The objective of the project is to restore the dry grasslands by clearing overgrowth, and ensuring proper grazing.

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2 Introduction Dry grasslands are one of the most species rich types of habitat in Denmark. As many as 50 species of plants can be found per square meter, and many of the insects in Denmark live on dry grasslands, including many rare species not found elsewhere. The extent of the habitat culminated in the 18 th century, but has been declining since. It is estimated that at the beginning of the last century dry grasslands constituted approximately 3 % of the total area of Denmark. However since then much dry grassland has been cultivated developed or forest has been planted. In connection with the implementation of the Nature protection Act in 1992 the counties mapped the total area of dry grasslands in Denmark, and concluded that they constituted only 0.6 %. However this also included dry grasslands affected by fertilization and cultivation. Today much dry grassland is still under threat especially from overgrowth, mainly caused by a lack of grazing. In fact dry grasslands are characterized by not having been cultivated for many years, and by being maintained by grazing animals. If dry grasslands are still to be part of the Danish nature, restoration is needed. In addition Denmark has committed to doing a special effort to protect and restore the dry grasslands within the EC habitats through the European network Natura In 2004 co financing by the EU programme LIFE NATURE made an extra restoration effort for dry grasslands possible through a four year project. The Restoration of dry grasslands project was originally a partnership between four counties and the Danish Ministry of Environment and Nature Agency. The three counties were decommissioned as part of a reform in 2006, and the project has since been managed by the Danish Forest and Nature Agency single handed The objective of the project is to restore the dry grasslands by clearing overgrowth, and ensuring proper grazing. The financing from LIFE NATURE amount to approximately half of the total budget of 4,2 mill.., the other half is supplied to the Danish Forest and Nature Agency. LIFE NATURE is an EU programme aiming to conserve natural habitats and the wild fauna and flora of European Union interests, according to the Birds and Habitats directives, thus supporting implementation of the European Union s nature conservation policy and the NATURA 2000 network. More information about LIFE at: 2

3 Project areas Eleven Sites covering an area of more than 4300 ha, of which 743 ha are existing dry grassland, are included in the project. In addition to this more than 270 ha of former dry grasslands are restored, with potential for further expansion in the future. The rationale for the selection of the eleven sites are firstly to include some of the nationally most important sites in order to secure the conservation of these core areas of dry grasslands in Denmark. Secondly it is to counteract the fragmentation of dry grasslands by including sites which holds relatively small areas of dry grasslands but at the same time sites that include areas with a large potential for restoration of former grasslands. Thirdly the sites are selected to cover most of the geographic range of grasslands thus conserving the diversity of this range, enhancing the demonstration effect of the project and facilitating the dissemination of the project results. Generally the sites suffer from a lack of grazing or inappropriate grazing. Both state and privately owned areas are included in the project. 3

4 Restoration of dry grasslands in Denmark What are dry grasslands? Dry grasslands are characterized by the short plant cover and vegetation dominated by grass and herbs, with usually only a few scattered trees and bushes. Contrary to the meadows, dry grasslands have relatively dry and nutrient poor soils. Today dry grasslands are typically found on slopes and hills. Though they exist on flat terrain as well, they have mostly been preserved in terrain that has been too inaccessible to cultivate. Biologically the most valuable dry grasslands are the ones that have never or rarely been cultivated. Grazing on the other hand is essential for the development and preservation of dry grasslands. Historically they are important as well, since almost all dry grasslands in Denmark were originally man made by clearing of forests and subsequent grazing by farm animals. However dry grassland habitats can evolve independently under certain conditions, e.g. on steep slopes with loose soil or in places with lime rich soil. The plants on dry grasslands have evolved and adapted to the dry nutrient poor soils and grazing animals. Some have evolved thorns or a bad taste to avert grazing altogether, while others have a low growth zone, out of reach of grazing animals. The plants require well lit conditions and do not thrive with taller shadow casting plants nearby. Many insects on dry grasslands have special links to certain plant species, and there is a strong connection between the presence of these plants and some insect species. Nordby Bakker, Samsø 4

5 Life on the dry grasslands Several rare species that can not live elsewhere belong to the dry grasslands. However a large number of more common species live here as well, using the habitat as part of their range. Two species of the genus Pulsatilla are characteristic for the Danish dry grasslands, Small pasque flower (Pulsatilla pratensis) and Pasque flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris). Both species are relatively rare in Denmark, even though they can be present in large numbers locally. They exemplify the adaptations of plants on the dry grassland regarding the dry and nutrient poor soil and animal grazing. The have long tap roots, making it possible to find water on otherwise dry soils, and in addition the fine hairs reduce the evaporation of water. Normally they already bloom in April May, before other plants are tall enough to shade them. Finally they are slightly poisonous, which deters the grazers. Lady Orchid (Orchis purpurea) only lives in a few places in Denmark with lime rich soil, for instance at the project site on Møn. It grows up to 60 cm high, and is the tallest orchid in Denmark. Orchids do not thrive in tall and dense vegetation. So even though orchids have small highly dispersible seeds, their prevalence is limited due to the lack of suitable habitats. Breckland Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) attracts a lot of butterflies, and is the host plant for the rare butterfly Large Blue (see below). Despite being characterized by the short grass and herb dominated vegetation the dry grasslands also naturally include some scattered bushes and trees. Typical are Midland Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata), Common Juniper (Juniperus communis), Sloe (Prunus spinosa) and some wild roses. 5

6 As part of the activities on Møn, an attempt to reintroduce the Large Blue (butterfly) to a former breeding ground has been made. This species is very vulnerable as its life cycle is closely linked to the presence of host plants and animals, which is only found on locations that meet specific conditions. The Glanville Fritillary (Melitaea cinxia) is a characteristic species of the dry grasslands. The larvae feed on rosette-forming plants like Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) og Mouse ear Hawkweed (Pilosella officinarum). If the habitat is not grazed sufficiently these plants will be forced out, which has already happened in many places. As a result this butterfly has become rare. Sand Lizard (Lacerta agilis), which is heavier than the Common Lizard, is found all across the country, especially along the coasts. It is often found on dry grasslands as it prefers open sandy soils. The declining numbers of this species is probably due to the overgrowth of its habitats. Red backed shrike (Lanius collurio) is linked to the open habitats like dry grasslands, with rather short vegetation containing some scattered growth of e.g. Common Juniper (Juniperus communis) and Midland Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata). Though it will catch both mice and young birds, it mostly lives on larger insects. It will impale insects on thorns for storage. 6

7 Background Of all the open habitat types in Denmark the dry grasslands harbour the highest number of redlist species, which are species that are consider threatened or extinct in Denmark. Dry grasslands once constituted a significant part of the Danish landscape, but have been diminishing through the last couple of hundred years. Many dry grasslands that was only used for pasture because of its inaccessibility and nutrient poor soils, have been cultivated or given up entirely. In addition many summer cottage areas have been developed on former dry grasslands. Even though the registered dry grasslands are now protected by the Nature Protection Act against cultivation and other direct influences, they are still threatened by nutrient deposition from the air and overgrowth. At the same time the reduction in the area and number of dry grassland habitats have made the plant and animal species vulnerable because their populations have become so fragmented, that they are more likely to go extinct due to random events. Edge effect of farming Fertilization is highly damaging to dry grasslands. Even a single round of fertilization will change living conditions for the dry grassland species so dramatically, that it will take many years to restore the habitat. The characteristic plant species adapted to nutrient poor soils will quickly be outperformed by a few species adapted the new conditions. Usually the dry grassland species will be replaced by taller grasses and herbs, and then the trees and bushes soon follow. Since many of the insect are dependent on specific herbs, they too will disappear. Although direct fertilization is not allowed, nutrient deposition from the surrounding environment affects the habitat. The nutrients come from run off from adjacent farmland and 7

8 deposition from the air. The deposition from the air stems from animal farms, power plants and vehicle exhaust, and even dry grasslands far away from the source are affected. Dry grasslands were created by human exploitation of formerly forest covered areas and without continued grazing they will once again become forest covered. The development of the farming industry has left many former pastures abandoned. Without the grazing animals larger plants will spread and outperform the dry grassland plant species. Nothing in the Nature Protection Act protects the habitat from abandonment or lack of grazing. Once the overgrowth is so dense the undergrowth no longer includes the characteristic dry grassland species, the area is no longer protected. Overgrowth of grassland 8

9 Project activities The activities on the sites have been focused on clearing unwanted growth on existing dry grassland, clearing of plantations on former dry grassland, and establishing or continuing of appropriate grazing. Clearance The clearing of growth and plantations is an activity that leaves a substantial mark on the areas, and at first it might seem as a drastic measure. However to get rid of plantations and years of overgrowth it is usually necessary to use machines. In the eleven project sites a total of 413 ha of dense overgrowth and plantations has been cleared. Clearing of plantation in Mols Bjege. In areas where overgrowth or tree stubs have been crushed the remains have been left on the ground, and trees from the plantations have either been taken away whole or made into chip later used in thermal power stations. A significant part of the clearing effort has been aimed at invasive plant species. Rugosa Rose and broom (Sarothamnus scoparius) are typical invasive plant species on dry grasslands. Combined with a lack of grazing these plants have spread considerably on many dry grasslands substituting the natural flora. It takes great and repeated effort to get rid of the invasive species. As not to harm other species pesticides are not used, and the only option is therefore typically to clear the areas using machines. The seed of broom are very resistant and can remain fertile in the ground for up to 80 years. 9

10 Broom in bloom Crushing of broom overgrowth. Subsequent grazing is important to prevent re growth, especially in areas where the crushed plant remains may constitute extra nutrition for years to come. Grazing Historically it is mostly the grazing of farm animals that have maintained the open habitat types in Denmark. Today grazing is still the most appropriate and practical type of conservation. The grazing animals remove and redistribute nutrients and help create the variation that makes the habitat type so rich in species. The correct choice of animal depends on the specific conditions in the area. In the Restoration of dry grasslands project sheep, goats, horses and cattle are used, which all have different characteristics as grazers. A dry grassland habitat with a lot of rare plants and insects should be grazed by animals harmless to these. Most often cattle are best suited for grazing dry grasslands rich in species. Whereas sheep and goats are usually better for areas overgrown by trees and bushes, since they include more of these in their preferred diet. Establishing appropriate grazing on the project sites includes erecting new fences. Approximately XX km fences have been put up during the project. To ensure the publics access to the areas, several gates have been incorporated into these fences. In addition the new fenced enclosures have made it possible to remove some fences inside the new enclosures. The large enclosures make it possible for the animals to move freely between the existing dry grassland and the newly cleared areas thereby facilitating the dispersal of seeds. 10

11 Info box: Grazers Because of its highly movable upper lip and small head size the goat is able to select its feed accurately. It will gladly eat tall vegetation, and actually prefers bushes and tall herbs. Of the farm animals it is the most suitable clearer of overgrowth. For this reason goats are used at several sites in the project. Like the goat, sheep are able to select their feed accurately, and can leave behind very short vegetation. It eats grass but prefers herbs, and is therefore less suited for habitats with many vulnerable and rare herbs. It is however willing to eat bushes and trees, and can be used for clearing Rugosa Rose. Horses primarily eat grass although it is able to select specific species and e.g. avoid toxic plants. Usually they will only to a limited extent eat woody plants. Instead they prefer easily digestible grasses, although some of the more hardy breeds are better at coping with poor quality of feed than cattle. Cattle use the tongue to tear off the plants, and the resulting vegetation will therefore not as short as the one left behind by sheep and horses. Likewise cattle are less selective in their grazing for specific species, and with cattle grazing a more species rich plant community will develop. Even though cattle will eat some shrubs, it will not be enough to prevent overgrowth in the long run. For the project breeds such as Galloway, Hereford and crossbreeds are used, since they are relatively hardy species and suited for the conditions on dry grasslands. 11

12 Communication In addition to the activities at the project sites a range of information material about the project have been produced. Likewise guided tours have been arranged at the sites for locale landowners, the general public and groups of people with special interest in restoration projects. The project also has a website ( that among other things includes detailed information on all the project sites. In the fall of 2008 a seminar aimed at managers, administrators and NGOs mark the ending of the project. The purpose of the seminar is to exchange knowledge about restoring and managing dry grasslands and discuss the opportunities and obstacles for the long term management of Natura 2000 habitats, with emphasis on dry grasslands. A selection of the publications: Folder; Website; Information board. 12

13 Project results Completed activities: 128 ha of plantations on former dry grassland cleared More than 900 ha with bushes and trees on existing dry grassland cleared 116 km of new fencing. Securing or establishing appropriate grazing regimes on more than 1900 ha. of The completed activities will ensure habitats for the plants and animals of the dry grassland. The cleared plantations, which in time will become dry grassland again, will help connect the fragmented populations on existing dry grasslands. For some of the cleared areas it will most likely be many years before a dry grassland habitat is restored with its characteristic plants and animals. Other areas will relatively quickly be colonized by the species of nearby dry grasslands. However a dry grassland habitat with the delicate and sensitive plant and animal species will take decades to develop. Read more about NATURA 2000 at: Read more about LIFE Nature at: Contact Danish Forest and Nature Agency, Regional Office Kronjylland Vasevej 7, Fussingø 8920 Randers NV Denmark Phone (+45) Fax (+45) kronjylland@sns.dk 13