in European Gras- slands» by A. Hector et al. published in the peer-reviewed journal, Science Vol. 286 Issue 5442, 1123-1127

Carbon storage

Grasslands store approximately 34% of the global stock of carbon in terrestrial ecosys- tems, whilst forests store approximately 39% and agro-ecosystems approximately 17%. Unlike forests, where is the primary source of carbon storage, most of the grassland carbon stocks are in the soil. Cultivation and urbanisation of grasslands, and other modifications of grasslands through desertification and livestock grazing can be a significant source of carbon emissions. Biomass burning, especially from tropical , contributes more than 40% of gross global emissions. Some alien grassland plant species may decrease total carbon storage because they have less extensive below- ground networks for storing than native grassland plants.

Soil protection in ecosystems endangered by and desertification Soil restoration following .

Tourism and recreation

People are attracted by the birds, diverse plant life and open-air of grass- lands. Photo: LIFE00 NAT/S/007118

invertebrate abundance and diver- prevention of flooding and lowering Annex I grasslands habitats sity are reduced, the nests of birds of the water table on the meadows conservation status such as corncrakes and bustards have per se profound effects on are damaged and their movement the suitability of the area for many More than 75% of the grasslands interfered with. species; habitats are in an unfavourable con- l Other: - deposition of airborne nitrogen servation status, according to - lowering of water tables – Drain- (ammonia) – Such deposition en- data provided by Member States age and control of flooding courages the growth of competitive under Article 17 of the Habitats Direc- pave the way for agricultural inten- plant species, favouring species- tive. For more information on the sification, either as conversion to poor mesotrophic and eutrophic assessment visit: http://ec.europa. arable land or as improvement of communities and reducing the eu/environment/nature/knowledge/ grasslands (cf. above). However, structural diversity of grasslands. rep_habitats/index_en.htm#csa LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

EU grasslands policy

Grasslands in Europe are an integrate part of pastoral and mixed-farming systems and have tradi- tionally been used for haymaking, livestock grazing, or both. The EU is committed to reconciling the demands of agriculture with a commitment to biodiversity in these important habitats.

European heads of State agreed at the 2001 summit in Gothenburg to halt biodiversity loss by 2010. The follow- ing , the parties to the Conven- tion on Biological Diversity (CBD) and some 130 world leaders committed themselves to a significant reduction in the rate of biodiversity loss by the same target date. A Commission Communi- cation of May 2006, “Halting the Loss of Biodiversity by 2010 – and Beyond” [COM(2006)216] reconfirmed Europe’s commitment to implementing the CBD target.

Two particular threats to EU biodiver- Photo: LIFE02 NAT/P/008476 sity are highlighted in the Communica- Biodiversity-rich grasslands habitats in need of conservation are situated in, or close tion. Firstly, “spatial development”, for to, which Member States have a particular responsibility, through improved plan- cific requirements in the EU Habitats extensive farming, for example, has ning, to reconcile development needs Directive (92/43/EEC), and more gen- declined in recent decades. with the conservation of biodiversity erally by the integration of biodiversity and maintenance of ecosystem serv- concerns into agricultural and other Natura 2000 and grasslands ices. The second threat is the potential policies. impact of climate change, where ris- Natura 2000 is a European network of ing temperatures are already having a The 2001 Biodiversity Action Plan for areas, proposed under the Birds Direc- biological impact, including earlier tim- Agriculture (COM/2001/0162) aims to tive and the Habitats Directive, where ing of spring events and poleward and reduce the negative impacts of farm- human activity must be compatible upward shifts in ranges in both plant ing practices by promoting the sus- with the conservation of sites of natu- and species. tainable use of biological resources. ral importance. The Habitats Directive It is one of the four biodiversity action has focused on the requirement of The EU approach recognises that bio- plans, covering 1) conservation of Member States to establish a network diversity is not evenly spread, and that natural resources, 2) agriculture, 3) of special areas of conservation (SACs) certain species are more at risk than fisheries, and 4) economic and devel- that, together with the special protec- others. Consequently, it affords spe- opment co-operation outside Europe, tion areas (SPAs) designated under the cial attention to the protection of sites included in the EU’s Sixth Environ- Birds Directive (79/409/EEC), make up of highest nature value and species mental Action Programme (6th EAP), the Natura 2000 network. most at risk included in the Habitats approved by the Council of Ministers and Birds directives. However, this in 2001. It also has the goal of stem- Annexes I and II to the Habitats Direc- approach also recognises that much ming biodiversity loss by 2010. Many tive list the habitats and species whose biodiversity resides outside these of the biodiversity-rich habitats in conservation requires the designation sites, and that effective conservation need of conservation are situated in, of SACs. Some of them are defined as and sustainable use of biodiversity, or close to, agricultural land, where ‘priority’ habitats or species (in danger and the maintenance of essential eco- inappropriate agricultural practices of disappearing). system services, also require action have reduced biological diversity. in the wider countryside. For plants, The presence of some plant species With a proposed coverage of almost such action is provided for by spe- and habitats that are dependent on 21% of the Community’s land area at Background to Europe’s grasslands LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands I p. 

the beginning of 2008, the Natura 2000 vide to society, this type of support network has been a source of much helps to diversify agricultural income, concern among the public, especially particularly in animal-rearing areas and farmers. Their concerns are under- areas of diversified farming. It there- standable since, apart from marine fore contributes to managing potential and freshwater areas and high-altitude Natura 2000 sites. rocky land, most of the natural habitats covered by Natura 2000 are in agricul- The recent reforms of the Common tural or forest areas. However, Natura Agriculture Policy (CAP) have also ena- 2000 does not prevent human activity, bled further integration of biodiversity but rather is committed to conserving concerns into agricultural policy and threatened and/or outstanding species the 2008 review of the CAP provides and habitats in Europe by having them an important opportunity to further coexist in a balanced way with human strengthen and support measures for activities. farmland and forest biodiversity. For

Photo: LIFE02 NAT/P/008476 example, national statutory require- Grasslands as high nature Farming and the protection of Natura ments derived from EU directives cov- value farmland 2000 sites have everything to gain from ering birds, habitats, nitrates and pesti- coexisting cides are now included in the accepted Large areas of present-day or former systems and have traditionally been standards for good farming practice. grasslands were originally created by used for hay-making, livestock grazing, the clearing of forest. Consequently, or both. In broad terms, high biodiver- Accordingly, farming and the protection these areas will rather quickly (within a sity values coincide with low agricul- of Natura 2000 sites have everything few decades) become overgrown with tural inputs, low stocking densities and to gain from coexisting on the same trees and scrub if left alone. Natural often labour-intensive management land:

grazers nowadays play an insignificant practices. Particularly important are l The sites are farmed in a way that is role in keeping the grasslands open. the small-scale farming systems that better suited to the land and there is Thus, the majority of semi-natural are responsible for creating and main- a continuous human presence which grasslands depend on regular farming taining the species-rich semi-natural is often less costly than management activities for their continuous existence grasslands, which are often true hot by an external body;

as open habitats (the main excep- spots for biodiversity (EEA 2004b). l Farmers are remunerated for the envi- tions being alpine meadows above ronmental services they provide in a the treeline). These areas are therefore In general, livestock species, stocking transparent way that their fellow citi- semi-natural grasslands habitats, cre- densities, and timing of grazing and zens can understand;

ated and maintained by human activity. mowing have a strong influence on l Regions of the Union with the great- In many cases their natural characteris- the grassland habitat and its wildlife. est biodiversity are generally farmed tics would disappear if agricultural work Overstocking is generally harmful to the least intensively. They therefore or animal rearing were to cease. biodiversity, but the optimum livestock receive preferential Community sup- density, timing of grazing/mowing etc. port.

For example: without grain production, strongly depend on the local conditions l Related activities become more the (Otis tarda) would and conservation targets. attractive, e.g. the direct sale of central Spain or Hungary; with- meats, cheeses or wines labelled as out humid hay- or grazing-meadows, EU Rural Development Policy (Council coming from Natura 2000 sites, the the corncrake (Crex crex) would aban- Reg (EC) No.1257/1999) aims to rec- promotion of rural tourism linked to don the banks of the Loire; without the oncile agriculture with the objectives of the discovery of nature, etc. guaranteed pastures of open wooded the EU nature conservation policy. This meadows, the hermit beetle (Osmo- goal is achieved by financing agri-envi- Several Member States and regions derma eremita) would disappear from ronmental measures that go beyond are now giving priority to Natura 2000 southern Sweden. the usual good farming practices and sites by co-financing agri-environmen- that have a direct impact on the con- tal measures. Several projects co- The management needs of servation of European grasslands, financed under LIFE have been used to grasslands particularly through the maintenance establish farming practices best suited of extensive systems and support for to maintaining or even enhancing the Grasslands in Europe are an integrated agriculture in Natura 2000 sites. By natural value of sites and grasslands part of pastoral and mixed-farming paying farmers for a service they pro- habitats or species. LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

LIFE’s contribution to grasslands

Since its beginning in 1992, LIFE – the financial instrument for the environment – has been a cornerstone of grassland conservation efforts in Europe, especially within the boundaries of the Natura 2000 network. Now with the launch of LIFE+, the new financial instrument for the environ- ment, with an overall budget of e2 billion, LIFE will continue to offer robust support to the protec- tion of plant species in Europe.

In total, from 1992-2006 some 970 niques, etc. These actions help to longer-term impacts. Some projects projects received EU co-funding further knowledge of the grasslands also included species and habitats under the LIFE-Nature component of to improve conservation measures. surveillance (forest fires/collecting/ the LIFE programme. As a result, projects often proposed grazing).

implementing Natura 2000 site man- l Networking: several projects organ- More than 370 projects directly or agement plans, including the design ised meetings with farmers and rural indirectly targeted grasslands habitats and adoption of agri-environmental organisations to develop manage- or species listed under the annexes of measures with the aim of securing ment and conservation plans with the Habitats and Birds Directives. the grasslands’ conservation status local support. Some of these plans after LIFE. included financial mechanisms as

Under LIFE+ Nature and Biodiversity l Land or rights acquisition: actions agri-environmental measures to (2007-2013), projects targeting grass- targeting the protection of grass- provide future for the lands habitats within and outside lands habitats species (e.g. inver- conservation of grasslands habitats Natura 2000 may be financed. ‘LIFE+ tebrates) and habitat conservation within the Natura 2000 network.

Nature’ will co-finance best practice through correct management in cer- l Awareness-raising: several projects or demonstration projects contribut- tain areas. produced leaflets, monographs or ing to the implementation of the Birds l Direct conservation actions: steps manuals, or implemented trainee- and Habitats directives; and ‘LIFE+ taken to re-establish traditional farm- ships. These actions served to raise Biodiversity’ will co-finance innova- land activities that support grass- awareness of grasslands among tive or demonstration projects con- lands habitats. These include: elimi- local stakeholders (farmers, environ- tributing to the implementation of the nation of trees, mowing, recovering ment agents, etc), schools and the objectives of the Commission’s 2006 degraded areas, habitat restoration, general public. Communication “Halting the loss of alien species eradication, establish- biodiversity by 2010 – and beyond”. ment of fences and the reintroduc- LIFE also co-funded the purchase of tion of grazing. equipment needed for grassland con- LIFE grasslands project actions l Monitoring: scientific monitoring was servation actions, such as mowing conducted during the project periods machines, livestock shelters, transport From 1999 to 2006 LIFE co-funded and after-LIFE in order to assess the and fencing. more than 45 projects directly - geting grasslands habitats around Europe (see fig. 1.). The projects cover Figure 2: Grasslands habitat types targeted almost all grasslands habitats with a by LIFE projects (1999-2006) particular focus on calcareous and 0ANNONIC  3ALT  dry grasslands habitats, which were .ARDUS 3ILICIOUS  targeted#ALC R Oby S  two-thirds of the projects #ALCAREOUS  (see fig. 2). -OUNTAIN 

Financed actions vary considerably, depending on the characteristics of the grasslands habitats. But in gen- eral, the projects include: -EADOWS  l Preparatory actions: the preparation of habitat surveys and grasslands species composition, habitat map- $RY 

ping, definition of management tech- Source: LIFE projects database Dry and calcareous grasslands

Dry and calcareous (chalky) grasslands are one of the most biodi-

verse habitats in Europe. The plant types that occur on calcareous

grassland are typically short and hardy, and include grasses and

herbs such as trefoil. Sometimes these types of grasslands are rich

habitats for various orchid species. Calcareous grasslands are also

an important habitat for , particularly butterflies, reptiles, and

many birds.

Dry and calcareous grasslands are These habitats are considered pri- metalia is only considered as such defined as grassland vegetation that ority for conservation (*denotes when it is an important orchid site occurs, around almost all EU regions, priority), although Festuco-Bro- as defined in accordance with the over basic to neutral asso- ciated with basic soil, such as chalk Skylark (Alauda arvensis) – a once-common bird species dependent on dry grasslands and/or limestone. In the Atlantic, habitats Continental and Mediterranean bio- geographical regions most of the dry and calcareous grasslands areas are represented in the Annex I Habitats Directive habitats by:

l Semi-natural dry grasslands (Fes- Photo: LIFE03 ENV/E/000161 tuco-Brometalia) (6210*) (impor- tant orchid site)

l Pseudo-steppe with grasses and annuals of the Thero-Brachypodi- etea (6220*)

 Chalk grasslands only occur in north- western Europe, so surviving examples are exceptionally rare Dry and calcareous grasslands

Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats. grasslands habitats. Certain LIFE Large grassland areas have disap- Nature projects targeted particular peared in the last century, causing calcareous grasslands habitats, such severe fragmentation of the remain- as the Nordic alvar and precambrian ing habitat areas and a consequent calcareous flatrocks (6280*) habitat based on LIFE nature projects) that are drop in populations of certain spe- targeted by the project LIFE00 NAT/ designed to help Natura 2000 site man- cies by as much as 20-50% across S/007118 (“Restoration of alvar-hab- agers to prepare their own site-specific Europe. itats at Stora Karlsö’). This project management plans for these habitat successfully restored more than 200 types and species, see: Between 1999 and 2006, LIFE co- ha of alvar. l http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ financed 26 projects around Europe nature/natura2000/management/ directly targeting dry and calcareous This section presents some recent habitats/pdf/6210_Seminatural_dry_ projects targeting these particular grasslands.pdf  Interpretation Manual of European Union habitats. l http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ Habitats. Version EUR 27. European nature/natura2000/management Commission http://ec.europa.eu/ environment/nature/legislation/ For descriptions of practical man- /habitats/pdf/6220_Pseudo_ habitatsdirective/docs/2007_07_im.pdf agement techniques (several of them steppe.pdf

Birds and invertebrates benefiting from LIFE

Many birds depend on dry and calcareous grasslands habitats. Normally, such species require large, open areas for hunting with suitable nesting and feeding sites. For example raptors (see pp. 46-47) and other birds of prey – Circaetus gallicus (short-toed eagle) and Circus pygargus (Montagu’s harrier) – rely on for an abundant food supply during winter. Many passerine species including Emberiza hortulana (ortolan bunting), Sylvia nisoria (barred warbler), Lullula arborea (woodlark) and Lanius collurio (red-backed shrike) also use these habitats. The LIFE project, “Protection of habitats and raptors in M. Labbro and Upper Albegna Valley” (LIFE04NAT/IT/000173) implemented actions targeting the grassland habitats benefitting these bird species. A range of actions were carried out such as removal of invasive shrubs and alien trees and fencing of overgrazed grasslands, with the aim of reversing the effects of changes in agricultural practices during recent decades. Salisbury : military and farmers working together on grasslands species conservation Other birds also breed in these grasslands, for ins- tance, Burhinus oedicnemus (stone ). The habi- tat type is also a breeding ground for the fritillary , which is dependent on a single host plant, the devil’s-bit scabious: Succisa pratensis thrives in extensively managed and grazed grasslands. The LIFE project, “Improving the management of Natura 2000 sites” (LIFE00 NAT/UK/007071), brought together all of the main stakeholders in the Salisbury Photo: Natural England/LIFE00 NAT/UK/007071 Plain area – conservation groups, the military and far- mers – to produce a workable conservation action plan and to improve the habitat potential for both the stone curlew and the butterfly.

Dry and calcareous grasslands LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands I p. 11

Germany: Restoring and conserving xeric grasslands

The dry grasslands of Rhineland-Palatinate are home to rare and endangered orchids, birds and butterflies. However the richness and biodiversity of this habitat is threatened by invading shrubs and human actions. Thanks to LIFE Nature, 76 ha of xeric grasslands have been successfully restored and a long-term management plan put in place to preserve a unique .

The state of Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany has many arid locations that are the natural basis for dry grassland communities. In total, there are some 1 215 ha of dry and semi-dry grass- lands in the state, or 2.2% of its total area.

These xeric grasslands are of special bio-geographical importance since they straddle the divide between the sub-Mediterranean/Atlantic and Continental climatic zones. Rhineland- Palatinate represents the northern limit of propagation for many species Calcareous poor grasslands rich in flowers in Schönecken / Eifel that are otherwise more native to the Mediterranean area or the Balkans. The state’s grasslands also house a others were in Saarland and Schleswig- wealth of endemic animal species, Holstein). LIFE02 NAT/D/008461 The dry limestone grasslands of the including protected species such as aimed to incorporate additional dry Eifel ranges constitute the western the stag beetle (Lucanus cervus) and grasslands into the European Natura boundary for the sub-Atlantic climate the butterfly Euphydyas aurinia. Among 2000 network by restoring their favour- zone. Up to 25 species of orchid can the seven species of protected birds able conservation status and provide be found here, including Cypipedum that can be observed are the eagle long-term protection of calcareous calcedus, Ophrys insectifea, Orchis (Bubo bubo), the European grasslands, juniper heathlands, steppe mascula and Himantoglassum hirci- buzzard (Pernis apivorus) and the red- grasslands and other xeric grasslands num. The eastern part of Rhineland- backed shrike (Lanius collurio). habitats covering 355 ha in four dis- Palatinate includes the western out- tinct project areas (-Hesse; the post of continental Pannonic feather However, the richness and biodiver- Nahe valley; the Eifel mountains; and grass and the largest and sity of the subcontinental Koeleria the heaths of Gönnersdorf and Lissen- most coherent calcareous drift glaucae, porous limestone pioneer dorf, as as Üxheim).

area in Germany, on whose dunes the grasslands and area Annex II priority plant species Jurinea stricta grasslands are under threat Over a four-year period, the project

cyanoides can be found. from shrub invasion, afforestation planned to safeguard these valu-

and orchard-planting, as well as the able habitats through land purchase Fringed gentian (Gentiana cilitata) - inappropriate behaviour of some visi- agreements and the development and a typical dry grasslands species tors using the sites for rambling, rock- implementation of new management climbing or mountain-biking. plans.

What did LIFE do? Depending on the cultivation history

of each area, this could involve clear- The LIFE Nature project in Rhineland- ance, maintenance care with mechan-

Palatinate was one of three associated ical treatment or through grazing and projects designed to restore and con- the establishment of a droving pastur- serve Germany’s dry grasslands (the age system. LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

fences were purchased, buffer strips Life after LIFE and ‘stepping stone’ biotopes laid out and hedges restored in the respective The State of Rhineland-Palatinate is project part areas. continuing the work of preserving the dry grassland biotopes that were suc- Some 26.5 ha of land was purchased cessfully restored by the LIFE Nature (rather than the 21.2 ha originally project so that future generations can planned). This made it possible to net- admire this unique and its work isolated residual biotopes with variety of species. To ensure the long- outstanding success. term effects of the project’s work, the authorities responsible for the sites An inventory of species was compiled have subcontracted management con- in 2003 and 2005. Positive trends were trol to local experts for several . determined in the number of species Local tourism is likely to benefit from and individuals for all the part areas the measures undertaken during the within the scope of the monitoring. project. To cope with the impact of this, volunteer organisations have taken on The project was based on successful responsibility for keeping visitors on cooperation with local stakeholders, footpaths and dogs under control. experts and volunteers. It demon- Sustainable management of grasslands - strated the importance of partner- German army soldiers during clearing Sheep grazing at the Mäuerchenberg site ship and cooperation in overcoming works at Pinnert initial opposition to the designation The management plans developed of Natura 2000 sites for fear of falling for the project sites included care land prices and land-use restrictions. and development plans, and graz- It also showed in cooper- ing schedules, since the preservation ating with the German military for the of the habitats was seen as closely clearance and burning of trees. linked to the development of an agricultural use compatible with the To increase the efficiency and attrac- environment. To this end, local shep- tiveness of grazing schemes, efforts herds and farmers were involved in were made in the Nahe region to clear managing and implementing the care areas that promoted the interconnec- measures, supported by volunteers tivity of sites. This made it feasible to from the regional nature conservation introduce grazing contracts for shep- associations as well as school chil- herds and farmers and made long- dren and the Federal Army. term grazing more sustainable. This was a good example of combining the Project Number: What was the outcome? interests of traditional land users – by LIFE02 NAT/D/008461 providing service contracts for the con- Title: Restoration and conserva- Bushes and were removed tinual management of valuable grass- tion of xeric grasslands in Germany (Rheinland-Pfalz) from over 76 ha of grasslands, or lands – with ecological objectives. 40% more land than initially planned. Beneficiary: Stiftung “Natur und Umwelt Rhein- Furthermore, in order to promote A number of dissemination activities land-Pfalz” the more sensitive species, such as were also carried out to promote the Moritz Schmitt orchids, in some areas a felt-like cover long-term objectives of the project Contact: of leaves and dry grass was cleared. to local stakeholders and the public. Email: These included 10 information meet- [email protected]. de To stop bushes growing back, stumps ings and 14 guided tours; setting up were also removed. This project 33 information boards in the project Website: www.life-trockenrasen.com action also served to prepare the areas; creating a project website and ground for the subsequent, and care- printing 20 000 information brochures; Period: Apr-2002 to Mar-2006 fully controlled, grazing of sheep and plus 10 000 leaflets and 2 500 posters e . Sheep grazed on 70 ha for two about the animal and plant species of Total Budget: 1 095 000 years. Additionally, mobile pasture the grassland habitats. LIFE Contribution: e766 000

Dry and calcareous grasslands LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands I p. 13

Denmark: From timber to biodiversity

With the aid of LIFE funding, the Danish Forest and Nature Agency has begun restoring dry grass- land habitats at 11 sites around the country, work that will bear fruit 40 or 50 years from now. As well as providing a home to rare flora and fauna, the project sites demonstrate a successful blending of agricultural and ecological demands. Photo: Justin Toland The grasslands of Høvblege on the island of Møn house many orchids, butterflies and day-flying moths

As in most parts of Europe, Den- The project targeted an increase in outstanding areas of dry grasslands, mark’s dry grasslands are under the area of Annex I dry grasslands Jydelejet and Høvblege. The latter is threat from the combined effects of from 715 ha to 983 ha. A total of 178 home to 18 species of wild orchid, as scrub encroachment, lack of grazing ha of plantations and arable land well as rare day-flying moths and but- and invasion of non-native species. would be reconverted to grasslands, terflies, including the Large Blue but- with scrub clearance taking place terfly (Maculinea arion), which is found The LIFE Nature project LIFE04 on over 900 ha. In addition, graz- nowhere else in Denmark (see box). NAT/DK/000020 has launched a ing would be introduced on 599 ha, national strategy to restore the most bringing more than 1780 ha in total Clearance work of spruce plantations valuable Danish grassland sites under conservation management by began in 2005. “It is vital we have ani- within Natura 2000 to a favourable the end of 2008. mals to prevent regrowth,” explains conservation status. The 11 project Project Manager, Søren Rasmussen. sites house some 70% of the xeric By the chalk cliffs of Møn “Getting farmers to participate is very and calcareous grasslands (habitat important, but sometimes there is a type 6120*), 25% of semi-natural dry The LIFE project site at Klintesko- contradiction between what we want grasslands (6210*) and 20% of spe- ven, on the island of Møn, borders and what the farmers want – some- cies-rich Nardus grasslands (6230*) the famous 100 m high chalk cliffs of times the cattle weigh less after graz- in Denmark. the Høje Møn. The site includes two ing grasslands.” LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

At Klinteskoven, many of the cattle are pine forest to return the land to a hay owned by a cooperative. This asso- . ciation of nature-loving city dwellers supports the aims of the grasslands Galloway cattle have been introduced restoration programme. Helpfully, its to graze the cleared areas at Jydele- members care more about nature jet. There is also a special fenced restoration than the weight of their area containing the rare Pyramidal cattle. Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis). The LIFE beneficiary is also attempting to The 20 ha Høvblege site is being reintroduce Maculinea arion at Jydele- divided (by fencing) into three areas: jet (the species was present at the a lowland area for grazing, site until 1986), and has taken special a hilltop area for late summer/early measures to this end. “One male was autumn grazing, and an area from spotted there this summer,” enthuses which cattle are excluded (here the Mr Rasmussen. The project manager regrowth of shrubs is removed by points out that clearing of the plan- hand by local volunteers). The aim is tations lets people see the contours that, within 40 or 50 years, the whole of the land. Not all trees have been area will resemble the small area of removed, however – some stands of mature dry grasslands today housing ancient containing multi- the rare orchids, butterflies, etc. stem beech trees have been pre- served. As Mr Rasmussen explains,

Photo: Justin Toland At nearby Havrelukke, the project “100 years ago there was a demand

Heath Spotted-orchid (Dactylorhiza team has been recreating the condi- for timber; now there is a demand for maculata) tions of 100 years ago – removing biodiversity”.

The Large Blue butterfly

If the reproductive cycle of is one of the won- The young caterpillars feed exclusively on these plants until ders of the natural world, that of one of its rarest species, after the third moult. At this point the caterpillar drops to the Large Blue butterfly (Maculinea arion) takes fascination the ground and waits to be picked up by a red ant of the to new levels. species, Myrmica sabuleti. The ant collects the caterpillar and takes it to its nest because, when stroked (‘milked’) The Large Blue mainly lives in heaths, sand dunes and cal- the caterpillar produces honeydew on which the ant and its careous dry grasslands. The female of the species lays its larvae feed. As winter draws near, the caterpillar hibernates eggs on wild thyme (Thymus pulegioides) buds and (less inside the nesting chambers and, upon waking, feeds on commonly) on the buds of wild marjoram (Origanum vulgare). red ant eggs and larvae, all the while mimicking the beha- viour of the ants in order to maintain its position. Three weeks after waking, the caterpillar forms a chrysalis on the roof of the nest. Once its transformation into a butterfly is complete, Maculinea arion is escorted to the surface by the red ants, which encircle it and ward off any predators while Photo: Justin Toland it dries out. The ants return to their nest when the butterfly is ready to fly off.

The adult Large Blue has a wingspan of up to 5 cm. Its wings are speckled with black dots.

Maculinea arion’s very restricted home range and inability to migrate over longer distances makes it extremely vulnerable to fragmentation of its habitats. The population in Denmark is restricted to 100-300 specimens in Høvblege on the island of Møn.

Dry and calcareous grasslands LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands I p. 15

ent animals – including sheep and horses – to see which work best for different areas,” adds the Project Manager. “One of the big topics for the next 10-15 years is how to keep shrub vegetation down. We are con- sidering buying some hard-working sheep. Combining different animals would also be good.”

Working with landowners

Since 53% of the total area covered by the 11 project sites is in private

Photo: Danish and Nature Agency and Nature Photo: Danish Forestry ownership, co-operation with land- These satellite images from 2004 (left) and 2006 (right) show the extent of the clearance owners is essential to its final success, of pine forests at Mols Bjerge particularly with regards to preventing fragmentation of grasslands area. The Mols Bjerge ing the importance of the site is the project has therefore placed a strong fact that Mols Bjerge is to form part of emphasis on stakeholder dialogue Mols Bjerge, situated on the south Denmark’s second national park. and awareness-raising, and also on of Djursland in eastern Jutland, activities to encourage landowners is the largest of the 11 LIFE Nature The state forest district owns some to sign agri-environmental contracts project sites. Rising to a height of 250 cattle and 200 goats, which (obliging them to keep the area grazed more than 130 m, this hilly (by Danish graze the grasslands. “The cattle for a period of normally 10 years), as standards) area consists of a mosaic have been selectively bred over implemented in Denmark under the of old, dry grasslands, heathlands 25 years. “We want cattle that are Rural Development regulation. The and plantations. Species-rich Nardus hardy and like to eat shrubs and LIFE project has provided the basis grasslands on siliceous substrates which pay little or no attention to for using grazing as a management (*6230) account for an estimated 359 people,” explains Mr. Rasmussen. method in the pSCI (through provision ha within the 962 ha pSCI. Underscor- “We are trying grazing with differ- of fencing, material, shelter, water and power). As the beneficiary stated in its Galloway cattle grazing the project site at Jydelejet LIFE application, in order to motivate farmers to enter into agreements on grazing, “it is necessary to provide the basic infrastructure to allow grazing to take place. The clearing of various

Photo: Justin Toland degrees of overgrowth will support this rationale.”

Project Number: LIFE04 NAT/DK/000020 Title: Restoration of Dry Grasslands in Denmark Beneficiary: Ministry of Environment, Danish Forest and Nature Agency Contact: Søren Rasmussen Email: [email protected] Website: www.lifeoverdrev.dk Period: Jul-2004 to Dec-2008 Total Budget: e4 245 000 LIFE Contribution: e2 151 000 LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

Belgium: Local involvement in limestone grassland management

A Belgian partnership of NGOs and local municipalities has successfully restored over 200 ha of chalk grassland hillside habitats in the Ardennes region that host a rich variety of flora and fauna.

The dry limestone grasslands border- attention. Invasive shrubs were cleared during the four years of conservation ing Belgium’s upper Meuse River and from 121 ha followed by further clear- work. Residents and businesses alike its three main tributaries, the Viroin, ing and grazing on 173 ha to encour- have reacted positively to the project’s the Lesse and the Molignée have been age the return of characteristic wildlife. impact on the landscape, which has well-known for their high nature value, Long-term conservation management helped improve the area’s identity as as a result of the local orchid and measures were introduced on 200 ha. a green tourism destination. populations that live on the limestone This involved, amongst other things, the hills. These include fragrant orchids acquisition of 13 ha of land and leasing Long term maintenance of the LIFE (Gymnadenia borealis), greater butter- of another 21 ha for up to 50 years, in project’s legacy is expected to be sus- fly orchids (Platanthera chlorantha) and order to facilitate a return to traditional tained via EU financed agri-environmen- the marbled white butterfly (Melanargia land-use systems based on mowing tal measures, and the project played a galathea). and grazing by itinerant sheep flocks. significant role in making a specific measure available for the high nature The area’s rich blend of flora and fauna Much of the high value flora and fauna value chalk grasslands of Wallonia. was attributed to a history of traditional was fragmented across the LIFE project farming practices, involving extensive area and so initial work focused on Montagne-aux-Buis after tree and scrubs removal hay meadow mowing techniques and improving the physical integrity of the livestock grazing. However, moderni- limestone grasslands. Large areas of sation of agricultural methods and a brush woods were removed to create general trend towards intensification corridors that connected previously iso- led to the introduction of new land lated grassland patches and allowed a management systems and as a result more cost-effective sheep grazing many of the grasslands’ characteristic regime. Some 165 ha of limestone heliophilic flora, and associated fauna, grassland are now managed via exten- disappeared, being replaced by more sive grazing methods by a flock of 300 common species. sheep and goats in the Viroin area.

Efforts by local voluntary sector bodies Since the dry grasslands are highly sen- to conserve biodiversity in key pockets sitive to climatic conditions, a flexible of this Ardennes limestone landscape approach was required when imple- have been ongoing for a number of menting the LIFE project plan. This has decades. A LIFE Nature project was succeeded in generating a significant Photo: J. Duchesne developed, in partnership with local increase in the surface area, connectiv- Project Number: authorities, to build on this work and ity and quality of limestone grassland LIFE02 NAT/B/008593 establish a strategic programme of habitat. Mobility of targeted species Title: Restoration and sustainable grassland conservation measures has improved, as has the size of their management of upper Meuse dry dedicated to improving the threatened populations. Furthermore, spectacular Grasslands biotope’s conservation status. changes in landscape quality have also Beneficiary: Ardenne & Gaume asbl been noted along several kilometres of Contact: Willy Delvingt Grassland conservation plan the Viroin valley Email: [email protected] Website: http://users.skynet.be/life. A strong and constructive collaboration Local communities have been involved hautemeuse between NGOs and public authorities in the project from the outset, both via Period: Sept-2002 to Aug-2006 was forged during the design of a con- membership of the LIFE project part- Total Budget: e1 934 000 servation plan that targeted some 200 nership and through a series of aware- ha of dry, chalk grasslands for special ness-raising measures undertaken LIFE Contribution: e967 000

Dry and calcareous grasslands LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands I p. 17

Slovenia: Conservation at the Karst Edge

This LIFE Nature project developed a management plan for the diverse, mosaic landscape of the Kraški rob (Karst Edge) region, restoring more than 300 ha of dry grassland habitats in the proc- ess. These actions were the first step towards the project area’s designation as a potential Site of Community Importance (pSCI).

The Slovenian Karst region, on the north-western ridge of the Dinaric Mountains, between Trieste, Gorizia and Postojna, is one of the richest areas in Slovenia in terms of biodi- versity. A flat to hilly limestone area, with a rich diversity of karst features such as caves, sinkholes and can- yons, the region is a mosaic of dry and rocky meadows and pastures. The area includes three types of pri- ority habitats, with semi-natural dry grasslands extending over 20% of its surface. The region contains six spe- cies listed in Annex II of the Habitats Directive, including the butterfly Cal- limorpha quadripunctaria.

As in the rest of Europe, the advent of farm mechanisation, together with Dry calcareous grasslands cover extensive areas of the mosaic landscape of Kraški rob the gradual abandonment of agricul- tural land, has drastically reduced ess of the Karst Regional Park by It foresaw the signing of steward- the presence of semi-natural habi- concentrating on one pilot area ship agreements with landowners, tats and of the species that depend within the Karst site – Kraški rob. who would receive subsidies for on them. This 7 000 ha area was chosen as implementing the plans. It was esti- the most important of all of the sub- mated that 30 micro-areas would be The site contains over 200 karstic sites in terms of biodiversity. For part of the network, resulting in the that are resting and feeding instance, most of the world’s popu- places for migrating birds, amphib- lation of the sandwort Moehringia ians, mammals, dragonflies and tommasiniana is located within Marsh fritillary other species. It has been recently the Karst Edge. (Euphydryas designated as an Important Bird Area aurinia) and the Slovenian Parliament intends For the chosen area, the project

to include 58 000 ha of the territory intended to draw up an inventory of Photo: Rudi Verovnik within the future Karst Regional Park. sites, with particular attention The designation is however a com- to endangered habitats plicated, long-term process, heavily and species, includ- dependent on the understanding and ing natural and support of the local population. semi-natural g r a s s l a n d s What did LIFE do? a n d k a r s t i c ponds. It then planned This project aimed to provide a first the elaboration of specific manage- contribution to the designation proc- ment plans for each site. LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

restoration of at least 150 ha of dry grassland habitats, rocky slopes and four karstic ponds.

The project, which envisaged the preparation of all legal requirements for the proposal of the pilot area as a future SCI, planned an extensive public awareness campaign, with meetings, newsletters, videos and a website aimed at residents and policy- makers of the Karst region.

What was the outcome?

This successful project led to the rec- ognition of the ecological importance Removal of scrubs from grasslands habitats of the diverse, mosaic landscape of Kraški rob and its many endangered the dry grasslands and karstic ponds Life after LIFE habitats and species and the value of of highest conservation concern. For classifying it as a Natura 2000 site. the first time in Slovenia, stewardship Good communication with local contracts were signed with landown- inhabitants was key to the successful Habitat mapping of a 7 000 ha area ers to commit them to managing the implementation of the project actions. was carried out from April-December land according to the plans. Several workshops and presentations 2003. Each habitat type was drawn on were organised and information dis- the ortophoto map (DOF-5) in a scale The project restored four karstic ponds, seminated via leaflets, a newsletter, of 1:5000. which are important habitats for endan- media interviews, a website and a gered amphibians. The ponds were book. Such actions meant the project The inventory was then submitted to cleaned and the exotic vegetation and was broadly accepted by local citi- the Slovenian Ministry of the Environ- animals removed. The bottoms of the zens, some of whom started to think ment and Spatial Planning in early 2004, ponds were deepened and then sealed of future activities, such as the estab- which used these data in May 2004 to with a layer of . The original vegeta- lishment of an Eco-park – this also put forward the project area as a pSCI. tion was then re-planted, resulting in bodes well for the continuation of this Kraški rob was also listed as an Eco- restoration. conservation work. logically Important Area according to the Slovenian Nature Protection Law. More than 400 ha of endangered dry meadows, rocky slopes and karstic The project mapped the habitats of ponds were maintained and/or restored Project Number: LIFE02 NAT/SLO/008587 the project area and developed 50 through the removal of bushes and tall site-specific management plans for herbs and subsequent mowing. The Title: Conservation of endangered habitats / species in the future Karst micro areas. Detailed and clear guide- enthusiasm of land-owners and farm Park lines were written for the landowners of communities for the land management Beneficiary: the micro-areas with an emphasis on schemes produced within the project The Science and Research Centre of and national agri-environmental Koper within the University of Ophrys fusca a rare orchid species schemes not only took the geographi- Primorska cal scope of this work beyond expec- Contact: Andrej Sovinc tations, but also promises long-term, Email: sustainable management of these [email protected] habitats. Website: www.zrs-kp.si/projekti/ LIFE/index_a.html An information centre for tourists and Period: visitors was established in the village Oct-2002 to Sept-2005 of Rakitovec, opening in October 2004. Total Budget: e477 000 The centre features a permanent exhi- e bition about karstic ponds. LIFE Contribution: 358 000

Dry and calcareous grasslands LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands I p. 19

France: Emergency measures benefit dry grasslands

Introducing a package of emergency measures for 29 sites within the Natura 2000 network, this ambitious and multi-site project was able to increase the conservation status of more than 1 000 ha of dry grassland habitats over 10 regions in France.

Dry grassland with Stipa spp. at Vallée aux Lièvres

Generally created by ancient for- Aims and activities The project was implemented by est clearances and preserved until the project beneficiary, Espaces modern times by traditional agricul- The LIFE Nature project aimed at the Naturels de France, a national NGO tural practices, dry grasslands have restoration and lasting preserva- that coordinates and leads a net- been dramatically declining all over tion of these habitats by means of work of 21 regional NGOs, or ‘CREN’ Europe. France, at the crossroads of a package of emergency measures (Conservatoires Régionaux et dépar- different biogeographic zones, has a for 29 Natura 2000 network sites tementaux d’Espaces Naturels). significant heritage of dry grasslands representing different kinds of dry Project partners included the Minis- – including six habitat types listed as grassland over 10 regions (ranging try of the Environment, the Ligue de priority under the Habitats Directive. from limestone and rocky habitats Protection des Oiseaux and several However, with the abandonment of grasslands to sand and siliceous of the beneficiary’s regional NGOs. agri-pastoral practices, these habi- grasslands). tats, dispersed over a large number Management plans were drawn

of sites, now occupy only a restricted  Île de France, Centre, Lorraine, Alsace, up, or completed, under the four- area and are threatened with com- Franche-Comté, Poitou-Charentes, year project period (1998-2002) Limousin, Rhône-Alpes, Auvergne, Pro- plete disappearance. for all the sites and the protection vence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands of 1 520 ha of dry grasslands was access; these were enhanced by of management to farmers, and the targeted through land purchasing, providing information to visitors. A setting up of three new farmers with leasing or management contracts. national awareness campaign was the support of the Community Rural Various appropriate management also launched. Development Fund. patterns (mowing and grazing) were introduced to each of the sites to There were a number of difficulties Furthermore, the creation of new maintain the habitats in a favour- involving (i) the purchasing/renting nature trails and the presence of able conservation status. Restora- of land, (ii), re-establishing mowing herds of grazing animals have led to tion actions for grasslands that had or grazing on agricultural land aban- a noticeable increase in ‘micro-tour- recently deteriorated were carried doned because of its poor agricul- ism’ at the LIFE project sites. out by applying different techniques tural value, and (iii) as a result of the for manual or mechanical biotope decline of the sheep-breeding sec- The project produced two excellent work on 754 ha. This work was tor in France. Nevertheless, despite technical documents on dry grassland designed both to contribute to the these setbacks, the project met its management. These (French only) conservation of these habitats and overall objective – restoration and documents: “Recueil d’expériences to help establish a national conser- conservation of the dry grassland de gestion et de suivi scientifique vation strategy for dry grasslands. habitats – over three-quarters of the sur pelouses sèches”; and “Pâtur- 29 sites targeted. The project suc- age sur pelouses sèches – Un guide On some sites, specific measures ceeded in restoring 261 ha of dry d’aide à la mise en œuvre” have been were undertaken to improve public grassland habitats of Community validated by the scientific authority – interest, in managing 721 ha of dry INRA, National Institute of Agronomic grassland by appropriate agricultural Research. Available from the publica- practices, and in stopping degrada- tions section of the beneficiary’s web- Project info panel at Meulières de Claix (Charente) tion caused by uncontrolled access site, they are now widely sourced as by people and vehicles. reference tools for grasslands man- agement in France. All in all, the conservation status of more than 1 000 ha of dry grassland In order to establish a framework habitats was increased. Their long- for a long-term programme for dry term management was reinforced by grasslands preservation, the benefi- the fact that 293 ha were purchased ciary set out a 110-page proposal for by the project or benefit from long- a national conservation strategy, also term renting (18 to 99 years) and/or publishing 1 000 copies of a concise by long-term management agree- version of this proposal. Finally, the ments signed with the farmers. LIFE project also encouraged the municipality of Wildenstein to pro- Outcomes, dissemination and pose the creation of a new National demonstration value Park at one of the sites involved.

One of the project’s most significant successes concerned the re-estab- Project Number: lishment of appropriate manage- LIFE98 NAT/F/005237 ment practices on 571 ha of dry Title: Programme for the conserva- grasslands through economically- tion of the dry grasslands of France viable grazing activities at 13 loca- Beneficiary: tions. These successful experiments Espaces Naturels de France show the possibility of restoring Website: environmentally friendly and eco- http://www.enf-conservatoires.org/ nomically-viable grazing activities (go to ‘Espace Librairie’ for docu- on sites that were no longer of inter- ments) est agriculturally. Other positive out- Period: comes of the grazing schemes have Sept-1998 to Dec-2002 included the extension of existing Total Budget: e3 348 000 farms, the creation of three new jobs LIFE Contribution: e1 674 000 for shepherds, the sub-contracting Mountain and steppe grasslands

The area of mountain and steppe grassland habitats in Europe has

declined in recent decades, mainly through intensification of agricul-

ture or, conversely, land abandonment. Several LIFE Nature projects

have contributed to the restoration and improvement of the conser-

vation status of these habitats.

The most common European moun- pers and crickets, e.g. Pholidoptera The area of mountain grasslands tain grassland habitat, included transsylvanica (Orthoptera), and habitats in Europe has declined in in Annex I of the Habitats direc- mountain-specific bird communi- recent decades with the intensifi- tive, is the species-rich Nardus ties, the most significant of which cation of agricultural practices on grasslands habitat (6230*), which are the (Tetrao tetrix), the one hand and land abandon- occurs in almost all the EU member rock ptarmigan (Lagopus mutus) and ment and too low an intensity of use states, except for Estonia, Malta rock partridge (Alectoris graeca). on the other. Tourism (hiking and and Cyprus. There are several other

very geographically restricted and Gentiana acaulis: typical plant species of mountain mat grass (Nardus stricta) grasslands endemic mountain grasslands habi- tats, such as those found in Cyprus and the Iberian Peninsula, but these are less extensive.

Habitat 6230* is most commonly found within the Alpine Photo: LIFE02 NAT/IT/008574 (Alps, Pyrenees and Carpathians). It also occurs relatively frequently in the Mediterranean, Continental and Atlantic . Nardus grass- lands host many species included in the Habitats Directive Annexes II and IV, ranging from butterflies (such as the Maculinea alcon), grasshop- Mountain and steppe grasslands

skiing) and more recently climate change are other threats to these habitats: there is evidence that the timber line is “climbing” in the Alps Grasslands of the steppes and Pyrenees, permanently affecting grasslands. With the enlargement of the EU to the east, new grasslands habitats Mountain grasslands often require were included in the Habitats direc- several restoration measures – the tive that are characteristic of the ronmental measures. In northern most frequently employed being Pannonian, Steppic, and Black Sea Thuringia, Germany, another project the removal of trees and shrubs biogeographical regions. Habitats – LIFE03 NAT/D/000005 (see p. 32) (by machines or by hand) and the such as Pannonic sand steppes – targeted a special habitat type, reintroduction or management of (6260*) and Ponto-Sarmatic steppes the inland salt steppe grasslands grazing. (62C0*) are characterised by natural, (1310, 1510*). open grassland communities usu- A number of LIFE Nature projects ally dominated by -forming For descriptions of practical man- have contributed to the restoration grasses of the Festuca. As agement techniques (several of them and improvement of the conserva- yet, very few LIFE projects have tar- based on LIFE nature projects) that are tion status of mountain grassland geted habitats of this type. One that designed to help Natura 2000 site man- habitats. Among the projects LIFE did was LIFE04 NAT/AT/000002 agers to prepare their own site-specific has co-funded: (“Pannonic steppes and dry grass- management plans for these habitat - LIFE06 NAT/D/000008 (“Conser- lands”), which restored small rem- types and species targeted, see: vation and regeneration of Nardus nants of steppe habitats in various http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/ Grasslands in Central Europe”) – the sites in Lower to make them natura2000/management/habitats/ objective is to restore the Nardus fit for the application of agri-envi- pdf/6230_Nardus_grasslands.pdf grasslands on 32 Natura 2000 net- work sites located in northern Lux- embourg , the Belgian Ardennes and LIFE and grassland habitat management in Natura 2000 in two regions of western Germany (Saarland and Reinland-Pfalz). Active management of certain habitats is considered - LIFE02 NAT/P/008478 (“Serra da necessary for the conservation of Natura 2000 sites. Estrela: management and conserva- Documents in the semi-natural grasslands library tion of priority habitats”) – the main (see below) contain detailed descriptions of practi- project actions targeting Nardus cal management techniques to help site managers grasslands (“cervunal” in Portu- prepare their own site-specific management plans guese) included scrub elimination, for the habitat types and species targeted, and to pasture control and management, implement these ‘in the ’, taking local constraints into account. control, and installation of http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/ fences. habitats/models_en.htm

Semi-natural grasslands library The semi-natural grasslands electronic library is designed to make it easier to share knowledge about the management of Natura 2000 sites. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/calendar/index_ pubs.htm

Mountain and steppe grasslands LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands I p. 23

Italy: Pastureland and peat bog conservation in Piedmont

This LIFE-Nature project introduced sustainable management and carried out conservation initia- tives in the first regional nature park of the Piedmont region of Italy, which is home to valuable peat and pasturelands.

The Alpe Veglia – Alpe Devero Park Both these phenomena could lead was founded in 1978 and is located in to the disappearance of grasslands the mountain valley of Val d’Ossola on of community interest. The survival the Italian-Swiss border. It is made up of the peat bogs is also under seri- entirely of high-altitude mountain hab- ous threat due to the system itats, dominated by two Alpine valleys operating in the area. The SCI is one that have for thousands of years been of only two European sites where a used as summer pastureland. It has rare butterfly, Raetzer’s ringlet ( been designated a Site of Community christi), has been recorded. The first Interest (SCI) and a Special Protec- sightings were in the 1970s. tion Area (SPA) in recognition of its ecological importance. The sites host Objectives and results 18 habitats (including various types of peat bogs, Alpine Nardus grasslands The project’s main objective was to and mountain hay meadows) and carry out conservation measures in many plant and animal species listed the mountain pastureland and peat in the European Birds and Habitats bogs. Sustainable management of the Directives. pastureland, supported by specific shrub removal, would help restore the The lack of sustainable pastureland high-altitude meadows, while the peat management and the irregular mow- bog environment could be conserved ing of meadows, however, have led to by shutting off the drainage system. some areas being invaded by shrubs and other areas being overgrazed. Efforts to fulfil the goals of the project were highly successful. In all the habitats, the processes of degrada- Aster alpinus

tion (including the erosion processes Pirocch Photo: P. and/or trampling) were halted. Typical alpine scrubland habitat

Photo: F. Casale Photo: F. As a result of the project, the floral richness of the area was improved

and damage was reversed on the spe- cies-rich Nardus grasslands and the Casale Photo: F.

siliceous substrates. In the mountain

areas, excess Nardus was removed

through grazing and the amount of

dry residual old Nardus was reduced. The project also improved the amount

of thanks to the presence of cattle and enlarged the area of the

habitat (91 ha) by mowing invasive shrubs.

Lesser Butterfly-orchid (Platanthera bifolia) LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

Benefit to wildlife Such engagement of local farm- ers was a key aspect of the project. The project also had a beneficial Project activities enabled farmers to impact on the fauna of the area. It become directly responsible for pre- helped stabilise the breeding popu- serving the territory, bringing them lation and the breeding success of closer to the problems of conserva- black grouse (Tetrao tetrix tetrix) and tion and showing them that maintain- also stopped the decline in recent ing traditional agricultural activities years of ptarmigan (Lagopus mutus helps protect the environment. This helveticus). Moreover, new data about project paved the way for greater the conservation status of Raetzer’s dialogue between the park and local ringlet was collected. The scarcity of people, allowing the park authority to information on the and state show that the preservation of biodi- of conservation of the species, as versity is compatible with economic well as its restricted distribution, had development. Moreover, it demon- posed a real threat to its survival. strated a new way of working that will continue after the project in the spirit The main innovative value of the of Natura 2000. project concerns the successful implementation of a new methodol- In the short term, the results of the ogy for cattle and horse grazing using project are assured by the available temporary electric fences to improve financial funds of the Regione Pie- the conservation status of the Nardus monte and of a LEADER project. The grasslands. This methodology was regional authorities are currently plan- used over large areas with the coordi- ning to introduce a new regional law nation of the park authorities and the that will further aid protected areas. support of local farmers. According When it is approved, the regional park to the beneficiary, this is the first such will have an annual financial budget case in the Alps. Its results can be for sustainable management. Increas- transferred and used in other Natura ing numbers of tourists and the aban- 2000 sites with large areas of grass- donment of traditional agricultural lands that are currently dependent on activities, however, remain a threat to Photo: F. Casale Photo: F. cattle or horses for grazing (for exam- the area. Continued efforts must be Temporary electric fences help with ple, sites in the Alps, Apennines, Pyr- taken to raise awareness among the Nardus grasslands horse grazing enees and Balkans). local population and visitors. management

Black grouse (Tetrao tetrix) – left, and alpine marmot (Marmota marmota) Project Number: – right, benefited from the project actions LIFE02 NAT/IT/008574 Title: Alpe Veglia and Alpe Devero: actions of conservation of mountain grasslands and peatlands Beneficiary: “Ente Parco Naturale Alpe Veglia e Devero” (Alpe Veglia – Alpe Devero Park) Contact: De Negri Ivano Email: [email protected] Website: www.parcovegliadevero.it/life/LIFE_ home.htm Period: Jan-2003 to Dec-2005 Total Budget: e 611 000 LIFE Contribution: e 306 000 Photo: R. Bionda Photo: I.Ghidoli

Mountain and steppe grasslands LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands I p. 25

Italy: Managing Tuscan mountain grasslands

Tuscany’s mountain grasslands have received a significant boost from a dedicated package of LIFE support that successfully restored sustainable grazing patterns and improved the conserva- tion status of biodiversity within Nardus grassland (Nardus stricta) areas.

Typical Apennine mountain grasslands landscape in Pratomagno Natura 2000 site (visible fence for the protection of Caltha palustris)

Italy’s Apennine diversity of these high-altitude grass- nised these problems and applied for stretches along much of the country’s land areas. However, modernisation of LIFE Nature support to help restore east coast and supports a wide range local agricultural systems over recent these important grassland areas. Par- of grassland habitat types through- years has led to an intensification of ticular attention was paid to boost- out the 1 000 km upland region. In grazing regimes. seriously ing biodiversity on three proposed Tuscany, the Apennine vegetation threatens the survival of some of the Natura 2000 Sites of Community is characterised by primary summit area’s important grassland species. Importance (Pratomagno, M.Tondo- grasslands that grow at some 1 400 The composition of local flora has also La Nuda and M.Castellino-Le For- m above sea level and form the south- been badly affected by the abandon- bici), which between them hosted the ernmost limit for a number of central ment of traditional farm practices and priority species Appennine primula European plant communities. the increase in afforestation. (Primula appennina), as well as the most extensive and well-preserved Livestock grazing has traditionally Botanists from Tuscany’s Forests and concentrations of Nardus grasslands played a key role in maintaining the Agro-forestry Property Service recog- in the Northern Apennines. LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

Sustaining upland species Despite severe climatic conditions Demonstrating the value and wild fires during the LIFE project, of LIFE An integrated programme of habitat a beneficial range of outcomes was restoration activities was approved achieved, resulting in the restoration The elaboration and approval of for LIFE support, including prepara- of sustainable grazing patterns on the management plans of the three tion of dedicated management plans around 750 ha of mountain grass- separate SCIs is the main success for each of the three proposed Sites land. of the project. The best results of Community Importance. The plans were obtained in the Monte Tondo- set out strategic objectives based on Specific successes included improv- La Nuda SCI, mainly because of the conserving and sustaining the moun- ing the conservation status of more business acumen of the local gra- tain grasslands’ animal and plant than 330 ha of Nardus grasslands, zier. From a technical point of view, communities through a combination whilst some 12 ha of thin Junipe- the best results were obtained in of activities covering: land acquisi- rus formations were also restored. the Pratomagno SCI. tion and management on particularly Beechwood clearance targets were sensitive sites; clearance of invasive exceeded by over 50% and LIFE The management plans drawn up plant species from traditional grass- funds helped purchase 12 ha of by the project are a binding tool for land areas; construction of fences and semi-natural grassland for active the future management of the SCIs. watering places in order to control conservation management, to which The Tuscan mountain communities grazing; and geo- works the beneficiary added a further 6 ha are legally required to include the on slopes at risk from erosion. These using its own public sector funds. actions foreseen in the manage- practical habitat restoration works ment plans in their annual planning were complemented by a stakeholder In addition, the geo-engineering for the management of the Regional consultation initiative, aimed at gain- work stabilised 1,350 m2 of grass- Agriculture and Forest Estate. As a ing long term support from local com- land habitat threatened by erosion. result, no after LIFE conservation munities and livestock farmers for the A large number of access gates were plan was elaborated because it was grassland conservation plans. included in the project’s fencing pro- not needed. gramme as a response to feedback from the stakeholder consultation The project also had an important Wooden grids have successfully limited process. demonstration value, since similar . This picture shows the works were carried out in other growth of vegetation 2.5 years after the project ended Agreements have been reached with areas outside the project, both by 12 graziers in the Pratomagno SCI private stakeholders and public (resulting in 85 cattle and 44 horses bodies. The Casentino mountain grazing the area in 2007). Some 60- community intends to replicate 70 cattle are regularly browsing in a the LIFE project activities in other 32 ha area of the Monte Tondo-La areas of the Tuscan Apennines in Nuda SCI. In the M. Castellino-Le Arezzo province. Forbici SCI, agreements with four graziers have been established for a total of 465 sheep. Shrub cutting and thinning activities have been Project Number: regularly implemented after the LIFE00 NAT/IT/007239 project end, as well as maintenance Title: Conservation of Tuscan of gates, drinking troughs, and other Apennines mountain grasslands infrastructure installed thanks to Beneficiary: Regione Toscana LIFE. Contact: Giovanni Vignozzi Email: giovanni.vignozzi@regione. The conservation of the mountain toscana.it grasslands has allowed the local Website: population to live in these environ- www.rete.toscana.it/sett/agric/ ments and to increase the produc- foreste/life/progetto.html tion and sale of local products such Period: Nov-2001 to Dec-2005 as , lamb and cheese. Work to Total Budget: e 1 122 000 increase tourism, such as restora- e tion of mountain huts, is ongoing. LIFE Contribution: 561 000

Mountain and steppe grasslands LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands I p. 27

Hungary: Restoring grasslands and marshes in the Hortobágy

The steppe-like Hortobágy region of eastern Hungary has been adversely affected for many years, particularly as a result of being off from the life-giving Tisza river. Several LIFE-Nature restoration projects, however, have revived this famous region.

The broad, wind-swept Hortobágy the elimination of unused channel net- holds a special place in the imagina- works; the removal of woody growth tion of the Hungarian people. The from the puszta and the creation of region is part of the Alföld, or Great artificially flooded habitat. Hungarian Plain, and was designated Nearly 300 water control structures the country’s very first national park in were removed from the puszta (these 1973. Modern farming practices and were later recycled into for local development have put great strains on villages), and more than 100 km of the region, however, over the past 200 channels and banks were eliminated years. Sections have been drained and with , resulting in - several pusztas () have been water forming shallow pools of about cultivated and cut off from the Tisza 200 ha in the puszta (some irrigation river. channels that are still in use, however, could not be removed.) In addition, Other threats have included: the con- nearly 3 000 woody plants, (bushes Hortobágy steppes (puszta) remain an version of its marshlands and sodic and shrubs) – most of which were low- important habitat for millions of birds to ponds; the creation of vast value, introduced to paddy fields in its alkaline grasslands Hungary – were removed. To ensure the conditions for traditional and meadows; the introduction of herding of grazing stock, the shelters invasive alien species; the transforma- Several shallow ponds that had formed and sweep were renovated. Also, tion of natural rivers into channels; the in old riverbeds have been left with an due to the increased livestock popu- building of settlements and farmhouses insufficient catchment area even in lation, traditionally designed summer foreign to the landscape; the destruc- wet years. To remedy this situation, in shelters and windbreaks were con- tion of the ancient grazing system; the Nagy-Vókonya, the project flooded a structed from natural materials. Winter displacement of traditional domestic 200 ha area. Shallow-water habitats for the animals was produced animal types; the mowing of the grass; were enlarged from 37 to 295 ha over- outside the grazing area. By the end the bombing of southern sections by all, by inundation and the elimination of the project duration, the number of Soviet aircraft during military drills; the of channels. Work to eliminate paddy native livestock (Hungarian Flecked construction of power lines above the fields and irrigation systems in the and Hungarian Grey Cattle, Mangalica puszta; and the encroachment of crop- pusztas of Hortobágy continues, pro- pigs, Racka sheep and goats) was land on the pristine grasslands. tecting wetland habitat and facilitating increased by 1 040. rainwater retention. In spite of these factors, the Hortobágy Favourable changes to the flora puszta remains an important habitat Return to traditional grazing occurred, and most of the damaged, for millions of birds, and the region dried out parts of the wetland habitat is steadily being restored through the The long-term continuation of the were transformed into valuable alkaline efforts of three LIFE nature projects. results, however, is best assured by a meadow and marshland vegetation. return to traditional grazing. The grassy Rare aquatic (Lemnetea) and mudflat The project dubbed “Habitat manage- meadows of the Hortobágy steppe (Nanocyperion) plant assemblages ment of Hortobágy eco-region for bird can best be preserved and used by appeared in the area, with one spe- protection” focused on restoring habi- applying grazing stock of indigenous cies endemic to the Carpathian Basin, tats for the high number of bird species breeds. Moreover, re-establishment of namely the Hungarian Elatine (Elatina found in the region. The beneficiary, the the traditional grazing system serves hungarica). On the project site, 288 Hortobágy Environmental Association both the interests of conservationists plant species were recorded over the (HEA), engaged in three main activities: and people living near the Hortobágy. course of the project period. LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

Additionally, between 2002 and 2006, (Charadrius morinellus) were observed around 225 bird species were observed on these patches, the highest number on the project site. It is noteworthy that ever recorded. 13 of the recorded bird species are included in the IUCN Red List Species Ongoing restoration published in 2004. By 2006, a total of 96 breeding species were recorded, The Hortobágy National Park is also 11 of which are strictly protected by currently implementing a LIFE Nature national legislation, including the bit- project in Egyek-Pusztakócs, an area tern (Botaurus stellaris) and aquatic of dry and wet grasslands, marshes warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola). Fol- and arable land. River regulations lowing the restoration work, up to 56 and drainage for intensive agricultural pairs of EC Bird Directive Annex I spe- practices have dried up and frag- cies water birds were nesting in Nagy- mented much of the area, and as a Vókonya. In 2005, the number had result the valuable pannonic steppic increased to 63 pairs. Furthermore, grasslands have almost completely

while in 2003 only around 7 600 water Photo: János Oláh disappeared. Although the largest birds were estimated to have appeared Black-tailed Godwits (Limosa limosa) marshes have been revitalised follow- on habitats in place of the former, dam- are dependent on alkali meadows ing the construction of a water system aged paddy fields, following the res- grazed by cattle between 1976 and 1997, the restora- toration works, in 2004, some 61 000 tion of grasslands has been neglected and in 2005, some 97 000 individuals This project also encouraged inten- to date because of lack of funds. found a roosting, foraging and stop- sive grazing methods, this time to over habitat on the project site. recreate the unique mosaic of alka- The project is engaged in the trans- line wet and dry grassland patches. formation of arable land to pannonic Steppe and marsh rehabilitation Intensive grazing of cattle keeps the and salt steppes, grazing with grass short and gives the weak plant grey cattle and racka sheep, and reed An earlier LIFE Nature project in associations such as the Puccinellio- bed management, in order to restore the region (LIFE02 NAT/H/008634) Salicornetea (habitat 1310) the space priority habitats on a total area of 1 focused on restoring the salt steppes to spread into suitable soil 500 ha. It is expected that the overall and marshes. The beneficiary, the areas (alkali ). conservation impact of this action will Hortobágy National Park Directorate be felt over a much larger area (5 000 aimed to restore these habitats across The project improved the habitats of ha) thanks also to the establishment 10 000 ha of the Hortobágy National 37 species of birds listed in Annex I of of ecological corridors and buffer Park. The project planned to eliminate the Birds Directive and increased the zones; in addition, important ‘islands’ the artificial factors altering the natural populations of many important spe- of wooded areas should protect micro-topography of the plain cies. It also reconstructed small areas marshes from agricultural contami- area by levelling or filling in a total of of special soil surface microforms, nants. In the long-term, grasslands 360 km of artificial dykes and irrigation which are a special habitat type of salt and marshes are expected to reach a channels. steppes. In 2003, some 500 dotterels favourable conservation status.

Project Number: Project Number: Project Number: LIFE02 NAT/H/008638 LIFE02 NAT/H/008634 LIFE04 NAT/HU/000119 Title: Habitat management of Horto- Title: Restoration of pannonic steppes, Title: Grassland restoration and bágy eco-region for bird protection marshes of Hortobágy National Park marsh protection in Egyek-Pusztakócs Beneficiary: Hortobágy Environ- Beneficiary: Hortobágy National Beneficiary: Hortobágy National mental Association Park Directorate Park Directorate Contact: Zoltán Ecsedi Contact: Szilvia Göri Contact: Zoltán Ecsedi Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.hortobagyte.hu Website: http://life2002.hnp.hu/ Website: www.hortobagyte.hu Period: Jul-2002 to Jun-2006 Period: May-2002 to Nov-2005 Period: Sept-2004 to Dec -2008 Total Budget: e 830 000 Total Budget: e 780 000 Total Budget: e 1 040 000 LIFE Contribution: e 622 000 LIFE Contribution: e 547 000 LIFE Contribution: e 700 000

Mountain and steppe grasslands LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands I p. 29

Sweden: Converting spruce plantations into grasslands

This ambitious project aimed to restore limestone grasslands habitats by clearing afforested areas and reintroducing grazing. It has created the conditions for long-term management and conservation of Kinnekulle’s habitats with the participation of farmers and the local population. Photo: Jan Töve Early purple orchid in limestone grassland on Österplana hed (Kinnekulle mountain)

Kinnekulle is a raised plateau in the climate, the varied and cen- visitors, including Carl Linnaeus, province of Västergötland, Sweden, turies of grazing and mowing activi- who in 1746 described the site as “A on the eastern shore of Vänern. ties have created the conditions for place among the most remarkable in Its highest point is 306 m above sea an unusual concentration of biodiver- the country”. level. It features a varied geology sity. The landscape was character- composed of several different rock ised by large areas of hay meadows, As a result, the area has been included layers, and limestone open pastures and grasslands con- in the Natura 2000 network and clas- being the most abundant. The - taining large ancient oaks and other sified as a Site of Community Impor- acteristic flat summit and shape of trees spread out over the tance (SCI) – no less than 17 habitat the “mountain” was sculpted during limestone pavements that favoured types included in Annex I of the Habi- the last . a very rich plant and animal life in tats Directive are to be found here, a landscape that remained more or including nine priority ones. These The region has seen human activ- less unchanged until the 19th cen- range from calcareous grasslands ity at least since the Bronze Age, as tury. This rich variety of habitats and and natural grasslands on the thin evinced by various archaeological species that stand out from the sur- soils of the limestone-layer, which traces on the hill. The benign local rounding was noticed by many constitute the largest area of “alvar” LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands habitat on the Swedish mainland, to wooded pastures and deciduous and coniferous forests. Also found here are species included in the Habitats Directive, such as the lady’s slip- per orchid (Cypripedium calcelous), Tortella rigens, Osmoderma eremita and Triturus cristatus, as well as one bird listed in the Birds Directive: the red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio). Additionally, Kinnekulle hosts about 200 species that are rare and threat- ened at the national level.

With the modernisation of agriculture

(mechanisation and use of artificial fer- Silva Photo: João Pedro tilisers) and the implementation of the Sheep grazing was reintroduced land parcelling law at the end of the 1800s, many of the meadows and pas- could guarantee the sustainability and/or haymaking areas previously tures were abandoned or converted to and conservation status of the area covered with trees, scrubs or spruce arable land or planted with spruce. The in the future. With the help of LIFE plantations. The targeted habitats more unproductive soil areas that once funding, the Västra Götaland County concerned were mainly rupicolous were covered by hay meadows were Administrative Board (CAB-Västra calcareous or basophilic grasslands abandoned and as a result became Götaland) proposed an ambitious (6110*), semi-natural dry grasslands covered with scrub vegetation and for- project with the overall objective of on calcareous substrates (6210), Nor- ests. Some of these areas have devel- restoring Kinnekulle and, maintaining dic alvar (6280), Molinia meadows on oped into rich deciduous woodlands. a favourable conservation status of peaty or clayey--laden soils (6410) As a result, in Sweden, only 2 500 ha the Natura 2000 species and habi- and Fennoscandian wooded pas- meadows remain, representing a loss tats at the site. These aims would be tures (9070). of 99% of the original area. achieved through cooperation with landowners, the local community and It is not easy to convince landown- In order to restore and maintain this other interested parties. ers to change from an intensive forest important habitat, quick interven- production system based on spruce to tion was needed, based on boost- Restoring limestone grasslands an extensive grazing system. The LIFE ing grazing by creating new pas- funding created the opportunity for a tures and structures to help sustain One of the main objectives of the radical change in land use. The first livestock (e.g. fences and barns for project was to restore open and step was to convince the owners. This winter feeding), together with the wooded grassland habitats, clearing, was done through continuous dialogue creation of management tools that fencing and re-opening for grazing and meetings with the landowners, the Swedish Farmers’ Association and the Swedish Forest Agency. This illustration of the restored grasslands landscape was used in project brochures These areas were cleared of all young trees, shrubs, and spruce planta- tions. The majority of the clearing work was done in winter and carried out manually with chainsaws and brush-cutters. The work was done by landowners, tenants and local con- tractors. The spruce logs were mainly delivered for paper production, while stumps and other residues were turned into wood chips for home heating. Despite mild , rainy and two severe storms, the Photo: Nils Forshed (illustrator)

Mountain and steppe grasslands LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands I p. 31 Photos: Ulf Wiktander In October 2003 (left), this area was covered with spruce and scrubs; by June 2007 (right), after clearing and three grazing , some plants and the red-backed shrike had returned

aim of the project has been achieved been converted to open grassland. by agri-environmental subsidies. This and more than 600 ha of land has As a result, some indicator species guarantees both the habitat conser- been cleared. have now returned, such as the red- vation and economic sustainability of backed shrike (L. collurio). the area. “Without LIFE financing it With the first step accomplished, the was impossible to kick-off this proc- project had to establish the condi- “The immediate reintroduction of ess, and at the same time make it tions for the reintroduction of graz- grazing after clearing was crucial for sustainable after its end,” stresses ing livestock. To this end, more than the success of the action,” believes Ms Thordarson. The beneficiary will 70km of electric fences were erected Ulf Wiktander, who was in charge of continue to draw up contracts with and three sheds built to protect and the restoration work. Surveys indicate farmers regarding clearing work, provide feeding stations for some that plants not previously present at grazing etc. with the aim of gradu- 250 cattle during winter. the site – early purple orchid, fragrant ally getting more pastures into the orchid, sandwort (Arenaria gothica) environmental scheme. “There is a The 1 540 ha covered by the project and thyme – have become estab- continuous interest from farmers who were defined as nature reserves (17 lished after restoration. want to join in the measures imple- in total) under Swedish law, and are mented by the project as they see the now subject to specific management Kinnekulle is also a very important tour- possibilities of production along with plans. All the nature reserves are now ist destination with more than 100 000 nature conservation work,” empha- included in the Kinnekulle Natura 2000 visitors per year. The project created sises Ms Thordarson. site. The County Administrative Board three new car parking areas, informa- is responsible for managing these new tion signs and leaflets. New footpaths nature reserves, but it is the landowner have made the nature reserves more Project Number: or tenant who carries out the majority accessible for visitors while at the LIFE02 NAT/S/008484 of the management work. same time controlling access. Title: Kinnekulle plateau mountain - restoration and conservation Grasslands, farmers and According to project manager Maria Beneficiary: Länsstyrelsen Västra visitors benefit Thordarson, farmers have been sup- Götaland portive of the restoration work, which Contact: Maria Thordarson As a result of the project actions the has created a new income stream for Email: area of limestone grasslands and them: high-quality meat from herds [email protected] pavement (alvar) has more than dou- grazing the project areas is now Website: bled. The differences in the landscape being sold in shops locally and in www.o.lst.se/projekt/kinnekulle before and after the restoration are Stockholm as ‘Kinnekulle beef’. Period: Nov-2001 to Sept-2007 notable (see pictures), especially in Total Budget: e 5 730 000 those areas where spruce plantation The majority of grazing and hay cut- e has, after only three grazing seasons, ting in the nature reserves is financed LIFE Contribution: 2 860 000 LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

Germany: Conserving the inland salt marshes of Thuringia

Northern Thuringia is home to some outstanding inland salt marshes – the result of a special hydro- geological situation, in combination with appropriate land use. With the support of LIFE, local farmers are playing a key part in the conservation of this delicate grassland habitat.

The salt marshes around the Kyff- beneficiary (and after mowing of the häuser mountains are the largest and reed), relatively intensive grazing of most biodiverse in Thuringia. The typi- the project area started in November cal salt marsh vegetation is currently 2005. Grazing is being carried out by distributed over four project areas of herds of Heckrinder cattle (Bos taurus varying size, covering some 75 ha in primigenius) and Konik horses. These total. The LIFE Nature project LIFE03 species have different eating habits, NAT/D/000005 targeted an expansion thereby allowing the formation of a of the area of salt marshes to 110 ha. mosaic grassland structure, as suc- cessfully implemented in the Hungar- Depending on humidity levels, most ian Pannonic Steppes project (LIFE02 land within the project area is nowa- NAT/H/008634). days used agriculturally, ranging from relatively intensive, over extensive By October 2006, the first salt indica- grassland farming, to natural succes- Salt marsh in Thuringia tor plants were seen growing, includ- sion on abandoned land. ing Aster tripolium, Halimione pedun- as improving the continental salt marsh culata and Suaeda maritima. Results The main threats to the continental vegetation itself, this would also ben- also show that the breeding rates of salt marshes are abandonment of efit the conservation of the avifauna of Gallinago gallinago and Vanellus vanel- grassland farming or a lack of graz- managed grassland habitats. lus have increased since the project ing activities in habitats with halophile started. vegetation, the displacement of salty A delicate balance conditions by freshwater influence, or As well as the conservation benefits, the loss of hydraulic regulation tradi- Finding the right management concept farmers are generally positive about the tionally ensured by the irrigation and for the delicate is not project because it allows them to man- drainage system. easy, however: if too much water is on age their land in a more effective way. site for too long, salt-tolerant reed will Regaining control over the water thrive in place of the rare salt plants and Project Number: regime in the Esperstedter Ried is cru- prevent mowing or grazing of the prior- LIFE03 NAT/D/000005 cial to the development of saline habi- ity habitat; if there is too little salt water Conservation and develop- tats of varying humidity and conditions. on site, the tiny and light-demanding Title: ment of the inland salt marshes of Targeted land purchase is a necessary salt plants are simply out-competed Northern Thuringia preliminary measure (requiring regular by more robust grassland species. The Beneficiary: Thuringian Ministry for contact between the LIFE office and grazing intensity also needs to be finely Agriculture, Nature Conservation and the local farmers’ association), fol- balanced: if grazing is too light, more the Environment lowed by actions including the clear- competitive plant species will grow in Contact: Stephan Pfützenreuter ing of ditches and the construction or place of the salt-adapted species; at Email: Stephan.Pfuetzenreuter@ renovation of weirs. The construction the other end of the scale, overgrazing tmlnu.thueringen.de of a connecting channel is necessary can also be a problem. Website: http://www.thueringen.de/ to enlarge the sites suitable for halo- de/tmlnu/themen/naturschutz/ phile vegetation. The project has been very active in binnensalz/index.html (German only) seeking the optimal grazing intensity Period: Sept-2003 to Aug-2008 Another key objective is the introduc- for halophytes on the one hand and Total Budget: e 2 440 000 tion of extensive grassland farming meadow breeders on the other. Fol- across the entire project area. As well lowing the acquisition of fences by the LIFE Contribution: e 1 830 000 Grasslands as high biodiversity farmland areas

High nature value farmland – usually characterised by low-intensity

agriculture that allows wildlife to flourish – is recognised as having a

crucial role to play in achieving the goal of halting the loss of biodi-

versity by 2010. Although extensive mixed arable systems may also

support high biodiversity, most high nature value farmland consists

of semi-natural grasslands (EEA, 2004) , dehesas, montados, steppe

and mountain grasslands habitats, most of them included in Annex I

of the Habitats Directive.

Particularly important for biodiver- Several LIFE projects have resulted in to support farmers in less favoured sity are small-scale farms in central, proposals for new agri-environmen- areas – normally mountainous ter- eastern and southern Europe, which tal measures (CAP) or for the adap- rain (see box). A good example is are responsible for creating and tion of existing agri-environmental the project, LIFE02 NAT/UK/008539 maintaining species-rich semi-natu- measures. In some cases, this has (“Yorkshire Dales Limestone Coun- ral grasslands. The abandonment of helped to secure ongoing payments try”), which promoted management these small farm systems results in the loss of dependent grasslands LIFE has been supporting the establishment of agri-environmental measures under CAP species and habitats. with the involvement of farmers

The LIFE programme has made an important contribution to mountain habitat restoration and to estab- lishing actions that guarantee the

sustainability of traditional agricul- Photo: LIFE04 NAT/IE/000125 tural activities, such as grazing and mowing. Grasslands as high biodiversity farmland areas and restoration of grasslands by extensive farming with hardy native cattle breeds. It also gave advice to Germany”) succeeded in restoring farmers on funding sources available and conserving over 100 ha of dry for the subsequent grasslands man- grasslands on chalky soil habitats agement through agri-environment at 14 sites in the Saar Region and measures, as well as on new mar- Schleswig-Holstein. that have contributed to the imple- keting opportunities for conserva- mentation of management and res- tion-oriented farms with traditional The following section presents a toration measures in high biodiversity breeds. series of examples of LIFE projects farmland areas inside Natura 2000.

LIFE has also promoted the devel- opment of partnerships with farmers and found ways of continuing land use and farm practices that guaran- tee a favourable conservation status of the grasslands habitats and other Natura 2000 assets. As a direct result of such intensive cooperation with local stakeholders, including local farmers, the project LIFE00 NAT/D/007058 (“Regeneration and

preservation of dry grassland in Photo: LIFE04 NAT/LV/000198

LIFE, Natura 2000 and agri-environmental measures

Since 1992, several LIFE projects have provided valuable information and experience on how agri-environmental measures could be deployed and adapted to contribute to nature conser- vation. Moreover, by reorienting existing agri-environmental measures towards a sustainable management of Natura 2000 network sites, LIFE has helped to promote a Community perspective, supporting both Agriculture and Nature conservation EU policy.

Many of these LIFE projects have demonstrated how local agri-environmental schemes can be adapted to reconcile farming interests with nature protection, with a special focus on grasslands species and habitats that are heavily dependent on traditional agricultural activities. In a number of cases, LIFE projects have revealed conflicting situations and illustrated the need to adapt current agri-environmental measures to the real needs of farmers in Natura 2000 areas. The main LIFE contribution with regard to agri-environmental measures is:

l Launching (“starter”) of long-term habitat management through agri-environment

l Promotion of wider use of agri-environment in the Natura 2000 network

l Design/adaptation of new agri-environmental measures for habitat (especially grasslands) conservation

l New markets for conservation-oriented farming (such as certification of local beef breeds)

For more information on and LIFE project examples, see the brochure: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/documents/agrienvironment_en.pdf Grasslands as high biodiversity farmland areas LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands I p. 35

Ireland: farming for conservation in the Burren

Burren LIFE is the first major farming for conservation project in Ireland. Based on a pilot scheme for 20 farms covering over 3 000 ha, the € 2.23 million project (75% funded by LIFE Nature) aims to develop a blueprint for sustainable agriculture for the whole Burren region.

The goat is also closely associated with the Burren, where large herds of feral (once farmed, now wild) goats are commonly seen

The Burren – from the Gaelic word ria caerulea), bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus includes the five priority habitats: the Boireann (place of stone) – is one of corniculatus), tormentil (Potentilla stunning limestone pavements, tur- Europe’s most remarkable limestone erecta) and bloody cranesbill (Gera- loughs, orchid-rich grasslands, petri- areas. Extending over 30 000 ha of nium snaguineum) among many oth- fying springs and cladium . Ireland’s mid-western coastline, this ers. Orchid species include the frog dramatic glaciated karst landscape orchid (Coeloglossum viride), bee According to Dr Brendan Dunford, supports a variety of habitats listed orchid (Ophrys apifera), and fly orchid project manager, farming is an integral under Annex I of the Habitats Direc- (Ophrys insectifera). part of the Burren landscape. Many tive, including five priority habitats. A small area of the Burren is protected The exposed limestone slabs make an as a National Park, but the rest is pri-  Turloughs are temporary lakes, which flood with changes in groundwater. Unique excellent building material, which has vately owned. Its boundaries encom- to Ireland, they are typically grazed during been exploited by humans to create pass five Special Areas of Conserva- the summer months. the region’s famed megalithic tombs, tion within the Natura 2000 Network, stone forts and dry stone walls. Some covering a total of 47 000 ha. Special 60% of Ireland’s total area (30 000 ha) areas of Conservation are the focus of of this priority habitat is found in the the Burren LIFE Project (BLP), which Burren.  Galway Bay Complex, Ballyvaughan Orchid-rich calcareous grasslands Turlough, The East Burren Complex, Black Head-Poulsallagh Complex and Moneen (Festuco-Brometalia) are also closely Mountain. associated with the Burren. The grasslands within the project area are O’Kelly’s spotted-orchid (Dactylorhiza of very high quality, harbouring spe- fuchsii ssp. okellyi), a white variety of cies such as blue moor grass (Sesle- the common spotted-orchid LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands generations have successfully farmed the region’s rocky hills. The extensive, low input farming systems practiced by these farmers (mainly cattle, sheep and goats) helped preserve the Bur- ren’s natural heritage, particularly from the threat of scrub encroach- ment (mainly hazel and blackthorn). In addition, Dr Dunford explains, that farming practices such as use of the Burren winterages (winter grazing) have proven to be key to the survival of the diversity of plant and insect life in the region.

Despite this long tradition of agricul- ture, recent years have seen the with- Animals’ hooves also create patches for seedling establishment and grazers redistribute drawal, restructuring and reduction of nutrients and seedlings, further enhancing floral diversity farming activity. Dr Dunford notes that changes in management practices (the project beneficiary), is to develop for the scheme, (ii) selection of the have led to the slow degradation of a new model for the sustainable agri- pilot farms, and (iii) the drawing up priority habitats through under-graz- cultural management of the priority of farm management plans for each ing, abandonment and the loss of habitats of the Burren. The project has of the selected sites. Visits to other land management traditions. The area the support of the Burren Irish Farm- limestone areas in Europe e.g. to the already had its own agri-environment ers Association and Teagasc – the Lowland Limestone Pavement Reha- programme (the Burren Rural Environ- Irish Agriculture and Food Develop- bilitation project in Cumbria, England ment Protection Scheme) but under ment Agency (both project partners), – LIFE99 NAT/UK/006094 (see case CAP reforms there was an opportunity as well as local communities. study on p. 42) were also carried out for the design of a new model for ‘con- to compare notes on site-selection. servation agriculture’ in the Burren. A pilot project of this nature requires Studies addressing the impact of the a considerable amount of preparation land use stipulations on habitat qual- The overall objective of the partner- and monitoring in order to ensure that ity, soils and water quality were also ship-based project, implemented by the new mechanisms are transfer- carried out and matched with data the National Parks and Wildlife Service able to the whole 60 000 ha of Bur- on the condition of livestock and the ren farmland. These preparations costs of management. (covering the first three years of the  The Burren Agreement (1995) under REPS 1 and the Burren Agreement (2007) project) included: (i) talking to the BLP finance and operations officer under REPS 4 local farmers and generating support Ruairí Ó Conchúir explains that a key aspect of the project is that it is “farmer- High biodiversity in The Burren: water forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpiodes) – left, and led”. This was reflected in the 100 plus the transparent Burnet (Zygaena purpuralis) – right ‘expressions of interest’ from farmers who attended numerous public meet- ings held in 2004-05 to inform the wider Burren community of the project.

Twenty LIFE monitor farms are now actively participating in the scheme. In addition, there has been an ongo- ing interest from other farmers in the area. Mr Ó Conchúir says that due to the “very strong interest”, it was pos- sible to be selective. This was impor- tant in ensuring a good diversity of farms – from 40 ha to over 400 ha and including suckler beef, dairy and Grasslands as high biodiversity farmland areas LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands I p. 37

The thin, -poor, unimproved soils and winter grazing regimes serve to stop the more invasive plant species and litter from monopolising the vegetation, while the absence of animals in the flowering allows often minute herb flora to thrive unhindered

mixed (beef and lamb) – and in con- habitats: (already there appears to be The karst nature of the Burren means servation status from “favourable” to a big increase in number of orchids that water is often in short supply, as “very unfavourable”. observed in sampled areas) and has most of the water flows underground had a significant impact in terms of and in a very unpredictable man- As the project enters its final year, most supporting the income of the local ner. Water provision is a huge issue of its ambitious programme of works farming and non-farming community. for farmers, and the project funded (targeting almost 40 diverse, but com- a range of solutions from the use of plimentary actions) has already been Livestock management, access ‘hydram pumps’, pasture pumps, successfully implemented. Notably, and water provision piping and tanks, to cleaning out old the farm management plans were The Burren is difficult to farm, springs and walling new ones. completed at the end of 2006 – ena- with many areas only accessible on bling specific works to be carried out foot. This can make herding and live- Another key action concerns the on the targeted farms. stock management particularly dif- rebuilding of areas of stone walls. One ficult, especially where the number of the characteristic features of the Key ‘farming for conservation’ of part-time farmers is increasing. Burren, internal boundary walls, were actions: “Improving access onto winter grazing traditionally critically important to man- areas is probably one of the key issues age stock and land, usually dividing a Scrub control we are addressing,” says Ms Parr. In farm or winterage in order that tar- Encroaching scrub has been cut from the past, many farmers resorted to geted grazing could take place. Using an area of up to 80 ha and approxi- bulldozing tracks to improve access, local workers, boundaries have been mately 30 km of pathways have been which causes considerable damage restored on more than 15 LIFE farms. opened up to allow access for cattle to the priority habitats. The project herding. This task has been carried out solution has been to pilot a system Grazing and feeding by local contractors (from a database of best practice access routes on six Getting the grazing and feeding sys- of workers developed by the project). LIFE farms using “minimal impact” tems right is another significant aspect According to Dr Sharon Parr, project construction with local limestone of conservation and agricultural pro- scientific coordinator, the dual ben- chip. Derogations for the work had to duction on the Burren farms. Led by Dr efits are already clear – it has resulted be secured from wildlife, monuments James Moran (seconded to the project in a significant impact on the Burren and agricultural authorities. by Teagasc) and working closely with LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands the farmers, new feeding regimes have New markets for Burren producers been implemented through the man- agement plans. The main changes The Burren Beef and Lamb Producers Group is a have included extended winter grazing new initiative launched in March 2007. Involving in traditional winterage areas, adjust- 16 Burren farmers, its members actively farm for ment of winter grazing levels, the conservation in the Burren. Lamb was launched reintroduction of light summer grazing in June 2007, with beef following in September of winterages and the summer grazing 2007 – generating, in just over 12 months, sales by sheep (on one farm). of €50 000-€60 000.

In a bid to encourage farmers to cut down on the use of silage, a special Support for the LIFE farmers [financial] support because: “They supplementary feed has also been value what has taken place, and in formulated, tailored to suit the area Involvement in the project is voluntary particular the impact this has had on and to animals’ mineral and nutritional – farmers receive an annual payment their environment.” requirements. This is available to all of up to €750, but this covers all of LIFE farms, and to other Burren farm- their time spent on the project. Any Finally, according to Dr Dunford, ers, with special feed bins and water additional LIFE support is for works there are already indications that the troughs supplied as required. Accord- carried out on the farms such as the project’s findings could also influence ing to Moran, farmers have reported special feed (funded 25%) purchase farming in other areas of the coun- high satisfaction with the feed, and of some special equipment e.g. cattle try. Earlier on in the project, the team a major improvement in the level of troughs (50%), and scrub removal and was asked by the Irish Department grazing by animals, which in turn will stone wall works (up to 80%). of Agriculture and Food to submit lead to enhanced biodiversity. its experiences, incorporating best Mr Ó Conchúir emphasises that these practice identified through the farm A recent meeting with vets from the grants have little bearing on the strong work programmes, into revisions for Burren region highlighted the poten- support for the scheme among the LIFE the Burren of the national Rural Envi- tial animal health benefits of switching farmers. For them, he says, the most ronment Protection Scheme (REPS from silage to concentrate feeding, important aspect has been the techni- 4). More recently, Dunford notes that and noted the general good health cal support offered by the project, in the National Parks and Wildlife Serv- and calving success of outwintered particular the agricultural monitoring ices (the beneficiary) is looking to uti- animals. Moran adds that one vet and support with derogations. lise the BLP final results in order to joked that if this continues, he’ll soon develop a blueprint for future farming be out of business!” Looking to the future, the project team for conservation measures on areas of is optimistic that the majority of the high nature value across Ireland. farmers will continue the work started

Farm Demo Day, July 2008, involved under LIFE, irrespective of whether  These cover payments to farmers under the farmers in discussions on grasslands or not they receive future additional Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 management

Project Number: LIFE04 NAT/IE/000125 Title: Farming for conservation in the Burren Beneficiary: National Parks and Wildlife Service, Dept of Environment, Heritage and Local Government Contact: Ruairí Ó Conchúir Email: [email protected] Website: www.burrenlife.com and www.npws.ie Period: Sept-2004 to Aug-2009 Total Budget: e 2 230 000 LIFE Contribution: e 1 673 000 Grasslands as high biodiversity farmland areas LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands I p. 39

Latvia: Protecting floodplain meadows in partnership with farmers

A LIFE Nature project in Latvia is undertaking a nationwide programme to restore priority flood- plain habitats. This innovative scheme has developed close ties with local landowners to ensure the continuity of habitat management actions when the project ends.

The Baltic State of Latvia contains a significant resource of floodplain habi- tats. The LIFE Nature project “Res- toration of Latvian floodplains for EU priority species and habitats” (LIFE04 NAT/LV/000198) targeted 16 of these areas covering 14 085 ha in total. These areas feature the best floodplain meadows in the country, including 50% of the national resource of fenno- scandian wooded meadows and over 6 530 ha of alluvial forests. Nine habitat types listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive are recorded in the project sites. The project areas host the high- est breeding densities of the priority

species corncrake (400-685 individu- Photo: Latvian Fund for Nature als) and lesser spotted eagle (59-120 Geese on restored areas in the Seda project site individuals) as well as one-third of the Latvian snipe population (59-120 and are gradually being invaded by continuous management for the ben- individuals) and the only two recorded scrub. Changes in the water regime efit of species and habitats (e.g. - sites of spotted eagle in Latvia. Five of from past drainage works are also noscandian wooded meadows 6530, the project sites are among best areas taking their toll, as is the overall lack Fennoscandian lowland species-rich in the country for Osmoderma eremita. of awareness of the natural and socio- dry to mesic grasslands 6270, Spe- The project targets a total of 23 species economic value of these areas. cies-rich Nardus grasslands 6230). listed in Annex 1 of the Birds Directive Through its actions the project would and three species listed in Annex II of A nationwide restoration also contribute to the further develop- the Habitats Directive. programme ment and establishment of the Natura 2000 network in the country. As in other parts of Europe, the main The aim of the LIFE Nature project was threat to the floodplains comes from to restore the biologically most impor- To achieve the project aims, the ben- a lack of management and fragmen- tant and currently abandoned flood- eficiary – the Latvian Fund for Nature, tation; most have been abandoned plain areas and to ensure subsequent in partnership with 22 other organi- sations and the 19 municipalities where the project sites are located – planned to initiate a coordinated nationwide programme for the resto- ration and long-term management of these important floodplains, drawing

Photo: Latvian Fund for Nature up management plans for 15 sites and undertaking urgent restoration works on some 2 400 ha of meadows.

Cattle grazing in restored areas in the Sita project site and Pededze floodplain LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands Photo: Latvian Fund for Nature Konik horses grazing in restored meadows in Sita and the Pededze floodplain

Getting farmers involved tional agri-environmental programmes team of volunteers, together with stu- for at least five years after the end of dents, journalists and the city mayor. Since long-term management is highly the LIFE project – grasslands man- The project planned to use the same dependent on agricultural stakehold- agement activities will be continued approach for restoration (an open pub- ers (more than 90% of the target area under the Rural Development plan for lic event) in other areas where land- is privately owned), the project has Latvia. owners do not have the capacity for gone to great lengths to involve local restoration (no machinery, old age, no farmers. More than 400 of them have Practical steps interest), but where it would be crucial been contacted and study tours, edu- for biological diversity. cational seminars and one-to-one dis- Restoration actions carried out to date cussions organised as appropriate to in the project areas include the con- Other dissemination activities planned incite interest and active participation. struction of a 2 km long fence in the include the publication of 100 000 cop- Burtnieki meadows and a 1 585 m ies of various information booklets, and This approach has proved quite effec- fence in the Lielupe floodplains site. a comprehensive best practice manual tive: by November 2007, a total of 226 Sixteen Konik horses (a hardy breed) on grassland management, designed contracts had been signed with land- are grazing the 80 ha fenced area at to be of interest internationally. owners, for the restoration of 4 112 ha the latter site. of habitats. This has been achieved despite the incorrect and outdated land To enable grazing, it is first necessary Project Number: ownership data available in munici- to remove overgrowth of shrubs. The LIFE04 NAT/LV/000198 palities and the fact that some of the LIFE project has signed contracts for Title: Restoration of Latvian flood- project areas have a large number of shrub removal on 796 ha, with shrub plains for EU priority species and landowners owning small plots. Both cutting finalised at the interim stage habitats of these factors make the preparation across a total of 313 ha. To promote Beneficiary: Latvian Fund for of management agreements a time- this action, the project held a habitat Nature consuming and complicated process. restoration event in the summer of Contact: Inga Racinska 2006. The event took place in Jelgava, Email: [email protected] To ensure the continuity of the project Pilssala (in the Lielupe floodplains Website: www.ldf.lv/pub management activities, the contracts project site). The event, which was very Period: Oct-2004 to Jun-2008 are signed on condition that the land popular and provided much publicity Total Budget: e 1 600 000 manager (landowner) will apply for for the project, involved the restoration funding under national and interna- of 0.5 ha of floodplain meadow by a LIFE Contribution: e 1 144 000 Grasslands as high biodiversity farmland areas LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands I p. 41

Spain: La Serena – a farming model that lets birdlife flourish

Overgrazing, hunting and development are just some of the increasing threats to a host of priority bird species in La Serena, Extremadura: part of one of the largest grassland areas in the EU. This LIFE project provided a model for alternative, economically-viable management that can help sus- tain birdlife and win the support of farmers.

The La Serena y Sierras Periféricas The density of the following species important to the life of the area – was Natura 2000 area in western Spain was particularly seen to benefit: par- allowed to continue, while on the has some of the best-conserved tridge, lesser kestrel, great bustard, lit- other it was banned for the duration steppe areas in the EU, containing tle bustard, sandgrouse, corn bunting of the project. priority habitats and significant popu- and hare. lations of a whole range of protected Compensation for economic loss was birds, including the great bustard (Otis The farm-management system vital in achieving cooperation from tarda), little bustard (Tetrax tetrax) and the pilot estates’ farmers and the lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni). Two farming estates were managed study produced an analysis of pos- using environmentally-friendly trial sible future funding mechanisms to These natural grasslands owe their techniques, with two others moni- address this issue. Interest from other biodiversity to traditional non-irri- tored as they continued conventional farmers in the area was high, however, gated farming methods used in cereal modern methods. and represented a change of mental- growing and sheep grazing. But the ity, showing that the sector is willing habitats are coming under increasing On the project estates, livestock inten- to practice sustainable farming if suit- pressure. In some cases resources sity was reduced from 3 sheep/ha to able aid schemes are in place. The are being over-exploited through an average of 1.5 sheep. Chemicals beneficiary will continue to support techniques, in oth- were either not used at all or reduced economic viability by encouraging ers by overgrazing or through harm- to organic farming levels. Fencing businesses such as organic cheese- ful hunting practices. The land is also systems were organised to rationalise making or bird-watching tourism. in danger of being heavily built-on or the grazing. Changes in the rotational abandoned, so destroying its delicate system were introduced for cereal dry Results from this and a similar project ecosystem. farming and were grown. in Extremadura have been passed to Breeding requirements for bird spe- the regional government and could be This LIFE Nature project addressed cies were taken into account when a model for future sustainable man- these threats by establishing a dem- planning exactly when to plough and agement in this and similar steppe onstration management model to harvest. No fertilisers were used. areas. promote alternative farming-practices and achieve long-term conservation The whole area was “zoned” by bird Project Number: of habitats and species in the special species so that practices could be tai- LIFE00 NAT/E/007327 protection area (SPA) without com- lored according to the species within Title: Habitat management model of promising economic success. each zone. This will be hugely sig- the SCI La Serena - Sierra de Tiros nificant to the management of the La (Extremadura, Spain) At the end of the project, pilot areas Serena SPA in the future. Beneficiary: showed an increased number of spe- Sociedad Española de Ornitologia cies of conservation interest, and a On one of the estates, hunting – Contact: higher abundance of species. regarded by the local population as Alejandro Alejandro Sánchez Pérez Email: [email protected] Livestock intensity was managed Website: www.seo.org/programa_ and reduced in La Serena intro.cfm?idPrograma=31 Period: Jan-2001 to Dec-2004 Total Budget: e 736 551 LIFE Contribution: e 552 413 LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

UK: Limestone pavements - a restoration success story

This LIFE project provided an opportunity to help reverse a seemingly hopeless pattern of exploitation and neglect of habitats over a wide area of the English Lake District. The project’s achievements helped to convince local communities that sites can be successfully restored to their former glory.

The Lowland Limestone pavements achieved on over 330 ha in addition to and other limestone habitats around the Whitbarrow area, resulting in main- the Morecambe Bay area in northern tenance of species-rich grasslands. England are botanically the richest of their type in the country. They contain Coppicing and scrub clearance pro- areas of yew-dominated woodlands, duced an immediate response from lime woodland, juniper, dry limestone ground flora, including violets and prim- grasslands, a calcium-rich, nutrient- roses. This resulted in greater numbers poor lake and a sizeable population of of butterflies, among them High the narrow-mouthed whorl snail (Ver- Fritillaries, which in one area increased tigo angustior). by 400%. Habitats of the endangered

Photo: English Nature whorl snail were restored through The site area contains a mosaic of A lowland limestone pavement control and resulting numbers of the Annex 1 listed habitats and is a can- snail were estimated in the tens of didate Special Area of Conservation out and deer controlled by fencing thousands. (cSAC), but its rich ecosystem has and culling to prevent destruction of come under increasing threat as a tree re-growth. Water levels in the marl Recovery of some pavement areas result of its exploitative past, includ- lake were restored to return marginal may be slow, but by the project-end, ing much removal of limestone pave- habitats to near-natural conditions. maidenhair (Adiantum pedatum), ment for domestic decoration. spleenwort, and Hart’s-tongue This has been reduced by recent legal A new area is born (Asplenium scolopendrium) were all protection and awareness, but heavy recorded and juniper was responding. commercial afforestation with non- The most dramatic result was the trans- native species has resulted in equally formation achieved by early clearing of The work attracted considerable public serious deterioration of habitats, 100 ha of pine at Whitbarrow. In less attention, particularly where landscape through needle-fall and gradual clos- than four years, the reclaimed lime- change was dramatic. This resulted in ing of the tree canopy. stone grasslands were being grazed many visits, increased awareness and by cattle. Project funds were used to support and encouraged one local The beneficiary, a small wildlife protec- purchase 204 ha of that area, ben- parish council to purchase further land tion trust, had already had success in efiting the grazing and allowing public for conservation. stemming the loss, but with funding access to the spectacular area created from LIFE was able to achieve major – some of which had been under coni- Project Number: restoration and establish a sustainable fer cover for 30 years. LIFE99 NAT/UK/006094 management pattern. Title: The Lowland Limestone In all, 266 ha of non-native plantations Pavement Rehabilitation Project Work began with felling of conifers were removed using techniques devel- Beneficiary: in some of the most badly affected oped to preserve the habitat, includ- Cumbria Wildlife Trust areas. Rotational coppice cycles were ing the disposal of woodchips; 300 ha Contact: Kerry Milligan reintroduced within the yew and lime of land was brought into sympathetic Email: woodlands. Low-intensity grazing was management through the land-pur- [email protected] established on grasslands, prevent- chase and through agreements with Period: ing the expansion of woodland and private landowners over deer man- Aug-1999 to Jul-2003 bracken and increasing the number agement. Coppicing was carried out in Total Budget: e 876 467 of flower species. Scrub and bracken eight areas, which became high-profile e clearance programmes were carried demonstration models. Grazing was LIFE Contribution: 438 234 Grasslands species

Grasslands are key habitats for Several LIFE projects directly target a look at the contribution made by many species: plants, butterflies grasslands species, and the pro- LIFE projects to the conservation and reptiles, many birds, as well as gramme has been actively contribut- of the grasslands species: falcons grazing mammals such as deer and ing to the conservation of these spe- and kestrels (Falco naumanni, Falco rodents. However, the overall popu- cies and their habitats. This section vespertinus and Falco cherrug); bus- lation trend is negative for charac- features a handful of projects that tards (Tetrax tetrax, Otis tarda and teristic grasslands species, such as work across several Member States Chlamydotis undulata); corncrake the great bustard, corncrake and for the conservation of the same and invertebrates (butterflies and several species of invertebrates. species or habitat. Here, we have dragonflies).

Red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio) Great bustard (Otis tarda) Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus) Photo: LIFE00 NAT/E/007327 Photo: LPéter Palatitz Photo: LIFE03 NAT/E/000057 Photo: Rui Cunha Photo: Gabriel Sierra & Juan M. Simón

Macromia splendens Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) Little bustrard (Tetrax tetrax) LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

Bustards: LIFE support for grasslands bird species

Europe’s grasslands provide essential habitats for a wide range of important and endangered flora and fauna. Many bird species are particularly dependent on grassland environments and these include the bustards, which continue to be closely associated with grassland conservation activities supported by a collection of successful LIFE Nature projects.

Bustards are large terrestrial birds, grassland habitats following agricul- tems and rural development strate- forming the family Otididae, found pri- tural intensification. gies. No previous evaluation of bus- marily in dry open grassland habitats tard conservation measures had been with low vegetation where they are LIFE funds have been used by an carried out for over a decade and the able to look out over long distances. array of different beneficiaries from LIFE project results, such as guide- They are omnivorous, ground nesters across the EU to implement active lines on farm grassland techniques and seldom use trees since they lack conservation measures in grassland and the establishment of a bustard- a hind toe that other birds use to grasp areas to restore and manage bustard conservation contact group, have branches during perching. habitats. Three bustard species have been acknowledged by stakeholders been assisted. These are the little bus- as making important contributions Bustards are mainly resident in south- tard (Tetrax tetrax), great bustard (Otis to conservation methodologies for ern and eastern European countries, tarda) and houbara bustard (Chlamy- bustard habitats. The project results where they have suffered rapid popu- dotis undulata fuertaventurae). Each of have been widely used within the lation reductions across most of their these species is classified as vulner- original beneficiary countries and range. This has been caused by the able and all are included in Annex I of also informed grassland management loss and fragmentation of traditional the Birds Directive. actions in Austria, Hungary, , and . Houbara bustard (Chlamydotis Conservation success factors undulata) in the Canary Islands Little bustards More than 25 dedicated LIFE Nature projects have been sup- The little bustard was originally porting work with Europe’s bus- dependent on Europe’s steppic grass- tards. These initiatives have gener- land environments, but the loss of this ated important knowledge regarding natural habitat has led to a serious the different success factors involved decline in the species. It has already in grassland conservation activities for disappeared from several countries Europe’s bustard populations. in central and eastern Europe. Those remaining little bustard populations The LIFE project “Evaluation have now adapted to various kinds of of bustard conservation best traditional agricultural grassland land- practice in Western Europe” scapes, ranging from sheep pastures (LIFE03NAT/CP/P/000008) exam- to extensive cereal farms. ined the problems and opportunities linked to bustard conservation solu- Experts from the project LIFE04 NAT/ tions in Portugal, Spain and France, FR/000091 (“Reinforcement of the with an emphasis on farming-sys- migratory breeding populations of the Little Bustard in France”) knew from previous LIFE work that lack of food resources and nest destruction dur- ing harvesting were the main causes for the dramatic decline in migrating populations of little bustards. Eight separate project sites were identi-

Photo: Gustavo Peña fied for conservation activities and a

Grasslands species LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands I p. 45

through management controls, such as extensive mowing regimes, that create favourable conditions with good year-round feeding opportuni- ties and limited during the most critical periods of the bus- tards’ life-cycle.

In a similar LIFE Nature project (LIFE05 NAT/SK/000115) has been proactively working on grassland restoration and manage-

Photo: Juan M. Simón Photo: LIFE00 NAT/E/007327 ment activities designed to improve Male Little bustard Great bustard the conservation status of great bus- tards, including protection of key programme for breeding, rearing and (50%) now found in the Iberian Penin- nesting and wintering locations. releasing bustards was implemented. sula. Great bustards are also found in The project also developed an innova- central European Member States, as Austria’s LIFE05 NAT/A/000077 also tive measure to prevent the destruction well as Russia and Turkey. The spe- included collaborative work with local of nests during harvest. This involved cies is now extinct in the UK, France, farmers in order to encourage active drawing up ‘emergency contracts’ and western parts of Ger- management of appropriate great with farmers to stop the destruction many. bustard habitats in border areas, of nests located on land not included particularly those neighbouring the in agri-environmental measures. The As with the little bustard, loss of tra- . The project fea- contracts compensated the farmer for ditional grassland habitat represents tured guidance on pertinent grass- delaying pasture/lucerne mowing for the main threat to great bustard popu- land techniques and a considerable up to two months. lations. Several different LIFE projects amount of effort was invested in have been working towards improving restoring “open habitats”, by mark- New grassland management meas- habitat conditions, including Spain’s ing and redirecting overhead power ures in Portugal’s Alentejo region have LIFE99 NAT/E/006350 (“Manage- cables that had killed many bustards also been successful in enhancing little ment of the habitat in the ZEPA of each year. bustard habitats. There are estimated Villafáfila”). This project was based in to be up to 20 000 little bustards in an area that hosts the world’s highest Houbara bustards Portugal, but more than 90% of this density of great bustards and con- population is endangered by threats tains a pseudo-steppe ecosystem set Habitat restoration work formed a to traditional grassland agricultural in a landscape of gently rolling hills, key component of a Canary Islands landscapes from abandonment, affor- dominated by extensive cultivation of LIFE Nature project set up to help estation, increased irrigation, inten- . The LIFE project forms a sec- conserve Europe’s only populations sification and overgrazing. Project ond phase of a scheme that started in of the houbara bustard. The LIFE Tetrax (LIFE02 NAT/P/008476) was 1996 and has successfully maintained Nature project LIFE03 NAT/E/000046 introduced to tackle these issues and a minimum area of grassland planted aimed to redress threats associated succeeded in a variety of conservation with the forage crop alfalfa, that pro- with landscape changes following the measures including: the setting up of vides the bustards with their main archipelago’s recent socio-economic specific agri-environmental measures food supply. development. Traditional grassland to promote pasture and fallow farm- areas had been built on or were being land mosaics; and the designation of The LIFE Nature project “Conserva- overgrazed by goats. A package of new special protection areas (SPAs) tion of Otis tarda in Hungary” (LIFE04 actions was rolled out in support of for steppic birds in areas of impor- NAT/HU/000109) also recognised the the houbara bustard. These included tance to the little bustard. importance of providing appropriate purchase of land for management as food supplies for great bustards and a typical steppe environment conser- Great bustards this formed part of an integrated set vation reserve, and the development of habitat conservation measures to of an agro-environmental programme The great bustard population is highly improve the breeding and wintering in areas inhabited by the houbara fragmented across Europe with much condition of great bustards. Posi- that promoted traditional grass and of the world’s breeding population tive outcomes have been achieved crops. LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

Falcons and kestrels: Conserving these majestic hunters

The sight of a bird-of-prey soaring over a valley on a warm summer’s day is something to savour. However, in recent decades this sight has become increasingly rare in Europe. Falcons and allies, including the lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni), the red-footed falcon (Falco vespertinus) and the Saker falcon (Falco cherrug) are among the continent’s most threatened bird species. A number of LIFE Nature projects have attempted to reverse the species’ decline, with positive results.

The lesser kestrel is found in the l The use of pesticides. These may for the Vale do Guadiana and Mediterranean region, principally in cause direct mortality, but are prob- Campo Maior SPAs. Spain, Greece, Italy and Portugal, ably more important in reducing with a migratory range that extends prey populations This ambitious project met all of

as far as Asia Minor and North . l The abandonment or restoration of its main objectives. Specifically, by It is usually a colonial breeder, often old buildings, resulting in the loss 2006, there were an estimated 427- in the vicinity of human settlements of nest-sites. 462 breeding pairs of Falco naumanni in old buildings. It forages in steppe- distributed across 55 colonies. This like habitats, natural and managed Iberian success compares with just 31 known colo- grasslands, and non-intensively-cul- nies when the project started in 2002 tivated-land. LIFE Nature projects in Portugal and an estimated 340-370 breeding and Spain have had some success pairs in 2003. Results were particu- There was a dramatic reduction in in reversing this negative popula- larly good in the Castro Verde SPA, the lesser kestrel population between tion trend. The Portuguese project where the species’ population has the mid-1960s and the mid-1990s, (LIFE02 NAT/P/008481) focused on risen 60% since 2001. In total, the so much so that the species is now the Special Protection Areas (SPAs) LIFE Nature project created 817 new classified as ‘vulnerable’ at a Euro- of Castro Verde, Vale do Guadiana breeding places, of which 37% have pean level. and Campo Major with actions been occupied, equating to 22% of aimed at improving feeding oppor- the total Portuguese lesser kestrel The main causes of this decline are tunities and increasing the population. identified as: number of nesting

l Habitat loss and degradation, pri- sites favoured by In neighbouring Spain, the LIFE project marily a result of agricultural inten- lesser kestrels. “Conservation of Falco naumanni sification, but also afforestation and K e y a c t i o n s nesting habitat in Aragon” (LIFE00 urbanisation included: NAT/E/007297) set out to protect the l The construc- lesser kestrel’s nesting habitats in the tion of walls or Monegros SPAs of Aragon. The prin- Lesser kestrel towers to pro- cipal activities included:

vide breeding l The repair of traditional rural sites houses

l The purchase or l Population monitoring

lease of struc- l Predator control

tures (e.g. ruined l Analysis of biological samples of buildings) suitable for individuals to determine contamina- breeding in the Castro tion levels and reproductive failures

Verde SPA l An information campaign targeting

l Increasing the quality of the feed- the local population. ing areas (e.g. by promoting alter- native farming techniques) The project has contributed to a steep

l Monitoring power lines rise in the number of breeding pairs

Photo: Rui Cunha l Drawing up zonal plans (EU agri- (from 589 to 1 041). Existing breeding environmental measures – Rural colonies were consolidated and new Development-specific for a zone) colonies formed, in particular in the

Grasslands species LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands I p. 47

county of Monegros. The restora- Ongoing conservation efforts habitats (so as to increase the avail- tion of 50 old agricultural buildings ability of food), to install artificial nests, as breeding habitats also served to A third LIFE project targeting exclu- and to monitor the nesting and release increase awareness of conserva- sively the lesser kestrel (LIFE05 NAT/ sites. In Spain, new nests and other tion among the local population. F/000134) is currently running in two improvements are also being put in separate Natura 2000 sites in wine- place so as to improve the breeding Project LIFE96 NAT/E/003102, growing regions, one in France and one success of the nesting site (the roof implemented in the Spanish region in Spain. The project aims to improve and bell-tower of a church in the centre of Extremadura, aimed to improve the conservation status of Falco nau- of Almendralejo). A national restoration the conservation status of the mannni in Aude (France) and Extrema- plan is being drawn up for France, as lesser kestrel, whilst also targeting dura (Spain). The beneficiary, the Ligue well as guidelines for habitat manage- the little and great bustards. Con- pour la Protection des Oiseaux (LPO), ment, based on studies to improve cerning the kestrels, the meas- has imported both kestrels and know- knowledge of the lesser kestrel’s biol- ures focused on the restoration of how from the Spanish partner (DEMA), ogy, feeding habits and causes of mor- buildings and installation of artifi- and has established a breeding centre tality. The project is already managing cial nests. These have been very in France. Some 50 chicks are now habitats in favour of the species thanks successful, with high occupancy being released each year in Aude and to partnerships with hunters and sheep rates and productivity. work is ongoing there to manage the farmers.

Falcons in Pannonia

The Pannonian bio-geographical region is home to two falcon Falco vespertinus species included in Annex I of the Birds Directive: the red- The red-footed falcon breeds in open areas with small wood footed falcon (Falco vespertinus) and the Saker Falcon (Falco patches, scattered trees, or windbreaks. Preferred habitats cherrug). are steppe grasslands, but it can breed in agricultural habitats as well. Some 90% of the European red-footed falcon popula- Falco cherrug tion is located in Hungary and , where the number There are only 450 known breeding pairs of Saker falcon, of of known breeding pairs had fallen from 3 200 in 1990 to just which 40% are found in Hungary and Slovakia. Sakers pre- 925 in 2003. fer wooded and plain steppes and grazed grasslands with ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus).The main objective The LIFE Nature project “Conservation of Falco vespertinus in of the LIFE Nature project “Conservation of Falco cherrug in the Pannonian Region” (LIFE05 NAT/H/000122) aims to cre- the Carpathian basin” (LIFE06 NAT/H/000096), which began ate favourable conditions for the short-term stabilisation of the in October 2006, is to identify the principal reasons why the species’ population, targeting 12 SPA sites in Hungary and 11 numbers of this bird have declined by more than 20% over proposed SPAs in western Romania. The project will focus on the last 10 years. Steps will also be taken to create favour- securing current nesting sites and increasing potential nesting able conditions for the short-term stabilisation of the popula- places by installing nest boxes. Practical measures are also tion, including installing nesting boxes and reintroducing the being taken to reduce the key factors of mortality: insulating ground squirrel. As the result of the project, life conditions for dangerous pylons close to nesting, roosting and Sakers are expected to improve in the Carpathian Basin. The feeding sites; eliminating predators; and introducing speed number of breeding pairs is forecast to reach 180 in Hungary limits to reduce kills. and 35 in Slovakia by 2010.

Saker falcon (Falco cherrug) ready to be released after marking Female red-footed falcon (Falco vespertinus) on breeding site Photo: Balázs István Photo: Péter Palatitz LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

Habitat restoration and management to aid the threatened corncrake

The destruction and poor management of its habitat – tall grasslands and herbaceous vegeta- tion – has endangered the long-term survival of the corncrake (Crex crex). Several LIFE-Nature projects, however, have sought to protect this bird species through raising its status and safe- guarding its habitat.

Since 1992, 28 LIFE projects have The three areas contained large tracts Bird-friendly grasslands directly or indirectly targeted the corn- of grassland that were traditionally management crake, a globally threatened species, managed to provide fodder for live- classified as ‘vulnerable’ at both world stock and hay for local farmers. How- Land was leased and purchased to and European level and listed in Annex ever, with the decline of traditional increase the potential habitat for the I of the Birds Directive. agriculture practices, abandoned corncrake. The project also tested an grasslands have developed vegeta- innovative bird-friendly mowing tech- Corncrakes breed in open or semi-open tion that is too dense for corncrakes. In nique. Initially the farmers were unre- landscapes, mainly in meadows of tall other areas, conversely, intensification ceptive to the new technique, but over grass. The species is in steep decline of agriculture – conversion to crop pro- time it became accepted and widely across most of its range because mod- duction, early grass mowing (resulting demonstrated in the project areas. ern farming practices mean that nests in the destruction of nests and chicks) In fact, the technique has become and birds are destroyed by mowing or and the fertilisation of meadows – has a symbol of bird-friendly grasslands harvesting before breeding is finished. led to problems for the species. management and was presented in the Other causes of the decline include project’s leaflet and brochure. habitat loss or degradation due to The project drew up an Action Plan for intensification of cultures, overgrazing, Corncrake 2005-2015 and a National The implementation of similar tech- abandonment of land, and draining of Monitoring Scheme for the Corncrake niques involving local farmers has also . for the long-term protection of the spe- paid dividends in Germany and Latvia. cies in Slovenia. The project in Germany (LIFE97 NAT/ In Slovenia, an important concentra- D/004233) successfully developed tion of this species (around 250 sing- Another significant result of the project breeding habitats for the corncrake in ing males) can be found in the area was the introduction of a new agri-envi- the lower Elbe region. The beneficiary, surrounding Lake Cerknisko, in the flat ronmental scheme for the protection of the Lower Saxony regional authority, fields of Ljubljansko barje and along the the corncrake and other endangered bought 33 ha of land, closing gaps in Nanoščica river. Here, a LIFE project wet grassland birds in priority Natura a network of specially managed land. (LIFE03 NAT/SLO/000077) introduced 2000 sites. This scheme falls within The conversion of arable land to grass- for the first time an essential manage- the Rural Development Programme land was a specific project objective. ment plan for these areas. for the Republic of Slovenia 2007- Using special seed mixtures provided 2013 and was introduced in coopera- for by the beneficiary, farmers sowed Mowing meadows for tion with the Ministry for Agriculture, former arable land sections for free. the corncrake Forestry and Food. The new scheme offers fresh incentives to farmers for In Latvia, the LIFE Nature project corncrake habitat management in key (LIFE03 NAT/LV/000082) raised the Natura 2000 sites. national protection status of the corn- crake in the project area, the northern Gauja valley, creating the basis for its inclusion in the Natura 2000 network.

These are just three examples of how LIFE is linking conservation and rural development for the benefit of the corncrake and other threatened species. Photo: LIFE03 NAT/SLO/000077

Grasslands species LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands I p. 49

Invertebrates: an essential and oft forgotten element of grasslands

Butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) and dragonflies (Odonata) fascinate us with their amaz- ingly complex life cycles and graceful flight. Along with other invertebrates such as beetles (Coleoptera), these insects also play an extremely important role in grasslands and other ecosys- tems and are important actors in our economy. The EU Habitats Directive recognises the need for their protection and the LIFE programme has been actively contributing to the conservation of these species and their habitats.

Butterflies are one of the best stud- ied insect groups, and, because of Figure 4: Percentage of threatened butterflies living their short lifespan, are particularly in different broad habitat types in Europe vulnerable to environmental threats. WOODLAND AND SCRUBLAND  A number ALCAREOUSof recent  studies point to a dramatic decline in butterfly spe- cies throughout Europe as a result DRYMESIC GRASSLANDS  of intensive farming, habitat loss and climate change.

OTHERS  According to a 2005 study by the European Environment Agency (EEA), population trends of butterfly species ALPINE GRASSLANDS  HUMID GRASSLANDS  $RshowedY  a dramatic (28%) decline BOG AND FEN  across the EU-25 between 1990 and 2000. The highest number of spe- Source: European Environment Agency (EEA) 2001 © Copyright. Data compiled from Council cies assessed, namely 206 butterfly of Europe, 1999. Red Data Book on European Butterflies (Rhopalocera) species, occurred in farmland habitat – typically open grassy areas such egorise the main habitat types where Extremadura in western Spain, which as extensively farmed areas, grass- these plants, and therefore butterflies, aimed at the conservation of several lands, meadows and pastures. The occur. endangered insect species found in EEA attributes this “very substantial” and around six Natura 2000 sites. decline to loss of extensive farmland According to another EEA study with low or no input of nutrients, her- (See figure 4), over half of Europe’s The marsh fritillary butterfly bicides and pesticides. Another key 576 butterfly species are linked to factor is agricultural intensification, grassland habitat types, of which 71 The marsh fritillary butterfly (Euphy- leading among other things to a loss are under threat, and a larger propor- dryas aurinia) has declined dramati- of marginal habitats and hedgerows tion (34%) are limited to dry or mesic cally in Europe and is regarded as and a higher input of fertiliser, herbi- grasslands. endangered or vulnerable in most of cides and insecticides. its European range. Listed as a prior-

This article highlights a handful of ity species in Annex II of the Habitats NAT/DK/000151 LIFE05 Photo: Xeric grasslands are the most threat- exemplary LIFE Nature projects Directive, it is found in a range ened grassland habitat type in Europe, located in grassland habitat types of habitats in which its pre- says the EEA, since they contain many that target, among other things, the ferred host plant, the specialist species that need dry, well- protection and conservation of the devil’s-bit scabious lit conditions to thrive. Although but- highly endangered marsh fritillary but- (Succisa praten- terfly species are more specific to the terfly. It also charts the progress of a sis) occurs. individual plants that host them than project in the autonomous region of to habitat types, it is possible to cat-  Assessment of all known butterfly spe- cies in Europe (EEA 2001) http://themes. Marsh fritillary  EEA Species diversity CSI 009 eea.europa.eu/Specific_media/nature/indi- butterfly – Assessment Nov 2005 cators/grasslands/natural_species LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

Marsh fritillaries are essentially grassland l Conservation and upgrading of removal of upper peat layers and res- butterflies and although populations habitats for rare butterflies of wet, toration of natural . LIFE has may occur occasionally on wet heath, semi-natural meadows (LIFE06 NAT/ also funded a range of awareness bog margins and woodland clearings, PL/000100) – as well as Euphydryas raising campaigns. most colonies are found in damp acidic aurinia, this project also targeted five or dry calcareous grasslands. Sheep other endangered butterfly species In the UK, one of the species’ two main selectively graze devil’s-bit scabious l Action for sustaining the population strongholds in Europe (the other is and are therefore detrimental to marsh of Euphydryas aurinia (LIFE05 NAT/ Spain) the marsh fritillary has undergone fritillary populations. Burning and mow- DK/000151) a dramatic decline in recent years, with ing are also known to have caused the a 66% loss in populations nationally of populations. These three LIFE projects have been since 1990. The mid-Cornwall moors, focusing mainly on conservation the location of the LIFE project, is a sig- Populations of the marsh fritillary vary actions to bring the threatened and nificant area for the species, supporting greatly in size from year to year, and, isolated populations of the marsh fri- some of the larger populations in this at least in part, this is related to cycles tillary into a favourable conservation region of England. Project actions have of attack from parasitic wasps. Adults status. The main actions involve the targeted habitat management over sev- tend to be sedentary and remain in a establishment of mechanisms for the eral sites, a strategy necessary for the series of linked metapopulations, form- legal protection of the species and, long-term maintenance of populations ing numerous temporary sub-popula- on Natura 2000 sites, by the introduc- of this butterfly. tions, which frequently die out and tion of legally-binding management re-colonise. The sedentary behaviour plans or the elaboration of national The marsh fritillary butterfly has also of the adults and increasing fragmen- conservation or biodiversity plans. suffered rapid decline in Denmark, tation of their preferred habitats has Additionally, there has been a great due to fragmentation of habitats and led to the establishment of numerous deal of work on-site to ensure good populations. Together with a continu- endemic races. The marsh fritillary is conditions for the larval food plant, ing decline in quality of existing and an extremely variable butterfly, with the devil’s bit scabious. The plant potentially suitable habitats, this has 34 subspecies described in Europe benefits from measures that prevent caused the conservation state of the alone. overgrowing, and the clearance work marsh fritillary today to be highly unfa- is also of value to many other listed vourable. Only eight small sub-popu- LIFE project actions: species and habitat types. Typically, lations remain, and thus the actions l Restoration of the mid-Cornwall actions include mechanical clearing of the LIFE project were crucial to Moors for the Euphydryas aurinia of overgrowth, including scrubs and reverse this negative trend and to (LIFE03 NAT/UK/000042) – http:// trees, controlled burning, mowing, ensure the butterfly species continues www.midcornwallmoors.org.uk/ extensive grazing, and in some cases to exist there.

Endangered of Extremadura

The Spanish project LIFE03 NAT/E/000057 has been target- Problems such as loss of habitat quality due to water pollu- ing the conservation of several endangered species listed in tion, changes in land-use or poor river bank and forest man- the Habitats Directive – two beetles (Cerambyx cerdo and agement were tackled so as to improve the conservation sta- Lucanus cervus), four dragonflies (Coenagrion mercuri- tus of these invertebrates. In order to increase significantly the ale, Macromia splendens, Oxygastra curtisii and Gromphus surface of favourable habitats, ditches and irrigation chan- graslini) and one butterfly (Graellsia isabelae). Project actions nels were restored, vegetation was managed and invasive took place over a network of seven Natura 2000 sites cover- flora species eradicated. These activities will also result in ing some 35 000 ha in northern Extremadura. increased connectiv- ity among the individ- Studies were conducted, inter alia, on the distribution and ual populations in the population size of targeted species; on the location of breed- metapopulations of ing grounds; and on movements of individuals among popu- the various targeted lations. The data gathered show that the distribution of the species. target species is wider than initially thought and several new populations of many of the species have been found, which is good news. Management plans were drafted for the four Southern damselfly dragonfly species. (Coenagrion mercuriale) Photo: Alberto Gil LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands I p. 51

Projects focusing on grasslands habitats

The table below provides further examples of LIFE projects focusing on grasslands habitats. For more information on individual projects, visit the online database at: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/project/Projects/index.cfm. The database provides useful, detailed search fields – for example under “habitats” users may search grassland habitats under “Natural and semi-natural grasslands formations”

Country Number Name

Austria LIFE04 NAT/AT/000002 Pannonic Steppes and Dry Grasslands

LIFE06 NAT/A/000123 Bisamberg habitat management

Restoring and Managing Calcareous Habitat types in the region of Lesse Belgium LIFE00 NAT/B/007168 and Lomme

LIFE02 NAT/B/008593 Restoration and sustainable management of upper Meuse dry Grasslands

LIFE03 NAT/B/000023 Uitkerkse : a surplus value for nature and people

Protection of the habitats of a number of priority species of wet LIFE97 NAT/B/004206 grasslands in Belgium

LIFE03 NAT/B/000020 Restoration and management of the lowland “Damvallei”

Czech LIFE04 NAT/CZ/000015 Restoration of thermophilous habitats in the Moravian Karst Republic

Denmark LIFE04 NAT/DK/000020 Restoration of Dry Grasslands in Denmark

Estonia LIFE03 NAT/EE/000180 Conservation of NATURA 2000 biotopes in Räpina polder

France LIFE98 NAT/F/005237 Programme for the conservation of the dry grasslands of France

LIFE99 NAT/F/006301 Safeguard of habitats and species of the Ardèche canyon and its plateau

Restoration of the dry grasslands of the limestone plateaux of LIFE99 NAT/F/006309 the Aveyron

LIFE99 NAT/F/006312 Dry grasslands and associated habitats of Quercy

LIFE99 NAT/F/006318 The management of the xerothermic habitats of the North Harth

Priority species, chalk grasslands and screen in the lower Seine valley LIFE99 NAT/F/006332 catchment area

Germany LIFE00 NAT/D/007058 Regeneration and preservation of dry grassland in Germany

Restoration and conservation of xeric grasslands in Germany LIFE02 NAT/D/008461 (Rheinland-Pfalz)

LIFE03 NAT/D/000001 Medebacher Bucht – Building block for Natura 2000 LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

Country Number Name

Germany LIFE06 NAT/D/000008 Conservation and regeneration of Nardus Grasslands in Central Europe

Conservation and development of the inland salt marshes of Northern LIFE03 NAT/D/000005 Thuringia

Conservation and regeneration of Nardus Grasslands LIFE06 NAT/D/000008 in Central Europe

Hungary LIFE05 NAT/H/000117 Habitat management on the Pannonian grasslands in Hungary

LIFE06 NAT/H/000102 Restoration and grassland management of Felsö-Kongó meadows

LIFE04 NAT/HU/000119 Grassland restoration and marsh protectin in Egyek-Pusztakócs

Ireland LIFE04 NAT/IE/000125 Farming for conservation in the Burren

Italy LIFE00 NAT/IT/007239 Conservation of Tuscan Appennines mountain grasslands

Petrifying springs and seminatural dry grasslands in Valle S. Croce e LIFE00 NAT/IT/007266 Valle del Curone

Alpe Veglia and Alpe Devero: actions of conservation of mountain LIFE02 NAT/IT/008574 grasslands and peatlands

LIFE03 NAT/IT/000131 Habitat preservation in Dolomiti Bellunesi

LIFE03 NAT/IT/000134 Safeguard Thero – Brachypodietea habitat SIC ‘Area delle Gravine’

LIFE98 NAT/IT/005136 Beigua: urgent interventions for priority grasslands

Restoration of grassland habitats in the Monte Gemelli, Monte Guffone LIFE99 NAT/IT/006237 SIC

Portugal LIFE02 NAT/P/008478 Serra da Estrela: management and conservation of priority habitats

Management plan and urgent actions for Veternik and Oslica high dry Slovenia LIFE00 NAT/SLO/007223 meadows

Conservation of endangered habitats / species in the future LIFE02 NAT/SLO/008587 Karst Park

Sweden LIFE00 NAT/S/007118 Restoration of alvar-habitats at Stora Karlsö

LIFE02 NAT/S/008484 Kinnekulle plateau mountain – restoration and conservation

LIFE03 NAT/S/000070 Natural pastures and hay meadows in Jämtland/Härjedalen

Natural meadows and pastures of Östergötland – restoration and LIFE05 NAT/S/000108 maintenance

United LIFE00 NAT/UK/007071 Improving the management of Salisbury Plain Natura 2000 sites Kingdom

LIFE02 NAT/UK/008539 Yorkshire Dales Limestone Country Project

LIFE99 NAT/UK/006094 The Lowland Limestone Pavement Rehabilitation Project LIFE Focus I LIFE and Europe’s grasslands I p. 53

Available LIFE publications

LIFE-Focus brochures Other publications

A number of LIFE publications are LIFE in the City: Innovative solu- Best LIFE-Environment Projects 2007-2008 available on the LIFE website: tions for Europe’s urban environment (2008, 44 pp.-ISBN 978-92-79-09325-8 (2006, 64pp. - ISBN 92-79-02254-7 ISSN 1725-5619) LIFE on the farm: Supporting envi- – ISSN 1725-5619) http://ec.europa.eu/ http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ ronmentally sustainable agriculture environment/life/publications/ publications/lifepublications/bestprojects/ in Europe (2008 - 60p - ISBN 978-92- lifepublications/lifefocus/documents/ documents/bestenv08.pdf 79-08976-3) urban_lr.pdf http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ Best LIFE-Environment Projects 2006-2007 publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/ Integrated management of Natura (2007, 44 pp.-ISBN 978-92-79-06699-3 documents/agriculture.pdf 2000 sites (2005 - 48 pp. – ISBN 92-79- ISSN 1725-5619) 00388-7) http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ LIFE and endangered plants: Conserv- http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ publications/lifepublications/bestprojects ing Europe’s threatened flora (2008 - publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/ documents/bestenv07.pdf 52p - ISBN 978-92-79-08815-5) documents/managingnatura_lr.pdf http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ LIFE-Third Countries 1992-2006 (2007, publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/ LIFE, Natura 2000 and the military 64 pp. – ISBN 978-92-79-05694-9 – ISSN documents/plants.pdf (2005 - 86 pp. – ISBN 92-894-9213-9 1725-5619) – ISSN 1725-5619) http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ LIFE and Europe’s wetlands: Restoring http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/ a vital ecosystem (2007 - 68 pp. - ISBN publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/ documents/TCY_lr.pdf 978-92-79-07617-6) documents/military_en.pdf http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ Best LIFE-Environment Projects 2005- publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/ LIFE for birds: 25 years of the Birds 2006 (2006, 40 pp. ISBN 92-79-02123-0) documents/wetlands.pdf Directive: the contribution of LIFE- http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ Nature projects (2004 - 48 pp. – ISBN publications/lifepublications/bestprojects/ LIFE and waste recycling: Innovative 92-894-7452-1 – ISSN 1725-5619) documents/bestenv06_lr.pdf waste management options in Europe http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ (2007 - 60 pp. - ISBN 978-92-79-07397-7) publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/ LIFE-Environment 1992-2004 “Dem- http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ documents/birds_en.pdf onstrating excellence in environmen- publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/ tal innovation” (2005, 124 pp. – ISBN documents/recycling.pdf LIFE-Nature: communicating with 92-894-7699-3 – ISSN 1725-5619) stakeholders and the general public http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ LIFE and Europe’s rivers: Protecting – Best practice examples for Natura publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/ and improving our water resources 2000 (2004 - 72 pp. – ISBN 92-894- documents/lifeenv92_04.pdf (2007 – 52pp. ISBN 978-92-79-05543-0 7898-5 – ISSN 1725-5619) - ISSN 1725-5619) http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ LIFE-Environment Projects 2006 compi- http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/ lation (2006, 56 pp.-ISBN 92-79-02786-7) publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/ documents/natcommunicat_lr.pdf http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ documents/rivers.pdf life/publications/lifepublications/ LIFE and agri-environment support- compilations/documents/envcompila- LIFE and Energy: Innovative solutions ing Natura 2000: Experience from the tion06.pdf for sustainable and efficient energy in LIFE programme (2003 - 72 pp. – ISBN Europe (2007 – 64pp. ISBN 978 92-79- 92-894-6023-7 – ISSN N° 1725-5619) LIFE-Nature Projects 2006 compilation 04969-9 - ISSN 1725-5619) http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ (2006, 67 pp. – ISBN 92-79-02788-3) http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/ http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/ documents/agrienvironment_en.pdf life/publications/lifepublications/ documents/energy_lr.pdf compilations/documents/natcompila- tion06.pdf LIFE and the marine environment (2006 – 54pp. ISBN 92-79-03447-2- ISSN LIFE-Third Countries Projects 2006 1725-5619) http://ec.europa.eu/environ- compilation (2006, 20 pp. – ISBN 92- ment/life/publications/lifepublications/ 79-02787-5) lifefocus/documents/marine_lr.pdf A number of printed copies of cer- http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ tain LIFE publications are availa- life/publications/lifepublications/ LIFE and European forests (2006 - 68pp. ble and can be ordered free-of- compilations/documents/tcycompila- ISBN 92-79-02255-5 - ISSN 1725-5619) charge at: http://ec.europa.eu/ tion06.pdf http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ environment/life/publications/ publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/ documents/forest_lr.pdf order.htm colours C/M/Y/K colours 32/49/79/21

KH-AJ-08-003-EN-C ” (COM (2006) 216 final). ISSN 1725-5619 contribute to the development and demonstration of innovative are are communication and awareness raising campaigns related to the the loss of Biodiversity by 2010 – and beyond The European Commission organises annual calls for proposals. Full details are Halting nvironnement” Environnement” / The financial instrument for the environment nvironnement” Environnement” / The financial instrument for the environment support environmental capacity building and initiatives in non-EU countries bordering 2000-2006. 2007-2013. approximately EUR 2,143 million approximately EUR 945 million. further information on LIFE and LIFE+ is available at http://ec.europa.eu/life. at least 78% of the budget is for co-financing actions in favour of the environment (LIFE+ co-financing actions in favour of the environment (LIFE projects) in the Member States of Financier pour l’ Financier pour l’ LIFE and Europe’s grasslands LIFE and Europe’s “L’Instrument 978-92-79-10159-5 “L’Instrument Focus / available at http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/funding/lifeplus.htm European European Commission – Directorate-General for the Environment LIFE Unit – BU-9 02/1 – B-1049 Brussels – Internet: http://ec.europa.eu/life LIFE Nature projects improve the conservation status of endangered species and natural habitats. They support the implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives and the Natura 2000 network. LIFE Nature projects improve the conservation status of endangered species and natural habitats. They support the implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives and the Natura 2000 network. implementation, updating and development of European environmental policy and legislation, including the prevention of forest fires and training for forest fire agents. LIFE+ Biodiversity projects improve biodiversity in the EU. They contribute to the implementation of the objectives of the Commission Communication, “ LIFE+ Information and Communication projects LIFE Environment projects contribute to the development of innovative and integrated techniques or methods to support environmental progress. LIFE Third Countries projects the Mediterranean and the Baltic Sea. LIFE+ Environment Policy and Governance projects policy approaches, technologies, methods and instruments in support of European environmental policy and legislation. projects) projects) in the Member States of the European Union and in certain non-EU countries. the European Union, in associated candidate countries and in certain third countries bordering the Mediterranean and the Baltic Sea.

Contact LIFE Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities 2008 - 54p - 21 x 29.7 cm ISBN ISSN 1725-5619 DOI: 10.2779/23028 Further information How to apply for LIFE+ funding LIFE+ projects > > LIFE+ Period covered (LIFE+) EU funding available of intervention Type > > EU funding available of intervention Type LIFE projects LIFE Period covered (LIFE III) > > >

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