PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
In the Czech Republic, natural thermophilic habitats occur only in scattered and small areas. The occurrence of these species-rich grassland and forest habitats in the České středohoří hills is linked to human activities. Due to historical, political and social changes over past decades, cattle breeding decreased significantly, and sustainable farming management was not pursued. Intensification of agriculture was accompanied by heavy mechanisation and frequent use of chemical fertilisers. Also, non-indigenous tree species, including invasive species, were planted in many places, and many meadows were abandoned or poorly managed. As a result, grassland habitats and species have been endangered by ongoing successions. Although financial subsidy conditions for farmers are promoting conservation, valuable areas in terms of biodiversity have yet to be managed. A key obstacle for farmers today is the high cost of eliminating self-seeding shrub and trees. Both thermophilous grassland and forest target habitats, associated with the volcanic rock of the area, are at risk due to the spread of invasive species such as black locust.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of LIFE České středohoří was to improve the conservation status of thermophilous habitats and species in the central part of the České středohoří hills (total area 277 ha) in Czech Republic. Their stabilisation would support and enlarge the Natura 2000 network, and protect habitats and species listed in the annexes of the Habitats Directive.
Specific objectives were:
- the enlargement of the area of functional target grassland habitats, with restoration and stabilisation measures carried out over 175 ha;
- the stabilisation of target species populations;
- an increase in biodiversity of selected Natura 2000 forest habitats;
- the development of a GPS-based audio guide as an innovative aspect of the project;
- continued support to farmers and cooperation with forest managers in assuring long term sustainability of the project investment;
- a timely update of necessary data and knowledge, with tests of optimal combinations of management measures for each site, and subsequent preparation of a management plan for the project area;
- awareness raising activities among the public, especially in local communities and municipalities.
RESULTS
Achieved results include:
- restoration measures carried out on 156 ha of degraded grasslands: in total, the state of 169 ha of valuable grassland habitats was improved, with habitat 6210 Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometalia) supported on 123 ha;
- support of natural species composition of the forest habitats on 380 ha: natural tree composition of habitat 9170 Galio-Carpinetum oak-hornbeam forests was improved on 257 ha, habitat 9180* Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes and ravines on 65 ha, habitat 91I0 Euro-Siberian steppic woods with Quercus spp. on 30 ha, habitat 9130 Asperulo-Fagetum beech forests on 16.5 ha, and habitat 9110 Luzulo-Fagetum beech forests on 13.5 ha;
- increase in populations of the valuable target species on the project sites: the significant increase in abundance of the grasshopper Stenobothrus eurasius, the green lizard Lacerta viridis by more than 100%, the speargrass Stipa zalesskii by 58% and the eastern pasqueflower Pulsatilla patens by about 26%, and lady's slipper orchid Cypriperidum calceolus by 50%;
- stabilisation of populations of the Jersey tiger Callimorpha quadripunctaria,
- Enlargement of suitable sites for the Hermit beetle Osmoderma eremita and the Stag beetle Lucanus cervus;
- suppression of the invasive species on the project sites, especially the black locust Robinia pseudoacacia, the woad Isatis tinctoria and Opuntia.
- production of 10 geolocation games – trails with GPS audio guide were created and they are available;
- training of 176 volunteers and providing 53 teachers with professional courses ;
- awareness raising about the importance of termophilous habitats and their protection among more than 50 000 people.
