PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Reeds have declined greatly in the past 20 years, while floating-leaf plants have also decreased recently. In the nature reserve NSG Bienener Altrhein, Millinger und Hurler Meer, 65% of tall-growing reed stands have been lost. In particular, the lesser bulrush (Typha angustifolia) and the bulrush (Typha latifolia) have almost disappeared, mainly due to their consumption by the coypu (Myocastor coypus), an invasive species. This nature reserve and another, NSG Grietherorter Altrhein, host around one-sixth of the total area of turbid lakes and ponds in North Rhine-Westphalia. The conservation status of these habitats is currently good, but is expected to deteriorate if the reed decline is not stopped.
Bird species such as the black tern (Chlidonias niger) and the bittern (Botaurus stellaris), listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive which covers threatened wild bird species, depend on the reeds and muddy river bank habitats.
OBJECTIVES
The Reeds for LIFE project will take measures to counteract the decline in reeds and floating-leaf plants. It aims to restore tall-growing reeds and encourage floating-leaf plants as essential components of turbid lakes and ponds, while simultaneously controlling the invasive coypu in a sustainable way.
Reeds for LIFE's work should improve the conservation status of important species and habitats within the two nature reserves NSG Bienener Altrhein, Millinger und Hurler Meer and NSG Grietherorter Altrhein. In particular, it will target the turbid lakes and ponds in NSG Bienener Altrhein, Millinger und Hurler Meer, as well as muddy river bank habitats. The black tern, bittern and other valuable water bird and reed marsh species will benefit. Reeds for LIFE aims to preserve and enhance the black tern breeding population, while the bittern may re-establish itself in the project area.
Reeds for LIFE is linked to several areas of EU policy and legislation. It will help meet the objectives of the EU biodiversity strategy and with implementation of the Habitats and Birds directives and the EU Regulation 1143/2014 on Invasive Alien Species. The project also has synergies with the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) and the Floods Directive (2007/60/EG).
Expected results:
