PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The mosaic of wetland habitats in the Eislek (also known as the Eisleck or ösling) region in the north of Luxembourg, are characterised by the high plateau landscape of the Ardennes, reaching 560 metres in altitude, and a network of small rivers and water bodies. The wetland habitat types are essential for three especially-valuable EU species: the violet copper butterfly (Lycaena helle) that is only found in Luxemburg in the Eislek wetlands in small isolated populations; the whinchat (Saxicola rubetra), a migrating bird in the Muscicapidae family; and the red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio), a carnivorous passerine bird species of the family Laniidae. The wetland habitats and their associated species are threatened by the development and expansion of the intensively-managed rural landscape.
OBJECTIVES
The LIFE Eislek project’s overall objective was to restore the mosaic of wetland habitats in Eislek to improve the conservation status of three target species, namely, the violet copper butterfly and the bird species whinchat and red-backed shrike. The project aimed to achieve this goal through land purchase; various habitat restoration actions, including the restoration of abandoned wetlands, drained wetlands and conifer plantations on wetlands; and the design and adoption of a management plan for the pastures and meadows situated in the core project areas in eleven Natura 2000 network sites in this wetland region in the north of Luxembourg.
RESULTS
The LIFE Eislek project improved the management and conditions of around 170 ha of wetlands in eleven Natura 2000 sites through concrete conservation actions, to protect wetland habitats and three target species: violet copper butterfly, whinchat and red-backed shrike. The project established long-term management plans, in collaboration with farmers and other stakeholders; and contributed to the development of ten Natura 2000 management plans by providing advice on the habitats and species targeted in the project.
In particular, the project team purchased 32.56 ha of land for nature conservation purposes and restored it through conservation actions; managed 43 ha of fallow land; and restored 15 ha of wetland by removing spruce trees and clearing old conifer plantations. They planted 9.5 ha of meadows with common bistort (Persicaria bistorta), a larval foodplant for the violet copper; closed 587 m of drains to retain water in wetland habitats; established 12.5 km of fences; excavated 6 ponds; and planted 7 676 hedge species and trees. In addition, the project built one cattle shed and established a walking trail.
The project team finalised 10 Natura 2000 management plans, and worked closely with farmers who signed 17 biodiversity management contracts covering more than 70 ha. The positive impacts of the project’s actions are expected to last for at least the next ten years. Monitoring activities for the targeted species initiated by the project in the Natura 2000 sites are now part of the national monitoring scheme.
In addition, the project helped extend two Natura 2000 sites (‘Vallée de la Tretterbaach’ and ‘Troisvierges – Cornelysmillen’), in which new violet copper butterfly populations were discovered by the LIFE project team.
The project used innovative wetland restoration techniques, some of which had not previously been applied in Luxembourg. These included the use of a low-impact Pistenbully tractor (especially developed for working in nature reserves) for mechanised mowing and willow-root removal; the re-meandering technique applied on part of the Trëtterbaach rivulet; and the techniques tested to identify the best method for transplanting common bistort rhizomes to restore grasslands. In terms of policy, the project contributed to the conservation of species and habitats targeted by the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive. By acquiring land plots, the project contributed to reducing habitat fragmentation, by helping create and improve ecological stepping stones and corridors in line with the EU Strategy on Green Infrastructure . By working with “umbrella species" the project also benefitted many other species living in the restored wetland habitats; a priority objective of the 7th Environment Action Programme (EAP). The project contributed to the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive, by re-meandering part of the rivulet, fencing grazed areas along rivers and cutting spruce plantations bordering rivers and streams, which had a positive impact on water quality (e.g. by lowering sediment rates). The project also directly contributed to the second pillar of the EU’s common agricultural policy, by encouraging farmers to take a positive role in conservation.
The project’s socio-economic analysis calculated that the project actions had an annual total economic value of around €2.5 million (starting from 2030 when the wetland is fully established), as a result of enhanced ecosystem services and socio-economic benefits. However, this figure needs to be balanced with the yearly costs for post-LIFE management of the restored areas. In terms of ecosystem services, project actions contributed to enhancing erosion regulation, flood protection and water purification, climate change adaptation, and pollination services.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report (see "Read more" section).
