PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The latest EU Habitats Directive Article 17 report on the conservation status of habitats and species highlights the particularly 'unfavourable' conservation status of grasslands. Belgiums Lorraine and southern Ardennes areas are important regions for the conservation of semi-natural grasslands types listed in the annexes of the Habitat Directive.
OBJECTIVES
The Herbages project aimed to improve the conservation status of 400 ha of grasslands, meadows and humid forests in Belgium, including 11 protected habitat types listed in Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive, by improving the functionality of the areas ecological network. Specifically, the project aimed to prevent extinction of the habitats characteristic species, especially those most vulnerable to fragmentation, by population reinforcement and reintroductions after their habitats had been restored. The project also aimed to develop regional expertise in the restoration of rarely targeted habitats; improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the implemented restoration actions by enhancing the state of knowledge on the habitats and their typical species; and improve the ecological connectivity of grasslands in and between Natura 2000 network sites through the use of stepping stones and corridors. Methods also included land purchase, mowing, and implementing an adjusted hydrological management and monitoring system. All of the proposed 250 ha of land acquired will be restored (60% of project actions were planned on purchased land).
RESULTS
The Herbages project led to improvements in the conservation status of grasslands, meadows and humid forest habitats in Belgium, including 11 habitat types listed in Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive.
Firstly, the project partners surveyed 75 000 ha of target habitats outside Natura 2000 sites, established plans for harvesting seeds from 6 characteristic plant species, and conducted soil sample analysis to confirm that phosphorus levels were not a problem for restorations. In total, the project purchased 118.7 ha of land to restore priority habitats. In addition, 188.9 ha were purchased to restore non priority habitats. Moreover, agreements were made with 9 municipalities to compensate for lost wood (e.g. timber) revenues in order to restore habitats on 72.5 ha.
The project partners restored Xeric sand calcareous grasslands (6120*) on 67 ha; Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometalia) (6210*) on 31 ha; Species rich Nardus grasslands (6230*) on 128 ha; grasslands and tall herbs habitats (6410, 6430, 6510, 6520) on 318 ha; and Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) (7220*) on 2.4 ha. Alkaline fens (7230) were restored on 15 ha by clear cutting of plantations and sod cutting. Bog woodland (91D0*) and Alluvial forests (91E0*) were restored on 56 ha, by the logging of 25 ha of coniferous plantations and the sealing of drains.
A total of 294 800 seeds of 6 targeted species were collected, in order to cultivate the species to produce plants for reintroduction in restored habitats. Five species (Dianthus deltoides, Petrorhagia prolifera, Helichrysum arenarium, Campanula glomerata, and Arnica montana) were propagated, with 9 100 individuals produced and reintroduced in 17 sites.
The project partners conducted further restoration actions to improve the connectivity of the calcareous grassland habitats (6120*, 6210*) between the different Natura 2000 sites. For this, trees were cut on 11.2 ha and along 10.2 km of roadsides.
To facilitate ongoing monitoring of the conservation status of the habitats, a baseline survey was completed for 413 ha for the 11 targeted habitats. A restoration survey was completed for 629 ha. Monitoring was also conducted for the introduced and reinforced populations, and the biodiversity linked with the restored habitats, including reptiles, plants, butterflies, grasshoppers, bryophytes, birds, and hymenoptera.
The projects findings were disseminated via the website (www.life-herbages.eu), 10 electronic newsletters, 5 000 leaflets, 24 permanent information panels along walking paths, in reports and articles, and at 19 conferences. The project team organised 17 training sessions for field managers, including 10 on how to manage nature reserves, and 260 nature activities attended by 9 529 members of the general public. The large scale of the project activities ensured that the results and the lessons learnt are highly significant. It represented an innovative nature conservation project, at least in Belgium and more specifically in Wallonia, with a high demonstration value. The projects techniques were already widely-known and being transferred to other projects, when the Herbages project concluded.
The project actions directly contribute to the implementation of the EU Habitats Directive, and indirectly to the Birds Directive. The restoration of semi-natural habitats and the increase of agricultural area without pesticide and fertiliser use (thanks to land purchase and other contractual agreements) are beneficial for birds. The newly protected and restored areas are in many cases extensions of exiting protected areas, including once fragmented areas, so the benefits of positive management are boosted by the size effect and the synergies. The project also has a positive impact on agricultural policies, such as agri-environmental schemes.
In terms of socio-economic benefits, the project employed 60 people; while 118 local companies were contracted, with a total budget for external assistance of 2 861 000. Contracts worth 336 700/year were agreed with 48 farmers and associated agricultural environmental management practitioners for managing 518 ha. Nine young farmers (aged under 40) also started a new agricultural professional activity. In addition, 10 forest exploitation contracts were agreed.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).
