PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Hejnum Kallgate is a valuable wetland complex and Natura 2000 site in the north of Gotland. The site is situated between the Ancylus shingle beach ridge in the west and the Litorina shingle ridge in the east. Between these two ridges the ground is very flat, leading to slow outflow of water. The exceptionally distinctive hydrologic conditions prevailing in the area have created a suitable habitat for many distinctive species of vascular plants and fauna. Several species and subspecies are endemic to this area, and several other species of vascular plants cannot be found anywhere else on Gotland.
OBJECTIVES
The project’s overall objective was to prepare a framework for achieving a successful balance between the nature conservation and land-use for grazing in the Hejnum Kallgate wetland area.
This would be achieved through the following interrelated objectives:
These specific aims would be met through various actions. Firstly, various preparatory actions would be carried out. These would cover the preparation of work plans and hydrological study and include aerial photos. The main bulk of the work would then focus on the implementation of protection plans, i.e. the restoration and conservation of the targeted habitats and species. Among the planned habitat improvement actions, the project aimed to clear some 160 ha bog woodland and put up 16.3 km of fencing. It also aimed to create a permanent closure of 3.2 km near a main road with heavy traffic. Finally, the project aimed to carry out various awareness-raising activities including creating a small parking and information area, an observation tower and foot paths of 7.3km.
RESULTS
The project generally achieved its objectives and was able to maintain or improve the conservation status of the targeted habitats and species. As planned, the project team first carried out the preparatory work covering the work plans for the restoration activities, the aerial study of the historical land use of the site, hydrological study and securing of the long term facilities for the grazing livestock.
The project team manually restored a total of 83 ha of the targeted habitats – Juniperus communis formations on heaths and calcareous grasslands, alkaline fens, Fennoscandian wooded pastures and bog woodlands.
Concerning the restoration of areas of grazed woodland, in the initial phase of the project the team marked the bushes and trees to be removed manually for thinning/ clearance. The method of marking was mainly to enlarge already existing glades and combine them with small openings where grazing cows already had their paths. It proved a very effective restoration method, demonstrating to landowners (farmers) the desired structures of a mosaic, grazed landscape with both open glades, and in parts, more dense areas. Later the farm workers carried out this work themselves, with some guidance from the LIFE team.
The project also secured the protection and favourable habitat status for the lady’s slipper orchid and Marsh Fritillary butterfly species. This was achieved through the restoration of habitats, adjustment of grazing schemes and an information campaign.
Finally, the project put a large effort into raising public awareness of the importance of the site. Activities included establishing an information centre for the site, preparation of various dissemination materials, guided tours and meetings and the construction of a walking trail.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).
The project generally achieved its objectives and was able to maintain or improve the conservation status of the targeted habitats and species. As planned, the project team first carried out the preparatory work covering the work plans for the restoration activities, the aerial study of the historical land use of the site, hydrological study and securing of the long term facilities for the grazing livestock.The project team manually restored a total of 83 ha of the targeted habitats – Juniperus communis formations on heaths and calcareous grasslands, alkaline fens, Fennoscandian wooded pastures and bog woodlands.
Concerning the restoration of areas of grazed woodland, in the initial phase of the project the team marked the bushes and trees to be removed manually for thinning/ clearance. The method of marking was mainly to enlarge already existing glades and combine them with small openings where grazing cows already had their paths. It proved a very effective restoration method, demonstrating to landowners (farmers) the desired structures of a mosaic, grazed landscape with both open glades, and in parts, more dense areas. Later the farm workers carried out this work themselves, with some guidance from the LIFE team.
The project also secured the protection and favourable habitat status for the lady’s slipper orchid and Marsh Fritillary butterfly species. This was achieved through the restoration of habitats, adjustment of grazing schemes and an information campaign.
Finally, the project put a large effort into raising public awareness of the importance of the site. Activities included establishing an information centre for the site, preparation of various dissemination materials, guided tours and meetings and the construction of a walking trail.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).
