PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The project covers a 5 739 ha area and 18 Natura 2000 sites. These high plateaux and valleys of the Liege Ardennes are strategically located between two other natural areas with similar ecosystems that have already taken advantage of large LIFE restoration projects (the high Hautes-Fagnes Plateau and the Tailles Plateau). It is an area of great ecological value, with at least 14 habitats covered by Annex 1 of the Habitats Directive. Some 64% of the project sites are covered by forests (16% deciduous, 39% coniferous, 9% mixed); 17% by partially humid or mountain hay meadows; and 14% by heaths, grasslands, mires and bogs. The main economic activities in the region are forestry, game and tourism. Some 1 419 ha are occupied by spruce plantations in areas classified as wet soils - including peat, alluvial, wet and very wet soils, as well as spring areas. These are often located in floodplains, which are very important ecological and migratory areas, and are thus candidates for restoration. Moreover, most of the wet open areas in the region are degraded, even in the 755 ha already protected by a Natural Reserve status. They are therefore also candidate areas for restoration actions.
OBJECTIVES
This project aims to restore a range of peaty and wet habitats, and therby increase and improve the connectivity between peaty and wet habitats in the Ardennes plateau chain. It will complete the restoration of the network of wet habitats, started in 2002 within the framework of five LIFE projects and further reduce the risks associated with fragmentation. The project will tackle the degrading of sites from spruce plantation, the drying of soils and the recolonisation of areas by purple moor grass. It will eradicate both deciduous and coniferous seedlings on 750 ha and stop natural spruce regeneration on 100 ha. 200 ha of spruce plantations will be purchased for restoration, and 250 ha of spruce plantations will be cut and affected to nature conservation, through contracts or natural reserve status. Hydrological restoration of peaty or very wet soil will be facilitated by: ditch blocking (40 km); building small and large dams (2 km); and digging small ponds (2,5 ha). The project will also restore heaths, meadows and grasslands and introduce measures for their long-term management by appropriate and targeted use of sod cutting (15 ha), rotovating (75 ha), mowing (20 ha) and the introduction of cattle grazing in 10 km2 enclosures. It will also control natural regeneration on 325 ha of deforested areas and restore natural deciduous forest within 20 km2 of enclosures.
Expected results:
- Restoration of at least 500 ha of open and forest habitats (mainly peaty/wet);
- Improved connectivity between target high plateau habitats;
- Increase in population numbers of key bird species relying on these habitats; and
- Involvement of local farmers and NGOs in long-term management measures.
