Restitute and maintain the habitats of breeding waterfowl birds

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

Warta Mouth National Park takes in part of the Warta River Mouth Natura 2000 site, which is designated for its high ornithological value. Its unique wetlands, spacious meadows and pastures count among the most crucial aquatic birds habitats in Poland and Europe. In this area, about 270 bird species have been recorded and some 170 species breeds here. Lowland grass meadows located in the southern part of the Park are favoured as breeding areas for many birds.

Previously the meadows were grazed and mowed but land use changes over recent decades have led to about 200 ha of the Park’s meadow habitats becoming overgrown with willow. Monitoring indicates that conditions for birds nesting have significantly deteriorated in these overgrown areas, and some species have almost entirely disappeared from parts of the National Park.

OBJECTIVES

The general objective of this LIFE Nature project is to restore and maintain habitats for breeding waterfowl birds that nest in meadow areas. Target species include the corncrake, gulls, terns, plovers and some ducks.

Habitat work will safeguard appropriate plant succession processes and focus on permanently removing willow bushes. A two year programme of intensive grazing will be introduced in order to inhibit willow regeneration. This will be followed by the reintroduction of pasture on the meadows.

Expected results:

The main expected result is a reduction in secondary succession of willow shrubs on 200 ha within the Warta Mouth National Park;

Willow management measures will help to restore the meadows as valuable breeding areas for priority bird species;

The introduction of new grazing regimes will ensure long term sustainable development benefits.