Restoration of Grassland Habitats
In addition to the sustainable management of species-rich grasslands, particularly the Habitats Directive grassland habitat types Lowland Meadows (habitat code 6510) and Mountain Meadows (habitat code 6520), the creation of new habitats is a critical measure to counteract the significant decline in species-rich meadows observed in recent years. This measure is essential not only for the conservation of these habitat types within Natura 2000 sites but also for enhancing biodiversity across cultural landscapes.
To mitigate risks such as floral hybridization with non autochthonous plant material, mismatched phenology, and genetic issues like outbreeding or inbreeding, the use of locally sourced autochthonous seed material is strongly recommended (Keller et al. 2000, Buisson et al. 2017, Bucharova et al. 2017, Durka et al. 2019, Sommer & Zehm 2021). This can be achieved either by purchasing certified regional seeds or by using self-harvested seed material directly from the site. Depending on the initial condition of the area, various techniques for site preparation and sowing are required to ensure successful restoration (Schmiede et al. 2012, Helm & Schiffgens 2020, Practical Recommendation ""Natürlich Bayern" (natuerlichbayern.de/praxisempfehlungen/flaechenvorbereitung).
Common methods for introducing plant material include the transfer of fresh, seed-ripe hay from species-rich meadows in the region, the use of brush machines for seed harvesting (e.g., eBeetle®, Wiesefix, Seedprofi), or hay threshing for larger areas using combine harvesters.
Creating and Restoring Species-Rich Areas
Videos produced by the German Association for Landscape Conservation (GER)
Creating Species-Rich Areas with Regional Seeds
Establishing Species-Rich Meadows and Pastures:
Motivation and Methods in Grassland (Part 1)
Establishing Species-Rich Meadows and Pastures:
Solutions for Challenging Terrain (Part 2)
Establishing Species-Rich Meadows and Pastures:
Machines for Grassland Restoration (Part 3)
Sources
Keller M., Kollmann J., Edwards P.J. (2000): Genetic introgression from distant provenances reduces fitness in local weed populations. J. Appl. Ecol. 37, 647-659.
Buisson, E., Alvarado, S.T., Stradic, S., Morellato, L.P.C. (2017): Plant phenological research enhances ecological restoration. Restor. Ecol. 25, 164-171.
Bucharova, A., Michalski, S., Hermann, J.-M. et al. (2017): Genetic differentiation and regional adaptation among seed origins used for grassland restoration: lessons from a multispecies transplant experiment. J. Appl. Ecol. 54, 127-136.
Durka, W., Bossdorf, O., Bucharova, A. et al. (2019): Regional seed for meadow plants: genetic differences, regional adaptation, and interactions with insects. Natur und Landschaft 94 (4), 146-153.
Sommer, M., Zehm, A. (2021): High-quality habitats instead of flowering areas - Effective insect protection in just a few steps. Naturschutz u. Landschaftspl. 53 (01), 20-27.
Helm, S., Schiffgens, T. (2020): Hay transfer for the development of species-rich meadows. Natur in NRW 3, 11-15.
Schmiede, R., Otte, A., Donath, T.W. (2012): Species enrichment through hay transfer in species-poor grasslands – What level of disturbance to the turf is necessary? Naturschutz u. Biolog. Vielfalt 115, 153-171.