PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The 30 km long Skagen Odde in northern Denmark is one of the world’s largest headlands. On a national and European level, the headland contains one of the largest coherent areas of grey dunes and dune heath. This pristine nutrient-poor and vulnerable headland forms an important part of Denmark’s natural heritage. However, the area faces a number of on-going threats, such as a lack of natural hydrological conditions, invasive alien plant species (IAS), the degradation of sensitive areas due to traffic, and the loss of, and disturbance to, breeding areas for key animal and bird species (including predation on nests).
OBJECTIVES
The objective of the REWETDUNE-LIFE project was to tackle all the threats to the Skagen Odde headland in northern Denmark at local level, in order to significantly improve the conservation status of Habitats Directive wet and dune habitat types 2130*, 2140* and 2190, on the two northernmost Natura 2000 sites in Denmark: the terrestrial part of ‘Skagens Gren og Skagerak’ and ‘Råbjerg Mile og Hulsig Hede’. It also aimed to create favourable conditions for two species, Eurasian bittern (Botaurus stellaris) and wood sandpiper (Tringa glareola).
RESULTS
The REWETDUNE-LIFE project addressed all the identified threats at local level in the terrestrial part of ‘Skagens Gren og Skagerak’ and in the ‘Råbjerg Mile og Hulsig Hede’ Natura 2000 sites on the Skagen Odde headland in northern Denmark. These included threats to three habitat types listed in the annexes of the Habitats Directive, and the species Eurasian bittern (Botaurus stellaris) and wood sandpiper (Tringa glareola). Restoration actions significantly improved the conservation status of habitats listed in the Annex I of the Habitats Directive with thecodes 2130, 2140 and 2190, and conditions for the two targeted bird species, in both Natura 2000 sites.
Monitoring done by the project showed increases in the targeted habitats: ‘Grey dunes’ (2130*) from 1 710 ha (2011) to 1 1785 ha (2019); ‘Coastal dune heaths’ (2140*) from 1 468 ha (2011) to 1 653 ha (2019); and ‘Humid dune slacks’ (2190) from 842 ha (2011) to 878 ha (2019). The expectation is that areas restored will develop further and become more distinct. The monitoring showed that Botaurus stellaris was seen in the area during the project period. It is not breeding, but the conclusion is that it might be re-colonising the area. Regarding Tringa glareola, a pair has been singing in the area, though breeding was not yet confirmed. The conditions for both species have considerably improved through the project’s activities.
The project team cleared 3 027 ha (1 500 ha foreseen) of unwanted conifers in open dune habitats, resulting in the re-establishment of the dune landscape, thus creating the basis for the development of the targeted habitat types during the years to come. They cleared 46.3 ha (12.2 ha foreseen) of plantation and converted it to light-demanding dune habitats; combatted invasive alien species (IAS), particularly 633 ha of dense stands of beach rose (Rosa rugosa) on 314 ha and Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) on 0.1 ha; and established new fences for cattle grazing on 217 ha and purchased/loaned 35 cattle for grazing in natural areas. A network for cattle breeders was established that has enabled grazing to take place on smaller properties. Three scrapes were established totalling 3.5 ha, and controlled burning of 367 ha with bush grass was carried out. In total, 21.3 km of ditches were closed or regulated to raise water levels and restore natural hydrology, to favour wetlands in dune habitats, on approximately 760 ha.
An Information Centre was established at Grenen, to disseminate the project’s results and provide a wide range of information about Skagen Odde. To showcase the project’s actions, here and elsewhere, a 38-minute long video film about nature at Skagen Odde and the LIFE project was produced. An awareness-raising campaign was conducted to promote appropriate behaviour in vulnerable nature areas. Other dissemination actions included setting up 10 information boards and organising 45 guided tours.
The project should have a positive long-term effect on the targeted habitat types and species, and therefore a long-term benefit for both Natura 2000 sites. The project directly implements the Habitats Directive, and contributes towards the implementation of Targets 1, 2 and 5 of the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2020. The future management of the project areas is dependent on EU policy for agriculture, food and rural development.
Innovative remote sensing methods were used to map the occurrence of IAS, giving quick and cost-effective overviews of the situation. Surrounding vegetation can result in false positive and negative results, so it was recommended that visual controls be also done. Best practices for controlling IAS on difficult terrain were established, which combine several methods according to terrain and weather conditions. Methods for beach rose included crushing with remote-controlled robotic crushers, which were best suited to irregular dune terrain. On flat terrain, the RotoWeed method was recommended.
The long-term economic benefits are mainly generated due to the extra income from grazing, and the expanding business opportunities from more livestock and grazing. Where there is an economic advantage, nature conservation can be extended to areas outside Natura 2000 sites. Through the project, a collaboration was developed with the Fire Department regarding the use of fire as an effective tool for nature conservation.
Social community between neighbours / cattle breeders can be strengthened through a better understanding of vulnerable nature areas. The project’s information tours raised interest in the habitats of the Skagen Odde. Furthermore, the project has promoted the production and supply of carbon-neutral wood fuel chips to regional heating plants, in quantities that correspond to the energy required to heat up to 350 single-family homes in one year.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Communication Plan (see "Read more" section).
