PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Alkaline fens (a habitat type listed in Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive) are one of the most valuable and ecologically interesting – and also one of the most difficult to protect – of European ecosystems. Their functioning is conditioned by interaction of external factors such as the appropriate geological conditions (the presence of rocks and minerals of a suitable chemical composition) or the proper functioning of the regional hydrological system. Well-preserved fragments of these ecosystems are home to large number of endangered and protected species of flora and fauna.
The intensive drainage of wetlands in the 20th century has led to the disappearance of some 80% of Poland’s alkaline fens.
The extreme risk to Polish alkaline fens has been confirmed by the results of an inventory of habitats carried out by the project beneficiary, Klub Przyrodników, during 2008-2011. This indicated that only 10-15% of the country’s alkaline fens have characteristic vegetation. From hundreds of inventoried samples only 34 were selected in northern Poland, which at the same time is the area of the most important refuges in the country of the rare plant species marsh saxifrage (Saxifraga hirculus), fen orchid (Liparis loeselii) and slender green feather moss (Hamatocaulis vernicosu). Amongst the sites selected by this project are the most valuable alkaline fens of the valleys of Biebrza and Rospuda, Sejny Lake, Augustow Forest and the Kashubian Lake District.
OBJECTIVES
The ‘AlkFens_PL’ project focused on the protection of alkaline fens in 35 Natura 2000 sites located in northern Poland (land was purchased and conservation measures conducted in 5 N2000 sites). This large-scale project is of great significance since the project area incorporates some 70% of the total alkaline fens of northern Poland. The general objective was to prevent their degradation and to achieve or maintain “favourable” conservation status. This enables improving of the conservation prospects for the many associated rare and endangered plants they support.
Specific project objectives included:
- Preventing excessive runoff and increase groundwater levels in the alkaline fens;
- Preventing mineralisation and eutrophication of surface layers of peat;
- Halting biodiversity decline caused by the spread of peat species such as grasses, trees and shrubs;
- Strengthening the regional marsh saxifrage population;
- Disseminating information on conservation methods, based on good conservation plans and good management plans;
- Promoting the protection of alkaline fens as refuges for rare and endangered species;
- Promoting the protection of alkaline fens as CO2 accumulating areas; and
- Establishing an interest group dedicated to building on the project results for the long-term protection of Poland’s alkaline fens.
RESULTS
The project's goal was achieved by the following results:
- 11 draft conservation plans were prepared for existing and planned reserves and 5 new nature reserves were established in the pomorskie region, which is a higher indicator and proved more efficient protection of the alkaline fens within the nature reserves.
- 75 sets of documentation with conservation tasks were prepared for management of the 7230 habitat.
- 62 ha were purchased for nature conservation purpose.
- 127 valves were constructed and 5 special pipes fixed in beaver dams to improve water conditions of alkaline fens.
- Tree removal on 173 ha and preparatory mowing for extensive use of fens was conducted on 195 ha.
- Saxifraga hirculus was reintroduced in 8 areas - on the best preserved patches of 7230 habitat.
- Hydrological and phyto-sociological monitoring data from 23 fen areas were collected in database and published in a scientific report.
- Assessment of carbon accumulation by alkaline fens – the study was produced to present effectiveness of the project activities and their impact on coal accumulation by alkaline fens.
- Promotional materials and events allowed stakeholders to learn about the project; Good Practice Guidebook on alkaline fens conservation (in PL and EN) summarizes the project experience.
