PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The Danish coastline bordering the North Sea is famed for its long stretches of white sandy beaches and extensive dunes. Substantial tracts are also of high international conservation importance. However, these dune systems have suffered from an array of problems over the years, associated with inappropriate land use and over-stabilisation. A national survey in the late 1990s concluded that significant areas were in a poor conservation state. The most serious threat came from the large-scale invasion of non-native species such as Pinus mugo and Pinus contorta. This was further exacerbated by the inability of the dunes to function as natural dynamic systems and of the vegetation to cope with increasingly large amounts of ammonium deposition.
OBJECTIVES
The LIFE project aimed to regain the more favourable conservation status of Danish dune habitats. The project planned restoration actions on a total net area of 5,675 ha - covering 65 percent of the total sand dune FFH resource in the country. It sought to develop a strategic approach, building on previous LIFE-Nature projects and refining and monitoring different conservation techniques. The experiences gained and lessons learned would then be shared with similar LIFE projects elsewhere – for instance in Latvia and the UK. It ultimately aimed to produce a guidance document on the best practice management of these fragile habitats. The project planned to use different techniques on areas suffering different levels of overgrowth to restore dune heath habitats, including the priority habitat types: fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation (‘grey dunes’) (2130*) and decalcified fixed dunes with Empetrum nigrum (2140*). It aimed to secure viable populations of primarily Bufo calamita and Rana arvalis along the Danish west coast in the project area containing decalcified fixed dunes with a mosaic of humid dune slacks.
RESULTS
This large-scale project has succeeded in improving the conservation status of the dune heath areas involved and on the priority habitat types 2130* (Fixed grey dunes) and 2140* (Decalcified fixed dunes with Empetrum nigrum). 37.78 ha of key land were purchased from private land owners and breeding sites for herpetofauna - primarily for Bufo calamita and Rana arvalis - were improved. The methodologies applied and the best practice identified in the project led to the production of extensive and intensive monitoring reports and Best Management Practice Guidelines. These have already been used in other dune heath areas, private as well as state owned, inside as well as outside Natura 2000 areas. Similarly, the methodologies of clearing plantations and mosaic burning have attracted international interest amongst relevant authorities. Co-operation and exchange has been established with Dutch and Swedish entities. The project cleared invasive vegetation and non-indigenous trees to encourage the restoration of dune heath habitats. It cleared 388 ha of plantations, 516 ha of dense overgrowth and 4972 ha of tree encroachment. Grazing, burning and cutting was carried out on 2909 ha. The project managed more hectares than originally planned. However, the project found that efforts to use grazing as a management tool in marginal areas such as these are faced with financial constraints resulting from the CAP, since farmers are unwilling to enter into grazing agreements without accompanying subsidies. Drainage trenches were closed in three project sites to retain surface water in the area for longer in the summer and restore the natural hydrology. The raised water table contributes to keeping the area clear of invading trees, maintaining the natural dynamics and diversifying the dune heath habitat niches. These are key components of these habitats and vital for the flora and fauna. The public awareness and understanding of the current nature conservation issues, habitats of EU importance and Natura2000 network was increased through the project website, video and booklet made available in Danish and English. This large-scale project has succeeded in improving the conservation status of the dune heath areas involved and on the priority habitat types 2130* (Fixed grey dunes) and 2140* (Decalcified fixed dunes with Empetrum nigrum). 37.78 ha of key land were purchased from private land owners and breeding sites for herpetofauna - primarily for Bufo calamita and Rana arvalis - were improved. The methodologies applied and the best practice identified in the project led to the production of extensive and intensive monitoring reports and Best Management Practice Guidelines. These have already been used in other dune heath areas, private as well as state owned, inside as well as outside Natura 2000 areas. Similarly, the methodologies of clearing plantations and mosaic burning have attracted international interest amongst relevant authorities. Co-operation and exchange has been established with Dutch and Swedish entities. The project cleared invasive vegetation and non-indigenous trees to encourage the restoration of dune heath habitats. It cleared 388 ha of plantations, 516 ha of dense overgrowth and 4972 ha of tree encroachment. Grazing, burning and cutting was carried out on 2909 ha. The project managed more hectares than originally planned. However, the project found that efforts to use grazing as a management tool in marginal areas such as these are faced with financial constraints resulting from the CAP, since farmers are unwilling to enter into grazing agreements without accompanying subsidies. Drainage trenches were closed in three project sites to retain surface water in the area for longer in the summer and restore the natural hydrology. The raised water table contributes to keeping the area clear of invading trees, maintaining the natural dynamics and diversifying the dune heath habitat niches. These are key components of these habitats and vital for the flora and fauna. The public awareness and understanding of the current nature conservation issues, habitats of EU importance and Natura2000 network was increased through the project website, video and booklet made available in Danish and English.
