LIFE and Europe's grasslands : restoring a forgotten habitat.
Date: 2008-12-23
Institutions: Directorate-General for Environment
Subjects: EU programme, biodiversity, grassland, protection of animal life, protection of plant life

L I F E   I I I

LIFE and Europe´s grasslands

Restoring a forgotten habitat  

 
European Commission
Environment Directorate-General

LIFE (“The Financial Instrument for the Environment”) is a programme launched by the European Commission and coordinated 

by the Environment Directorate-General (LIFE Unit - E.4).

The contents of the publication “LIFE and Europe’s grasslands: Restoring a forgotten habitat” do not necessarily reflect the 

opinions of the institutions of the European Union.

Authors: João Pedro Silva (Technical expert), Justin Toland, Wendy Jones, Jon Eldridge, Edward Thorpe, Eamon O’Hara (Astrale 
GEIE-AEIDL, Communications Team Coordinator). Managing Editor: Philip Owen, European Commission, Environment DG, 
LIFE Unit – BU-9, 02/1, 200 rue de la Loi, B-1049 Brussels. LIFE Focus series coordination: Simon Goss (LIFE Communica-
tions Coordinator), Evelyne Jussiant (DG Environment Communications Coordinator). The following people also worked on 
this issue: Juan Pérez Lorenzo, Frank Vassen, Karin Zaunberger, Aixa Sopeña, Andrej Seliškar, Iva Rossi, Lubos Halada, Camilla 
Strandberg-Panelius, Lynne Barratt, Chloé Weeger. Production: Monique Braem. Graphic design: Daniel Renders, Anita Cortés 
(Astrale GEIE-AEIDL). Acknowledgements: Thanks to all LIFE project beneficiaries who contributed comments, photos and other 
useful material for this report. Photos: Unless otherwise specified; photos are from the respective projects. This issue of LIFE 
Focus is published in English with a print-run of 5,000 copies and is also available online.

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LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands  I  p. 

Philip Owen

Grassland ecosystems hold an important part of Europe’s biodiversity. They offer ideal conditions for a vast 

diversity of habitats and species, and are especially important for birds and invertebrates, providing vital breeding 

grounds. Grasslands are also the source of a wide range of public goods and services, ranging from meat and 

dairy products to recreational and tourism opportunities. In addition, they act as carbon ‘sinks’ and are therefore 

a vital asset in the effort to reduce levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. 

Except for very limited areas of special natural grassland types, most European grasslands are maintained 

through grazing or cutting. However, changes in agricultural practices and land use pressures mean that grass-

lands are disappearing at an alarming rate and are nowadays among Europe’s most threatened ecosystems.

As a contracting party to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the European Community has taken 

decisive steps to fulfil its commitments and to meet the target defined by the Heads of State and Government, to 

halt biodiversity loss by 2010. In May 2006, the European Commission adopted a Communication on Biodiversity 

and an Action Plan that defines priority actions to meet this target. Many of the objectives, targets and actions 

are directly relevant to the conservation and wise use of grasslands.

The Habitats and Birds directives are the main pieces of legislation ensuring the protection of Europe’s grass-

lands.

Since its beginning, the Commission’s environment and nature funding programme, LIFE, has been contributing 

to projects with actions targeting grassland ecosystems within the Natura 2000 network. This brochure presents 

a selection of grassland projects that have received LIFE co-funding since 1992. The majority of projects focus 

on the restoration and management of grasslands, while a few also target key grasslands species. 

Of particular importance is the link between agriculture and grasslands habitats, which is being developed 

through LIFE and will be strengthened by the Rural Development Programme. EU Rural Development Policy aims 

to reconcile agriculture with the objectives of EU nature conservation policy. This goal is achieved by financing 

agri-environmental measures that go beyond the usual good farming practices and that have a direct impact on 

the conservation of European grasslands, particularly through the maintenance of extensive systems and support 

for agriculture in Natura 2000 sites. 

Looking to the future, it is hoped that Member States will take advantage of new opportunities for the funding of 

grassland projects under the Commission’s LIFE+ programme.

Philip Owen

Head of Unit – LIFE

Directorate-General for the Environment

European Commission

Background to Europe’s 
grasslands  ................... 3

Mountain and steppe 
grasslands  ................. 21

European grasslands  

– definition, status and 

threats .............................. 3

Introduction to mountain 

and steppe grasslands ... 21

Italy: Pastureland and  

EU grasslands policy  ....... 6

peat bog conservation  

LIFE’s contribution to 

in Piedmont .................... 23 

grasslands  ....................... 8

Italy: Managing Tuscan 

Dry and calcareous 
grasslands  ................... 9

Introduction to dry and  

calcareous grasslands  ..... 9

Germany: Restoring  

and conserving xeric  

grasslands  ..................... 11

Denmark: From timber  

to biodiversity  ................ 13

Belgium: Local involvement 

in limestone grassland 

management .................. 16

Slovenia: Conservation  

at the Karst Edge  ........... 17

France: Emergency  
measures benefit dry  

grasslands  ..................... 19

mountain grasslands ...... 25

Hungary: Restoring  

grasslands and marshes  

in the Hortobágy ............. 27

Sweden: Converting  

spruce plantations into 

grasslands ...................... 29 

Germany: Conserving  

the inland salt marshes  

of Thuringia .................... 32

Grasslands as high  
biodiversity farmland 
areas  ......................... 33

Introduction to grasslands 

as high biodiversity  

farmland areas  ..............  33

Ireland: Farming for  

conservation in the  

Burren  ...........................  35

Latvia: Protecting floodplain 

meadows in partnership 

with farmers ...................  39

Spain: La Serena  

– a farming model that  

lets birdlife flourish .......... 41

UK: Limestone pavements 

– a restoration success 

story ..............................  42

Grasslands species ..... 43

Introduction to  

grasslands species ......... 43

Bustards: LIFE support for 

grasslands bird species ... 44

Falcons and kestrels:  

Conserving these  

majestic hunters  ............ 46

Habitat restoration and 

management to aid the 

threatened corncrake ..... 48

Invertebrates: An essential 

and oft forgotten element  

of grasslands  ................  49

Further projects  
focusing on grasslands .. 51

List of available LIFE  

publications .................... 53

LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands  I  p. 

Europe’s grasslands  
– definition, status and threats

Europe’s grasslands are one of our most important biotopes. In this section, we define what is 

meant by ‘grasslands’, examine the status of this habitat-type and look at the threats it is facing. 

Area under grassland in utilised agricultural area (UAA)  
in some European countries in 1995

Area under permanent grassland

What are grasslands?

In its narrow sense, ‘grassland’ may 

be defined as ground covered by veg-

etation dominated by grasses, with lit-

tle or no tree cover; UNESCO defines 

grassland as “land covered with her-

baceous plants with less than 10 per-

cent tree and shrub cover.” According 
to FAO1, grasslands (sensu lato) are 
among the largest habitat type in the 

world; their area is estimated at 52.5 

million km2, or 40.5% of the Earth’s 

landmass. 

In  Europe  there  are  various  types 

of  grasslands,  ranging  from  almost 

desertic  types  in  south-east  Spain 

through  steppic  and  mesic  types  to 

humid  grasslands/meadows,  which 

dominate in the north and north-west. 

Since almost all European grasslands 

are more or less modified by human 

activity  and  have  to  a  major  extent 

been  created  and  maintained  by 

agricultural activities, they could be 

defined as “semi-natural grasslands”, 

although their plant communities are 

natural. These grasslands are main-

tained through farmers’ grazing and/or 

cutting regimes. There are also some 

more natural ‘permanent grasslands’ 

that occur in Europe. The distribution 

of these is determined by natural con-

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ditions including climate, topography 

communities2 (up to 80 plant species/

falcons, etc – and other species such 

and soil structure.

m2). This extremely high plant diver-

as rodents (souslik, voles, etc). 

Grasslands are among the most spe-

sity (e.g. butterflies) and can support 

Current status

cies-rich habitats in Europe. Indeed 

grassland-adapted birds – bustards, 

sity gives rise to high arthropod diver-

calcareous  (chalky)  grasslands  are 
Europe’s  most  species-rich  plant 

 Grasslands of the World, eds J. M. 
SUTTIE, S. G. REYNOLDS & C. BATELLO. 
xxii+54 pp. Rome: FAO (2005)

2 WallisDeVries MF., Poschlod P., Willems 
JH. (2002). Challenges for the conserva-
tion of calcareous grasslands in Northwes-
tern Europe: integrating the requirements 
of flora and fauna. Biol. Conserv. 04, p. 
265–273.

According  to  FAO  (2006)3,  the  area 
of  grasslands  in  the  EU  declined  by 

3 FAO (Food and Agricultural Organisation 
of the United Nations) 2006: FAO Statisti-
cal Yearbook. – FAOSTAT

 
 
 
 
LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

12.8% from 1990 to 2003; only a few 

Member States managed to buck this 

trend.  

According to EEA (1999):
l  Except for very limited areas of special 

natural grassland types, all European 

grasslands are maintained through 

grazing or cutting, the continuation 

and intensity of which are crucial for 

the protection of the grasslands and 

the species they harbour.

l  Pressure  on  grassland  habitats  is 

increasing  steadily.  Some  60%  of 

the newly afforested area in the EU 

was formerly permanent pasture or 

meadows, 37% was arable land and 

Types of grasslands in Europe1

•  Natural grasslands – includes nine grasslands habitats that thrive without direct 

human intervention and are limited by specific ecological, soil and climate condi-

tions, e.g. Alpine grasslands

•  Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies – includes 12 grasslands habi-

tats that are to some extent managed, ranging from Mediterranean grasslands 

to Pannonic steppe and Fennoscandinavian grasslands.

•  Sclerophillous grazed forests (dehesas) – includes only one grassland habitat 

known in Portugal montado and in Spain as dehesas – semi-natural savanna-

like open woodlands with scattered oak trees and extensive grazed grasslands.

•  Semi-natural tall-herb humid meadows – includes six grasslands habitats that 

have some soil water presence. 

•  Mesophile grasslands – includes three grasslands habitats comprising all meadows. 

 Adopted from Annex  of the Habitats Directive

only 3% was permanent cropland.

affected the conditions for farming 

of the grassland habitat. Therefore, 

Threats

l  Changes  in  land  use  and  land 
abandonment / abandonment of 
traditional activities – The conver-
sion  of  grasslands  to  arable  land 

has mainly been driven by increased 

(e.g.  EEA  2004a).  For  example,  a 

changes in the number and distri-

survey of Estonia in 2000 found that 

bution of livestock may profoundly 

some 25% of the arable land was 

affect the grasslands and their value 

abandoned and the corresponding 

for wildlife. According to FAO (2006), 

figure for permanent grasslands was 

the numbers of cattle and sheep in 

as high as 56% (EEA 2004b).

EU-25 declined by 10.3% and 11.4% 

demands for agricultural products 

with poplars Populus sp., is a sig-

and a generally higher profitability 

nificant threat to permanent grass-

l  Afforestation – In several Member 
States, deliberate afforestation, e.g. 

respectively from 1990 to 2003. 
l  Intensification of grassland man-
agement and mowing – Intensifi-
cation  of  grassland  management 

of  arable  farming.  More  recently, 

lands. For the EU-15 as a whole, a 

includes the use of fertilisers, pes-

increased  pressure  on  farmland 

breakdown of newly afforested land 

ticides  and  phytocides,  re-seed-

from  biofuels  production  is  exac-

according to previous use revealed 

ing  with  improved  or  alien  grass 

erbating the situation. On the other 

that 60% was formerly permanent 

varieties, and faster, more efficient, 

hand, those more traditional farm-

pastures  or  meadows  while  only 

mechanical mowing techniques. This 

land  areas  where  socio-economic 

40% was cropland (EEA 2001). 

change  in  management  increases 

conditions for extensive agriculture 

are  generally  unfavourable  tend 

l  Changes  in  livestock  density 
– The presence of grazing livestock 

plant density and biomass, but also 

reduces the structural and floristic 

to be abandoned. This situation is 

is  often  essential  for  maintenance 

diversity  of  the  sward.  In  general,  

particularly worrying in central and 

eastern Europe, where political and 

economic changes have negatively 

Typical “montado” or “dehesa” semi-
natural grassland of the Iberian peninsula

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(cid:17)(cid:16)(cid:16)(cid:5)

(cid:24)(cid:16)(cid:5)

(cid:22)(cid:16)(cid:5)

(cid:20)(cid:16)(cid:5)

(cid:18)(cid:16)(cid:5)

(cid:16)(cid:5)

(cid:13)(cid:18)(cid:16)(cid:5)

(cid:13)(cid:20)(cid:16)(cid:5)

(cid:13)(cid:22)(cid:16)(cid:5)

(cid:13)(cid:24)(cid:16)(cid:5)

(cid:13)(cid:17)(cid:16)(cid:16)(cid:5)

Figure 1: Change of area in grasslands EU-25 (1990-2003)

(cid:73)

(cid:77)
(cid:85)
(cid:71)
(cid:69)
(cid:34)

(cid:76)

(cid:75)
(cid:82)
(cid:65)
(cid:77)
(cid:78)
(cid:69)
(cid:36)

(cid:89)
(cid:78)
(cid:65)
(cid:77)
(cid:82)
(cid:69)
(cid:39)

(cid:67)

(cid:73)
(cid:76)

(cid:66)
(cid:85)
(cid:80)
(cid:69)
(cid:50)
(cid:72)
(cid:67)
(cid:69)
(cid:90)
(cid:35)

(cid:73)

(cid:65)
(cid:78)
(cid:79)
(cid:84)
(cid:83)
(cid:37)

(cid:73)

(cid:78)
(cid:65)
(cid:80)
(cid:69) (cid:51)
(cid:67)
(cid:69)
(cid:69)
(cid:82)
(cid:39)

(cid:69)
(cid:67)
(cid:78)
(cid:65)
(cid:82)
(cid:38)

(cid:68)
(cid:78)
(cid:65)
(cid:69)
(cid:82)
(cid:41)

(cid:76)

(cid:83)
(cid:85)
(cid:82)
(cid:80)
(cid:89)
(cid:35)

(cid:89)
(cid:76)
(cid:65)
(cid:84)
(cid:41)

(cid:73)

(cid:65)
(cid:78)
(cid:65)
(cid:85)
(cid:72)
(cid:84)
(cid:73)

(cid:65) (cid:44)
(cid:73)
(cid:86)
(cid:84)
(cid:65)
(cid:44)

(cid:71)
(cid:82)
(cid:85)
(cid:79)
(cid:66)
(cid:77)
(cid:69)
(cid:88)
(cid:85)
(cid:44)

(cid:65)
(cid:84)
(cid:76)
(cid:65)
(cid:89) (cid:45)
(cid:82)
(cid:65)
(cid:71)
(cid:78)
(cid:85)
(cid:40)

(cid:76)

(cid:65)
(cid:71)
(cid:85)
(cid:84)
(cid:82)
(cid:79)
(cid:48)

(cid:65)
(cid:73)
(cid:82)
(cid:84)
(cid:83)
(cid:85)
(cid:33)

(cid:68)
(cid:78)
(cid:65)
(cid:79)
(cid:48)

(cid:76)

(cid:83)
(cid:68)
(cid:78)
(cid:65)
(cid:76)
(cid:82)
(cid:69)
(cid:72)
(cid:84)
(cid:69)
(cid:46)

(cid:73)

(cid:65)
(cid:75)
(cid:65)
(cid:86)
(cid:79)
(cid:51)

(cid:76)

(cid:73)

(cid:65)
(cid:78)
(cid:69)
(cid:86)
(cid:79)
(cid:51)

(cid:76)

(cid:78)
(cid:69)
(cid:68)
(cid:69)
(cid:87)
(cid:51)

(cid:73)

(cid:77)
(cid:79)
(cid:68)
(cid:71)
(cid:78)
(cid:43)
(cid:68)
(cid:69)
(cid:84)
(cid:73)
(cid:78)
(cid:53)

(cid:68)
(cid:78)
(cid:65)
(cid:78)
(cid:38)

(cid:73)

(cid:76)

Source: FAO, 2006 (FAO Statistical Yearbook. – FAOSTAT)

 
 
 
 
Background to  
Europe’s grasslands

LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands  I  p. 

Grasslands goods and services

Food, foraging and livestock 

Above all, grasslands are used for the production of domestic livestock. From cattle, 
sheep and goat herds, to horses and water buffalo, grasslands support large numbers 
of domestic animals, which become the source of meat, milk, wool, and leather prod-
ucts for humans.

Biodiversity 

Grassland biodiversity encompasses a wide range of goods useful to humans. Grass-
lands have been the seed beds for the ancestors of major cereal crops, including 
wheat, rice, rye, barley, sorghum, and millet. They continue to provide the genetic 
material necessary to breed cultivated varieties that are resistant to crop diseases. 
Grasslands also provide a habitat for plants and animals – soil microfauna and large 
mammals alike. Grasslands also support large numbers of wild herbivores that depend 
on the biotope for breeding, migratory, and wintering habitat, and share the land with 
domestic herds. An EU-funded research project (BIODEPTH)* has shown that the loss 
of biodiversity in European grasslands would make them less productive, reducing the 
amount of energy available to the rest of the food chain and threatening the overall 
health of the ecosystem.

Biodiversity and Ecological Processes in Terrestrial Herbaceous Ecosystems – The report 
was published in 999 at “Plant Diversity and Productivity Experiments in European Gras-
slands» by A. Hector et al. published in the peer-reviewed journal, Science Vol. 286 Issue 
5442, 23-27 

Carbon storage 

Grasslands store approximately 34% of the global stock of carbon in terrestrial ecosys-
tems, whilst forests store approximately 39% and agro-ecosystems approximately 17%. 
Unlike forests, where vegetation is the primary source of carbon storage, most of the 
grassland carbon stocks are in the soil. Cultivation and urbanisation of grasslands, and 
other modifications of grasslands through desertification and livestock grazing can be a 
significant source of carbon emissions. Biomass burning, especially from tropical savannas, 
contributes more than 40% of gross global carbon dioxide emissions. Some alien grassland 
plant species may decrease total carbon storage because they have less extensive below-
ground root networks for storing organic matter than native grassland plants.

Soil protection in ecosystems endangered by erosion and desertification 

Soil restoration following forest fires. 

Tourism and recreation 

People are attracted by the birds, diverse plant life and open-air landscapes of grass-
lands. 

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invertebrate abundance and diver-

prevention of flooding and lowering 

sity are reduced, the nests of birds 

of the water table on the meadows 

Annex I grasslands habitats 
conservation status

such  as  corncrakes  and  bustards 

have per se profound effects on 

are damaged and their movement 

the suitability of the area for many 

More  than  75%  of  the  grasslands 

interfered with.  

l  Other: 

-  lowering of water tables  –  Drain-
age and control of winter flooding 

species; 

-  deposition of airborne nitrogen 
(ammonia) – Such deposition en-
courages the growth of competitive 

habitats are in an unfavourable con-

servation status, according to draft 

data  provided  by  Member  States 
under Article 17 of the Habitats Direc-

pave the way for agricultural inten-

plant species, favouring species-

tive.  For  more  information  on  the 

sification, either as conversion to 

poor mesotrophic and eutrophic 

assessment  visit:  http://ec.europa.

arable land or as improvement of 

communities  and  reducing  the 

eu/environment/nature/knowledge/

grasslands (cf. above). However, 

structural diversity of grasslands.

rep_habitats/index_en.htm#csa

 
 
LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

EU grasslands policy

Grasslands in Europe are an integrate part of pastoral and mixed-farming systems and have tradi-

tionally been used for haymaking, livestock grazing, or both. The EU is committed to reconciling the 

demands of agriculture with a commitment to biodiversity in these important habitats. 

European  heads  of  State  agreed  at 

the 2001 summit in Gothenburg to halt 

biodiversity loss by 2010. The follow-

ing  year,  the  parties  to  the  Conven-

tion on Biological Diversity (CBD) and 

some  130  world  leaders  committed 

themselves to a significant reduction in 

the rate of biodiversity loss by the same 

target date. A Commission Communi-

cation of May 2006, “Halting the Loss 

of Biodiversity by 2010 – and Beyond” 

[COM(2006)216] reconfirmed Europe’s 

commitment to implementing the CBD 

target.

Two particular threats to EU biodiver-

sity are highlighted in the Communica-

tion. Firstly, “spatial development”, for 

which Member States have a particular 

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Biodiversity-rich grasslands habitats in need of conservation are situated in, or close 
to, agricultural land

responsibility, through improved plan-

cific requirements in the EU Habitats 

extensive farming, for example, has 

ning, to reconcile development needs 

Directive (92/43/EEC), and more gen-

declined in recent decades.

with  the  conservation  of  biodiversity 

erally by the integration of biodiversity 

and maintenance of ecosystem serv-

concerns into agricultural and other 

Natura 2000 and grasslands

ices. The second threat is the potential 

policies. 

impact of climate change, where ris-

Natura 2000 is a European network of 

ing temperatures are already having a 

The 2001 Biodiversity Action Plan for 

areas, proposed under the Birds Direc-

biological impact, including earlier tim-

Agriculture (COM/2001/0162) aims to 

tive and the Habitats Directive, where 

ing of spring events and poleward and 

reduce the negative impacts of farm-

human  activity  must  be  compatible 

upward shifts in ranges in both plant 

ing practices by promoting the sus-

with the conservation of sites of natu-

and animal species. 

tainable use of biological resources. 

ral importance. The Habitats Directive 

It is one of the four biodiversity action 

has  focused  on  the  requirement  of 

The EU approach recognises that bio-

plans,  covering  1)  conservation  of 

Member States to establish a network 

diversity is not evenly spread, and that 

natural  resources,  2)  agriculture,  3) 

of special areas of conservation (SACs) 

certain species are more at risk than 

fisheries, and 4) economic and devel-

that, together with the special protec-

others. Consequently, it affords spe-

opment co-operation outside Europe, 

tion areas (SPAs) designated under the 

cial attention to the protection of sites 

included  in  the  EU’s  Sixth  Environ-

Birds Directive (79/409/EEC), make up 

of highest nature value and species 

mental Action Programme (6th EAP), 

the Natura 2000 network.

most at risk included in the Habitats 

approved by the Council of Ministers 

and  Birds  directives.  However,  this 

in 2001. It also has the goal of stem-

Annexes I and II to the Habitats Direc-

approach also recognises that much 

ming biodiversity loss by 2010. Many 

tive list the habitats and species whose 

biodiversity  resides  outside  these 

of  the  biodiversity-rich  habitats  in 

conservation requires the designation 

sites, and that effective conservation 
and  sustainable  use  of  biodiversity, 

need of conservation are situated in, 
or close to, agricultural land, where 

of SACs. Some of them are defined as 
‘priority’ habitats or species (in danger 

and the maintenance of essential eco-

inappropriate  agricultural  practices 

of disappearing).

system services, also require action 

have  reduced  biological  diversity. 

in the wider countryside. For plants, 

The presence of some plant species 

With a proposed coverage of almost 

such  action  is  provided  for  by  spe-

and habitats that are dependent on 

21% of the Community’s land area at 

 
 
Background to  
Europe’s grasslands

the beginning of 2008, the Natura 2000 

network has been a source of much 

concern among the public, especially 

farmers.  Their  concerns  are  under-

standable  since,  apart  from  marine 

and freshwater areas and high-altitude 

rocky land, most of the natural habitats 

covered by Natura 2000 are in agricul-

tural or forest areas. However, Natura 

2000 does not prevent human activity, 

but rather is committed to conserving 

threatened and/or outstanding species 

and habitats in Europe by having them 

coexist in a balanced way with human 

activities.  

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LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands  I  p. 

vide  to  society,  this  type  of  support 

helps to diversify agricultural income, 

particularly in animal-rearing areas and 

areas of diversified farming. It there-

fore contributes to managing potential 

Natura 2000 sites.

The  recent  reforms  of  the  Common 

Agriculture Policy (CAP) have also ena-

bled further integration of biodiversity 

concerns into agricultural policy and 

the 2008 review of the CAP provides 

an  important  opportunity  to  further 

strengthen and support measures for 

farmland  and  forest  biodiversity.  For 

example,  national  statutory  require-

ments derived from EU directives cov-

ering birds, habitats, nitrates and pesti-

cides are now included in the accepted 

Grasslands as high nature 
value farmland

Farming and the protection of Natura 
2000 sites have everything to gain from 
coexisting

Large areas of present-day or former 

systems  and  have  traditionally  been 

standards for good farming practice.

grasslands were originally created by 

used for hay-making, livestock grazing, 

the  clearing  of  forest.  Consequently, 

or both. In broad terms, high biodiver-

Accordingly, farming and the protection 

these areas will rather quickly (within a 

sity values coincide with low agricul-

of Natura 2000 sites have everything 

few decades) become overgrown with 

tural inputs, low stocking densities and 

to gain from coexisting on the same 

trees  and  scrub  if  left  alone.  Natural 

often  labour-intensive  management 

grazers nowadays play an insignificant 

practices.  Particularly  important  are 

land:
l  The sites are farmed in a way that is 

role in keeping the grasslands open. 

the small-scale farming systems that 

better suited to the land and there is 

Thus,  the  majority  of  semi-natural 

are responsible for creating and main-

a continuous human presence which 

grasslands depend on regular farming 

taining the species-rich semi-natural 

is often less costly than management 

activities for their continuous existence 

grasslands,  which  are  often  true  hot 

by an external body;

as  open  habitats  (the  main  excep-

spots for biodiversity (EEA 2004b).

l  Farmers are remunerated for the envi-

tions  being  alpine  meadows  above 

ronmental services they provide in a 

the treeline). These areas are therefore 

In general, livestock species, stocking 

transparent way that their fellow citi-

semi-natural grasslands habitats, cre-

densities,  and  timing  of  grazing  and 

zens can understand;

ated and maintained by human activity. 

mowing  have  a  strong  influence  on 

l  Regions of the Union with the great-

In many cases their natural characteris-

the grassland habitat and its wildlife. 

est biodiversity are generally farmed 

tics would disappear if agricultural work 

Overstocking  is  generally  harmful  to 

the least intensively. They therefore 

or animal rearing were to cease. 

biodiversity, but the optimum livestock 

receive preferential Community sup-

density, timing of grazing/mowing etc. 

port.

For example: without grain production, 

strongly depend on the local conditions 

l  Related  activities  become  more 

the  great  bustard  (Otis  tarda)  would 

and conservation targets.

desert central Spain or Hungary; with-

attractive,  e.g.  the  direct  sale  of 

meats, cheeses or wines labelled as 

out humid hay- or grazing-meadows, 

EU Rural Development Policy (Council 

coming from Natura 2000 sites, the 

the corncrake (Crex crex) would aban-

Reg (EC) No.1257/1999) aims to rec-

promotion of rural tourism linked to 

don the banks of the Loire; without the 

oncile agriculture with the objectives of 

the discovery of nature, etc.

guaranteed pastures of open wooded 

the EU nature conservation policy. This 

meadows,  the  hermit  beetle  (Osmo-

goal is achieved by financing agri-envi-

Several  Member  States  and  regions 

derma eremita) would disappear from 

ronmental measures that go beyond 

are now giving priority to Natura 2000 

southern Sweden.

the usual good farming practices and 

sites by co-financing agri-environmen-

The management needs of 
grasslands

that have a direct impact on the con-
servation  of  European  grasslands, 

tal  measures.  Several  projects  co-
financed under LIFE have been used to 

particularly through the maintenance 

establish farming practices best suited 

of extensive systems and support for 

to maintaining or even enhancing the 

Grasslands in Europe are an integrated 

agriculture  in  Natura  2000  sites.  By 

natural value of sites and grasslands 

part  of  pastoral  and  mixed-farming 

paying farmers for a service they pro-

habitats or species.

 
 
LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

LIFE’s contribution to grasslands

Since its beginning in 1992, LIFE – the financial instrument for the environment – has been a  

cornerstone of grassland conservation efforts in Europe, especially within the boundaries of the 

Natura 2000 network.  Now with the launch of LIFE+, the new financial instrument for the environ-
ment, with an overall budget of e2 billion, LIFE will continue to offer robust support to the protec-
tion of plant species in Europe.

In  total,  from  1992-2006  some  970 

niques, etc. These actions help to 

longer-term impacts. Some projects 

projects  received  EU  co-funding 

further knowledge of the grasslands 

also included species and habitats 

under the LIFE-Nature component of 

to improve conservation measures. 

surveillance (forest fires/collecting/

the LIFE programme. 

As a result, projects often proposed 

grazing). 

implementing Natura 2000 site man-

l  Networking: several projects organ-

More  than  370  projects  directly  or 

agement plans, including the design 

ised meetings with farmers and rural 

indirectly targeted grasslands habitats 

and adoption of agri-environmental 

organisations  to  develop  manage-

or species listed under the annexes of 

measures with the aim of securing 

ment  and  conservation  plans  with 

the Habitats and Birds Directives.

the grasslands’ conservation status 

local support. Some of these plans 

after LIFE.

included  financial  mechanisms  as 

Under LIFE+ Nature and Biodiversity 

l  Land or rights acquisition: actions 

agri-environmental  measures  to 

(2007-2013), projects targeting grass-

targeting  the  protection  of  grass-

provide future sustainability for the 

lands  habitats  within  and  outside 

lands  habitats  species  (e.g.  inver-

conservation of grasslands habitats 

Natura 2000 may be financed. ‘LIFE+ 

tebrates) and habitat conservation 

within the Natura 2000 network. 

Nature’ will co-finance best practice 

through correct management in cer-

l  Awareness-raising: several projects 

or demonstration projects contribut-

tain areas. 

produced  leaflets,  monographs  or 

ing to the implementation of the Birds 

l  Direct  conservation  actions:  steps 

manuals,  or  implemented  trainee-

and  Habitats  directives;  and  ‘LIFE+ 

taken to re-establish traditional farm-

ships. These actions served to raise 

Biodiversity’ will co-finance innova-

land  activities  that  support  grass-

awareness  of  grasslands  among 

tive  or  demonstration  projects  con-

lands habitats. These include: elimi-

local stakeholders (farmers, environ-

tributing to the implementation of the 

nation of trees, mowing, recovering 

ment agents, etc), schools and the 

objectives of the Commission’s 2006 

degraded areas, habitat restoration, 

general public.

Communication “Halting the loss of 

alien species eradication, establish-

biodiversity by 2010 – and beyond”.

ment of fences and the reintroduc-

LIFE also co-funded the purchase of 

LIFE grasslands project actions

l  Monitoring: scientific monitoring was 

servation  actions,  such  as  mowing 

tion of grazing.

equipment needed for grassland con-

conducted during the project periods 

machines, livestock shelters, transport 

From  1999  to  2006  LIFE  co-funded 

and after-LIFE in order to assess the 

and fencing. 

more  than  45  projects  directly  tar-

geting  grasslands  habitats  around 

Europe (see fig. 1.). The projects cover 

almost all grasslands habitats with a 

particular  focus  on  calcareous  and 

dry grasslands habitats, which were 

targeted by two-thirds of the projects 

(cid:35)(cid:65)(cid:76)(cid:67) (cid:82) (cid:79) (cid:83) (cid:18)(cid:25)(cid:5)

(see fig. 2).

Financed actions vary considerably, 

depending  on  the  characteristics  of 

the grasslands habitats. But in gen-
eral, the projects include:
l  Preparatory actions: the preparation 

of  habitat  surveys  and  grasslands 

species composition, habitat map-
(cid:19)(cid:16)(cid:5)

ping, definition of management tech-

Figure 2: Grasslands habitat types targeted  
by LIFE projects (1999-2006)

(cid:48)(cid:65)(cid:78)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:78)(cid:73)(cid:67) (cid:23)(cid:5)

(cid:51)(cid:65)(cid:76)(cid:84) (cid:18)(cid:5)

(cid:46)(cid:65)(cid:82)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:83) (cid:8)(cid:51)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:73)(cid:67)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:9) (cid:21)(cid:5)

(cid:45)(cid:79)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:84)(cid:65)(cid:73)(cid:78) (cid:23)(cid:5)

(cid:45)(cid:69)(cid:65)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:87)(cid:83) (cid:18)(cid:16)(cid:5)

(cid:35)(cid:65)(cid:76)(cid:67)(cid:65)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:85)(cid:83) (cid:18)(cid:25)(cid:5)

Source: LIFE projects database

(cid:36)(cid:82)(cid:89) (cid:19)(cid:16)(cid:5)

 
 
Dry and calcareous  
grasslands

Dry  and  calcareous  (chalky)  grasslands  are  one  of  the  most  biodi-

verse  habitats  in  Europe.  The  plant  types  that  occur  on  calcareous 

grassland  are  typically  short  and  hardy,  and  include  grasses  and 

herbs such as trefoil. Sometimes these types of grasslands are rich 

habitats for various orchid species. Calcareous grasslands are also 

an important habitat for insects, particularly butterflies, reptiles, and 

many birds.

Dry and calcareous grasslands are 

These  habitats  are  considered  pri-

metalia is only considered as such 

defined as grassland vegetation that 

ority  for  conservation  (*denotes 

when  it  is  an  important  orchid  site 

occurs, around almost all EU regions, 

priority),  although  Festuco-Bro-

as  defined  in  accordance  with  the 

Skylark (Alauda arvensis) – a once-common bird species dependent on dry grasslands 
habitats

over basic to neutral substrate asso-

ciated with basic soil, such as chalk1 

and/or  limestone.  In  the  Atlantic, 

Continental and Mediterranean bio-

geographical regions most of the dry 

and calcareous grasslands areas are 

represented in the Annex I Habitats 

Directive habitats by:

l  Semi-natural dry grasslands (Fes-

tuco-Brometalia)  (6210*)  (impor-

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tant orchid site) 

l  Pseudo-steppe  with  grasses  and 

annuals of the Thero-Brachypodi-

etea (6220*)

 Chalk grasslands only occur in north-
western Europe, so surviving examples  
are exceptionally rare

 
 
Dry and calcareous  
grasslands

Interpretation  Manual  of  European 
Union Habitats2.

Large  grassland  areas  have  disap-

Nature  projects  targeted  particular 

peared in the last century, causing 

calcareous grasslands habitats, such 

severe fragmentation of the remain-

as the Nordic alvar and precambrian 

grasslands  habitats.  Certain  LIFE 

ing habitat areas and a consequent 

calcareous flatrocks (6280*) habitat 

based on LIFE nature projects) that are 

drop in populations of certain spe-

targeted by the project LIFE00 NAT/

designed to help Natura 2000 site man-

cies by as much as 20-50% across 

S/007118 (“Restoration of alvar-hab-

agers to prepare their own site-specific 

Europe. 

itats  at  Stora  Karlsö’).  This  project 

management  plans  for  these  habitat 

Between  1999  and  2006,  LIFE  co-

ha of alvar. 

financed 26 projects around Europe 

l  http://ec.europa.eu/environment/

nature/natura2000/management/

directly targeting dry and calcareous 

This  section  presents  some  recent 

habitats/pdf/6210_Seminatural_dry_

successfully restored more than 200 

types and species, see:

projects  targeting  these  particular 

grasslands.pdf 

2 Interpretation Manual of European Union 
Habitats. Version EUR 27. European  
Commission http://ec.europa.eu/ 
environment/nature/legislation/ 
habitatsdirective/docs/2007_07_im.pdf

habitats.

l  http://ec.europa.eu/environment/

n a t u r e / n a t u r a 2 0 0 0 / m a n a g e m e n t 

For  descriptions  of  practical  man-

/ h a b i t a t s / p d f / 6 2 2 0 _ P s e u d o _ 

agement  techniques  (several  of  them 

steppe.pdf

Birds and invertebrates benefiting from LIFE

Many birds depend on dry and calcareous grasslands habitats. Normally, such species require large, open areas for 

hunting with suitable nesting and feeding sites. For example raptors (see pp. 46-47) and other birds of prey – Circaetus 
gallicus (short-toed eagle) and Circus pygargus (Montagu’s harrier) – rely on dry grassland for an abundant food supply 
during winter. Many passerine species including  Emberiza hortulana (ortolan bunting),  Sylvia nisoria (barred warbler),  

Lullula arborea (woodlark) and Lanius collurio (red-backed shrike) also use these habitats. The LIFE project, “Protection 
of habitats and raptors in M. Labbro and Upper Albegna Valley” (LIFE04NAT/IT/000173) implemented actions targeting 
the grassland habitats benefitting these bird species. A range of actions were carried out such as removal of invasive 

shrubs and alien trees and fencing of overgrazed grasslands, with the aim of reversing the effects of changes in agricultural 

Salisbury Plain: military and farmers working together on  
grasslands species conservation

practices during recent decades. 

Other  birds  also  breed  in  these  grasslands,  for  ins-

tance, Burhinus oedicnemus (stone curlew). The habi-

tat type is also a breeding ground for the marsh fritillary 

butterfly,  which  is  dependent  on  a  single  host  plant, 

the  devil’s-bit  scabious:  Succisa  pratensis  thrives  in 

extensively managed and grazed grasslands. The LIFE 

project, “Improving the management of Salisbury Plain 
Natura 2000 sites” (LIFE00 NAT/UK/007071), brought 
together all of the main stakeholders in the Salisbury 

Plain area – conservation groups, the military and far-

mers – to produce a workable conservation action plan 

and to improve the habitat potential for both the stone 

curlew and the marsh fritillary butterfly.

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Dry and calcareous grasslands

LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands  I  p. 

Germany: Restoring and  
conserving xeric grasslands

The dry grasslands of Rhineland-Palatinate are home to rare and endangered orchids, birds and 

butterflies. However the richness and biodiversity of this habitat is threatened by invading shrubs 

and human actions. Thanks to LIFE Nature, 76 ha of xeric grasslands have been successfully 

restored and a long-term management plan put in place to preserve a unique natural resource. 

The state of Rhineland-Palatinate in 

Germany has many arid locations that 

are the natural basis for dry grassland 

communities. In total, there are some 

1 215 ha of dry and semi-dry grass-

lands in the state, or 2.2% of its total 

area.

These xeric grasslands are of special 

bio-geographical  importance  since 

they  straddle  the  divide  between 

the  sub-Mediterranean/Atlantic  and  

Continental climatic zones. Rhineland-

Palatinate  represents  the  northern 

limit of propagation for many species 

Calcareous poor grasslands rich in flowers in Schönecken / Eifel

that are otherwise more native to the 

Mediterranean area or the Balkans. 

The state’s grasslands also house a 

The dry limestone grasslands of the 

including protected species such as 

wealth  of  endemic  animal  species, 

others were in Saarland and Schleswig-
Holstein).  LIFE02  NAT/D/008461 
aimed  to  incorporate  additional  dry 

Eifel  ranges  constitute  the  western 

the stag beetle (Lucanus cervus) and 

grasslands into the European Natura 

boundary for the sub-Atlantic climate 

the butterfly Euphydyas aurinia. Among 

2000 network by restoring their favour-

zone. Up to 25 species of orchid can 

the seven species of protected birds 

able conservation status and provide 

be found here, including Cypipedum 

that  can  be  observed  are  the  eagle 

long-term  protection  of  calcareous 

calcedus,  Ophrys  insectifea,  Orchis 

owl (Bubo bubo), the European honey 

grasslands, juniper heathlands, steppe 

mascula and Himantoglassum hirci-

buzzard (Pernis apivorus) and the red-

grasslands and other xeric grasslands 

num. The eastern part of Rhineland-

backed shrike (Lanius collurio).

habitats covering 355 ha in four dis-

Palatinate includes the western out-

tinct project areas (Rhine-Hesse; the 

post of continental Pannonic feather 

However, the richness and biodiver-

Nahe valley; the Eifel mountains; and 

grass  steppes  and  the  largest  and 

sity  of  the  subcontinental  Koeleria 

the heaths of Gönnersdorf and Lissen-

most coherent calcareous sand drift 

glaucae,  porous  limestone  pioneer 

dorf, as well as Üxheim). 

area in Germany, on whose dunes the 

grasslands  and  mining  area  Nardus 

Annex II priority plant species Jurinea 

stricta  grasslands  are  under  threat 

Over a four-year period, the project 

cyanoides can be found.

from  shrub  invasion,  afforestation 

planned  to  safeguard  these  valu-

Fringed gentian (Gentiana cilitata) -  
a typical dry grasslands species

and orchard-planting, as well as the 

able habitats through land purchase 

inappropriate behaviour of some visi-

agreements and the development and 

tors using the sites for rambling, rock-

implementation of new management 

climbing or mountain-biking. 

plans. 

What did LIFE do? 

Depending on the cultivation history 
of each area, this could involve clear-

The LIFE Nature project in Rhineland-

ance, maintenance care with mechan-

Palatinate was one of three associated 

ical treatment or through grazing and 

projects designed to restore and con-

the establishment of a droving pastur-

serve Germany’s dry grasslands (the 

age system. 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

fences were purchased, buffer strips 

Life after LIFE

and ‘stepping stone’ biotopes laid out 

and hedges restored in the respective 

The  State  of  Rhineland-Palatinate  is 

project part areas. 

continuing the work of preserving the 

dry grassland biotopes that were suc-

Some 26.5 ha of land was purchased 

cessfully restored by the LIFE Nature 

(rather  than  the  21.2  ha  originally 

project so that future generations can 

planned). This made it possible to net-

admire this unique landscape and its 

work isolated residual biotopes with 

variety of species. To ensure the long-

outstanding success.

term effects of the project’s work, the 

authorities  responsible  for  the  sites 

An inventory of species was compiled 

have subcontracted management con-

in 2003 and 2005. Positive trends were 

trol to local experts for several years. 

determined in the number of species 

Local tourism is likely to benefit from 

and individuals for all the part areas 

the measures undertaken during the 

within the scope of the monitoring. 

project. To cope with the impact of this, 

The project was based on successful 

responsibility  for  keeping  visitors  on 

cooperation with local stakeholders, 

footpaths and dogs under control. 

volunteer organisations have taken on 

experts  and  volunteers.  It  demon-

strated  the  importance  of  partner-

ship and cooperation in overcoming 

initial  opposition  to  the  designation 

German army soldiers during clearing 
works at Pinnert

Sustainable management of grasslands - 
Sheep grazing at the Mäuerchenberg site

The  management  plans  developed 

of Natura 2000 sites for fear of falling 

for  the  project  sites  included  care 

land prices and land-use restrictions. 

and  development  plans,  and  graz-

It also showed innovation in cooper-

ing schedules, since the preservation 

ating with the German military for the 

of  the  habitats  was  seen  as  closely 

clearance and burning of trees.

linked  to  the  development  of  an 

agricultural use compatible with the 

To increase the efficiency and attrac-

environment. To this end, local shep-

tiveness of grazing schemes, efforts 

herds  and  farmers  were  involved  in 

were made in the Nahe region to clear 

managing and implementing the care 

areas that promoted the interconnec-

measures,  supported  by  volunteers 

tivity of sites. This made it feasible to 

from the regional nature conservation 

introduce grazing contracts for shep-

associations as well as school chil-

herds  and  farmers  and  made  long-

dren and the Federal Army.

term  grazing  more  sustainable.  This 

What was the outcome?

was a good example of combining the 

interests of traditional land users – by 

providing service contracts for the con-

Bushes  and  thickets  were  removed 

tinual management of valuable grass-

from  over  76  ha  of  grasslands,  or 

lands – with ecological objectives.

40% more land than initially planned. 

Furthermore,  in  order  to  promote 

A number of dissemination activities 

the more sensitive species, such as 

were also carried out to promote the 

orchids, in some areas a felt-like cover 

long-term  objectives  of  the  project 

of leaves and dry grass was cleared.

to local stakeholders and the public. 

These included 10 information meet-

To stop bushes growing back, stumps 

ings and 14 guided tours;  setting up  

were  also  removed.  This  project 
action  also  served  to  prepare  the 

33 information boards in the project 
areas; creating a project website and 

ground for the subsequent, and care-

printing 20 000 information brochures; 

fully controlled, grazing of sheep and 

plus 10 000 leaflets and 2 500 posters 

goats. Sheep grazed on 70 ha for two 

about the animal and plant species of 

years.  Additionally,  mobile  pasture 

the grassland habitats.  

Project Number:  
LIFE02 NAT/D/008461

Title: Restoration and conserva-
tion of xeric grasslands in Germany 
(Rheinland-Pfalz) 

Beneficiary:  
Stiftung “Natur und Umwelt Rhein-
land-Pfalz”

Contact: Moritz Schmitt

Email:   
Moritz.Schmitt@umweltstiftung.rip.
de

Website:  
www.life-trockenrasen.com

Period:  
Apr-2002 to Mar-2006
Total Budget: e1 095 000
LIFE Contribution: e766 000

Dry and calcareous grasslands

LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands  I  p. 

Denmark: From timber  
to biodiversity

With the aid of LIFE funding, the Danish Forest and Nature Agency has begun restoring dry grass-

land habitats at 11 sites around the country, work that will bear fruit 40 or 50 years from now. 

As well as providing a home to rare flora and fauna, the project sites demonstrate a successful 

blending of agricultural and ecological demands. 

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The grasslands of Høvblege on the island of Møn house many orchids, butterflies and day-flying moths

As  in  most  parts  of  Europe,  Den-

The project targeted an increase in 

outstanding areas of dry grasslands, 

mark’s  dry  grasslands  are  under 

the  area  of  Annex  I  dry  grasslands 

Jydelejet and Høvblege. The latter is 

threat from the combined effects of 

from 715 ha to 983 ha. A total of 178 

home to 18 species of wild orchid, as 

scrub encroachment, lack of grazing 

ha  of  plantations  and  arable  land 

well as rare day-flying moths and but-

and invasion of non-native species.

would be reconverted to grasslands, 

terflies, including the Large Blue but-

The  LIFE  Nature  project  LIFE04 
NAT/DK/000020  has  launched  a 
national strategy to restore the most 

with  scrub  clearance  taking  place 

terfly (Maculinea arion), which is found 

on  over  900  ha.  In  addition,  graz-

nowhere else in Denmark (see box).

ing would be introduced on 599 ha, 

bringing more than 1780 ha in total 

Clearance work of spruce plantations 

valuable  Danish  grassland  sites 

under conservation management by 

began in 2005. “It is vital we have ani-

within Natura 2000 to a favourable 

the end of 2008.  

conservation status. The 11 project 

sites house some 70% of the xeric 
and calcareous grasslands (habitat 

By the chalk cliffs of Møn

mals to prevent regrowth,” explains 
Project Manager, Søren Rasmussen. 
“Getting farmers to participate is very 
important, but sometimes there is a 

type 6120*), 25% of semi-natural dry 

The  LIFE  project  site  at  Klintesko-

contradiction between what we want 

grasslands (6210*) and 20% of spe-

ven,  on  the  island  of  Møn,  borders 

and what the farmers want – some-

cies-rich Nardus grasslands (6230*) 

the famous 100 m high chalk cliffs of 

times the cattle weigh less after graz-

in Denmark. 

the Høje Møn. The site includes two 

ing grasslands.” 

 
 
 
LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

At Klinteskoven, many of the cattle are 

pine forest to return the land to a hay 

owned by a cooperative. This asso-

meadow.

ciation of nature-loving city dwellers 

supports the aims of the grasslands 

Galloway cattle have been introduced 

restoration programme. Helpfully, its 

to graze the cleared areas at Jydele-

members  care  more  about  nature 

jet.  There  is  also  a  special  fenced 

restoration  than  the  weight  of  their 

area  containing  the  rare  Pyramidal 

cattle. 

Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis). The 

LIFE beneficiary is also attempting to 

The  20  ha  Høvblege  site  is  being 

reintroduce Maculinea arion at Jydele-

divided (by fencing) into three areas: 

jet  (the  species  was  present  at  the 

a lowland area for summer grazing, 

site until 1986), and has taken special 

a  hilltop  area  for  late  summer/early 

measures to this end. “One male was 

autumn  grazing,  and  an  area  from 

spotted there this summer,” enthuses 

which  cattle  are  excluded  (here  the 

Mr Rasmussen. The project manager 

regrowth  of  shrubs  is  removed  by 

points out that clearing of the plan-

hand by local volunteers). The aim is 

tations lets people see the contours 

that, within 40 or 50 years, the whole 

of the land. Not all trees have been 

area will resemble the small area of 

removed, however – some stands of 

mature dry grasslands today housing 

ancient  woodland  containing  multi-

the rare orchids, butterflies, etc. 

stem  beech  trees  have  been  pre-

At  nearby  Havrelukke,  the  project 

“100 years ago there was a demand 

team has been recreating the condi-

for timber; now there is a demand for 

tions  of  100  years  ago  –  removing 

biodiversity”.

served. As Mr Rasmussen explains, 

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Heath Spotted-orchid (Dactylorhiza 
maculata)

The Large Blue butterfly

If the reproductive cycle of Lepidoptera is one of the won-

The young caterpillars feed exclusively on these plants until 

ders of the natural world, that of one of its rarest species, 

after the third moult. At this point the caterpillar drops to 

the Large Blue butterfly (Maculinea arion) takes fascination 

the ground and waits to be picked up by a red ant of the 

to new levels. 

species, Myrmica sabuleti. The ant collects the caterpillar 

and takes it to its nest because, when stroked (‘milked’) 

The Large Blue mainly lives in heaths, sand dunes and cal-

the caterpillar produces honeydew on which the ant and its 

careous dry grasslands. The female of the species lays its 

larvae feed. As winter draws near, the caterpillar hibernates 

eggs  on  wild  thyme  (Thymus  pulegioides)  buds  and  (less 

inside the nesting chambers and, upon waking, feeds on 

commonly) on the buds of wild marjoram (Origanum vulgare).  

red ant eggs and larvae, all the while mimicking the beha-

viour  of  the  ants  in  order  to  maintain  its  position.  Three 

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weeks after waking, the caterpillar forms a chrysalis on the 

roof of the nest. Once its transformation into a butterfly is 

complete, Maculinea arion is escorted to the surface by the 

red ants, which encircle it and ward off any predators while 

it dries out. The ants return to their nest when the butterfly 

is ready to fly off. 

The adult Large Blue has a wingspan of up to 5 cm. Its wings 

are speckled with black dots.

Maculinea arion’s very restricted home range and inability to 

migrate over longer distances makes it extremely vulnerable 

to fragmentation of its habitats. The population in Denmark 

is restricted to 100-300 specimens in Høvblege on the island 

of Møn. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dry and calcareous grasslands

LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands  I  p. 

ent  animals  –  including  sheep  and 

horses – to see which work best for 

different  areas,”  adds  the  Project 

Manager. “One of the big topics for 

the next 10-15 years is how to keep 

shrub vegetation down. We are con-

sidering buying some hard-working 

sheep. Combining different animals 

would also be good.”

Working with landowners

Since 53% of the total area covered 

by  the  11  project  sites  is  in  private 

ownership,  co-operation  with  land-

owners is essential to its final success, 

particularly with regards to preventing 

fragmentation of grasslands area. The 

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These satellite images from 2004 (left) and 2006 (right) show the extent of the clearance 
of pine forests at Mols Bjerge

Mols Bjerge

ing the importance of the site is the 

project has therefore placed a strong 

fact that Mols Bjerge is to form part of 

emphasis  on  stakeholder  dialogue 

Mols  Bjerge,  situated  on  the  south 

Denmark’s second national park. 

and awareness-raising, and also on 

coast of Djursland in eastern Jutland, 

activities  to  encourage  landowners 

is  the  largest  of  the  11  LIFE  Nature 

The state forest district owns some 

to sign agri-environmental contracts 

project  sites.  Rising  to  a  height  of 

250  cattle  and  200  goats,  which 

(obliging them to keep the area grazed 

more than 130 m, this hilly (by Danish 

graze  the  grasslands.  “The  cattle 

for a period of normally 10 years), as 

standards) area consists of a mosaic 

have  been  selectively  bred  over 

implemented  in  Denmark  under  the 

of  old,  dry  grasslands,  heathlands 

25  years.  “We  want  cattle  that  are 

Rural  Development  regulation.  The 

and plantations.  Species-rich Nardus 

hardy  and  like  to  eat  shrubs  and 

LIFE project has provided the basis 

grasslands  on  siliceous  substrates 

which  pay  little  or  no  attention  to 

for using grazing as a management 

(*6230) account for an estimated 359 

people,”  explains  Mr.  Rasmussen.  

method in the pSCI (through provision 

ha within the 962 ha pSCI. Underscor-

“We  are  trying  grazing  with  differ-

of fencing, material, shelter, water and 

Galloway cattle grazing the project site at Jydelejet

power). As the beneficiary stated in its 

LIFE application, in order to motivate 

farmers to enter into agreements on 

grazing, “it is necessary to provide the 

basic infrastructure to allow grazing 

to take place. The clearing of various 

degrees  of  overgrowth  will  support 

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this rationale.”

Project Number:  
LIFE04 NAT/DK/000020

Title: Restoration of Dry Grasslands 
in Denmark

Beneficiary:  
Ministry of Environment, Danish  
Forest and Nature Agency 

Contact: Søren Rasmussen

Email: sra@sns.dk

Website: www.lifeoverdrev.dk

Period: Jul-2004 to Dec-2008
Total Budget: e4 245 000
LIFE Contribution: e2 151 000

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

Belgium: Local involvement
in limestone grassland management

A Belgian partnership of NGOs and local municipalities has successfully restored over 200 ha of 

chalk grassland hillside habitats in the Ardennes region that host a rich variety of flora and fauna.

The dry limestone grasslands border-

attention. Invasive shrubs were cleared 

during the four years of conservation 

ing Belgium’s upper Meuse River and 

from 121 ha followed by further clear-

work. Residents and businesses alike 

its  three  main  tributaries,  the  Viroin, 

ing and grazing on 173 ha to encour-

have reacted positively to the project’s 

the Lesse and the Molignée have been 

age the return of characteristic wildlife. 

impact on the landscape, which has 

well-known for their high nature value, 

Long-term conservation management 

helped improve the area’s identity as 

as a result of the local orchid and insect 

measures were introduced on 200 ha. 

a green tourism destination. 

populations that live on the limestone 

This involved, amongst other things, the 

hills.  These  include  fragrant  orchids 

acquisition of 13 ha of land and leasing 

Long  term  maintenance  of  the  LIFE 

(Gymnadenia borealis), greater butter-

of another 21 ha for up to 50 years, in 

project’s legacy is expected to be sus-

fly orchids (Platanthera chlorantha) and 

order to facilitate a return to traditional 

tained via EU financed agri-environmen-

the marbled white butterfly (Melanargia 

land-use  systems  based  on  mowing 

tal measures, and the project played a 

galathea).

and grazing by itinerant sheep flocks. 

significant  role  in  making  a  specific 

measure available for the high nature 

The area’s rich blend of flora and fauna 

Much of the high value flora and fauna 

value chalk grasslands of Wallonia. 

was attributed to a history of traditional 

was fragmented across the LIFE project 

farming practices, involving extensive 

area  and  so  initial  work  focused  on 

hay meadow mowing techniques and 

improving the physical integrity of the 

livestock grazing. However, moderni-

limestone grasslands. Large areas of 

sation  of  agricultural  methods  and  a 

brush woods were removed to create 

general  trend  towards  intensification 

corridors that connected previously iso-

led  to  the  introduction  of  new  land 

lated grassland patches and allowed a 

management systems and as a result 

more  cost-effective  sheep  grazing 

many of the grasslands’ characteristic 

regime.  Some  165  ha  of  limestone 

heliophilic flora, and associated fauna, 

grassland are now managed via exten-

disappeared, being replaced by more 

sive grazing methods by a flock of 300 

common species.

sheep and goats in the Viroin area. 

Efforts by local voluntary sector bodies 

Since the dry grasslands are highly sen-

to conserve biodiversity in key pockets 

sitive to climatic conditions, a flexible 

of this Ardennes limestone landscape 

approach  was  required  when  imple-

have  been  ongoing  for  a  number  of 

menting the LIFE project plan. This has 

decades.  A  LIFE  Nature  project  was 

succeeded in generating a significant 

developed,  in  partnership  with  local 

increase in the surface area, connectiv-

authorities, to build on this work and 

ity and quality of limestone grassland 

establish  a  strategic  programme  of 

habitat. Mobility of targeted species 

grassland  conservation  measures 

has improved, as has the size of their 

dedicated to improving the threatened 

populations. Furthermore, spectacular 

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Montagne-aux-Buis after tree and 
scrubs removal

Project Number:  
LIFE02 NAT/B/008593

Title: Restoration and sustainable 
management of upper Meuse dry 
Grasslands

biotope’s conservation status.

changes in landscape quality have also 

Beneficiary: Ardenne & Gaume asbl

been noted along several kilometres of 

Contact: Willy Delvingt

Grassland conservation plan

the Viroin valley

A strong and constructive collaboration 

Local communities have been involved 

between NGOs and public authorities 

in the project from the outset, both via 

was forged during the design of a con-

membership of the LIFE project part-

servation plan that targeted some 200 

nership and through a series of aware-

ha of dry, chalk grasslands for special 

ness-raising  measures  undertaken 

Email: delvingt.w@fsagx.ac.be

Website: http://users.skynet.be/life.
hautemeuse

Period: Sept-2002 to Aug-2006
Total Budget: e1 934 000
LIFE Contribution: e967 000 

 
 
Dry and calcareous grasslands

LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands  I  p. 

Slovenia: Conservation  
at the Karst Edge

This LIFE Nature project developed a management plan for the diverse, mosaic landscape of the 

Kraški rob (Karst Edge) region, restoring more than 300 ha of dry grassland habitats in the proc-

ess. These actions were the first step towards the project area’s designation as a potential Site 

of Community Importance (pSCI). 

The  Slovenian  Karst  region,  on  the 

north-western  ridge  of  the  Dinaric 

Mountains, between Trieste, Gorizia 

and  Postojna,  is  one  of  the  richest 

areas in Slovenia in terms of biodi-

versity. A flat to hilly limestone area, 

with a rich diversity of karst features 

such  as  caves,  sinkholes  and  can-

yons, the region is a mosaic of dry 

and  rocky  meadows  and  pastures. 

The area includes three types of pri-

ority habitats, with semi-natural dry 

grasslands extending over 20% of its 

surface. The region contains six spe-

cies listed in Annex II of the Habitats 

Directive, including the butterfly Cal-

limorpha quadripunctaria. 

As in the rest of Europe, the advent 

of farm mechanisation, together with 

Dry calcareous grasslands cover extensive areas of the mosaic landscape of Kraški rob 

the gradual abandonment of agricul-

tural  land,  has  drastically  reduced 

ess  of  the  Karst  Regional  Park  by 

It  foresaw  the  signing  of  steward-

the  presence  of  semi-natural  habi-

concentrating  on  one  pilot  area 

ship  agreements  with  landowners, 

tats and of the species that depend 

within  the  Karst  site  –  Kraški  rob. 

who  would  receive  subsidies  for 

on them.

This 7 000 ha area was chosen as 

implementing the plans. It was esti-

The  site  contains  over  200  karstic 

sites  in  terms  of  biodiversity.  For 

part of the network, resulting in the 

the most important of all of the sub-

mated that 30 micro-areas would be 

ponds  that  are  resting  and  feeding 

instance, most of the world’s popu-

places for migrating birds, amphib-

lation of the sandwort Moehringia 

ians,  mammals,  dragonflies  and 

tommasiniana  is  located  within 

other  species.  It  has  been  recently 

the Karst Edge.

designated as an Important Bird Area 

and the Slovenian Parliament intends 

For  the  chosen  area,  the  project 

to include 58 000 ha of the territory 

intended to draw up an inventory of 

within the future Karst Regional Park. 

sites,  with  particular  attention 

The designation is however a com-

to  endangered  habitats 

plicated, long-term process, heavily 

and species, includ-

dependent on the understanding and 

ing natural and 

support of the local population.

What did LIFE do?

semi-natural 
g r a s s l a n d s 

a n d   k a r s t i c 

ponds. It then planned 

This project aimed to provide a first 

the elaboration of specific manage-

contribution to the designation proc-

ment plans for each site.

Marsh fritillary 
(Euphydryas  
aurinia)

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LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

 restoration of at least 150 ha of dry 

grassland habitats, rocky slopes and 

four karstic ponds.

The  project,  which  envisaged  the 

preparation of all legal requirements 

for the proposal of the pilot area as 

a  future  SCI,  planned  an  extensive 

public  awareness  campaign,  with 

meetings, newsletters, videos and a 

website aimed at residents and policy-

makers of the Karst region. 

What was the outcome?

This successful project led to the rec-

ognition of the ecological importance 

Removal of scrubs from grasslands habitats

of the diverse, mosaic landscape of 

Kraški rob and its many endangered 

the dry grasslands and karstic ponds 

Life after LIFE

habitats and species and the value of 

of highest conservation concern. For 

classifying it as a Natura 2000 site.

the first time in Slovenia, stewardship 

Good  communication  with  local 

contracts were signed with landown-

inhabitants was key to the successful 

Habitat mapping of a 7 000 ha area 

ers to commit them to managing the 

implementation of the project actions. 

was carried out from April-December 

land according to the plans.

Several workshops and presentations 

2003. Each habitat type was drawn on 

were organised and information dis-

the ortophoto map (DOF-5) in a scale 

The project restored four karstic ponds, 

seminated via leaflets, a newsletter, 

of 1:5000.

which are important habitats for endan-

media  interviews,  a  website  and  a 

gered  amphibians.  The  ponds  were 

book. Such actions meant the project 

The inventory was then submitted to 

cleaned and the exotic vegetation and 

was  broadly  accepted  by  local  citi-

the Slovenian Ministry of the Environ-

animals removed. The bottoms of the 

zens, some of whom started to think 

ment and Spatial Planning in early 2004, 

ponds were deepened and then sealed 

of future activities, such as the estab-

which used these data in May 2004 to 

with a layer of clay. The original vegeta-

lishment  of  an  Eco-park  –  this  also 

put forward the project area as a pSCI. 

tion was then re-planted, resulting in 

bodes well for the continuation of this 

Kraški rob was also listed as an Eco-

restoration.

conservation work.

logically Important Area according to 

the Slovenian Nature Protection Law. 

More than 400 ha of endangered dry 

meadows,  rocky  slopes  and  karstic 

The  project  mapped  the  habitats  of 

ponds were maintained and/or restored 

the  project  area  and  developed  50 

through the removal of bushes and tall 

site-specific  management  plans  for 

herbs and subsequent mowing. The 

micro areas. Detailed and clear guide-

enthusiasm of land-owners and farm 

lines were written for the landowners of 

communities for the land management 

the micro-areas with an emphasis on 

schemes produced within the project 

Ophrys fusca a rare orchid species

and  national  agri-environmental 

schemes not only took the geographi-

cal scope of this work beyond expec-

tations, but also promises long-term, 

sustainable  management  of  these 

habitats.

An information centre for tourists and 

visitors was established in the village 

of Rakitovec, opening in October 2004. 

The centre features a permanent exhi-

bition about karstic ponds.

Project Number:  
LIFE02 NAT/SLO/008587

Title: Conservation of endangered 
habitats / species in the future Karst 
Park

Beneficiary:  
The Science and Research Centre of 
Koper within the University of  
Primorska 

Contact: Andrej Sovinc

Email:   
Andrej.sovinc@guest.arnes.si

Website: www.zrs-kp.si/projekti/
LIFE/index_a.html 

Period:  
Oct-2002 to Sept-2005
Total Budget: e477 000
LIFE Contribution: e358 000

Dry and calcareous grasslands

LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands  I  p. 9

France: Emergency measures  
benefit dry grasslands 

Introducing a package of emergency measures for 29 sites within the Natura 2000 network, this 

ambitious and multi-site project was able to increase the conservation status of more than 1 000 

ha of dry grassland habitats over 10 regions in France. 

Dry grassland with Stipa spp. at Vallée aux Lièvres

Generally  created  by  ancient  for-

Aims and activities

est  clearances  and  preserved  until 

The  project  was  implemented  by 

the  project  beneficiary,  Espaces 

modern times by traditional agricul-

The LIFE Nature project aimed at the 

Naturels de France, a national NGO 

tural practices, dry grasslands have 

restoration  and  lasting  preserva-

that  coordinates  and  leads  a  net-

been dramatically declining all over 

tion  of  these  habitats  by  means  of 

work of 21 regional NGOs, or ‘CREN’ 

Europe. France, at the crossroads of 

a package of emergency measures 

(Conservatoires Régionaux et dépar-

different biogeographic zones, has a 

for  29  Natura  2000  network  sites 

tementaux  d’Espaces  Naturels). 

significant heritage of dry grasslands 

representing  different  kinds  of  dry 

Project partners included the Minis-

– including six habitat types listed as 

grassland over 10 regions1 (ranging 

try of the Environment, the Ligue de 

priority under the Habitats Directive. 

from  limestone  and  rocky  habitats 

Protection des Oiseaux and several 

However, with the abandonment of 
agri-pastoral practices, these habi-

grasslands  to  sand  and  siliceous 
grasslands).

of the beneficiary’s regional NGOs.

tats, dispersed over a large number 

of sites, now occupy only a restricted 

area and are threatened with com-

plete disappearance. 

 Île de France, Centre, Lorraine,  Alsace, 
Franche-Comté, Poitou-Charentes, 
Limousin,  Rhône-Alpes,  Auvergne, Pro-
vence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur  

Management  plans  were  drawn 

up,  or  completed,  under  the  four-

year  project  period  (1998-2002) 

for  all  the  sites  and  the  protection 

 
LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

of  1  520  ha  of  dry  grasslands  was 

access;  these  were  enhanced  by 

of management to farmers, and the 

targeted  through  land  purchasing, 

providing  information  to  visitors.  A 

setting up of three new farmers with 

leasing  or  management  contracts. 

national  awareness  campaign  was 

the support of the Community Rural 

Various  appropriate  management 

also launched. 

Development Fund. 

patterns (mowing and grazing) were 

introduced  to  each  of  the  sites  to 

There were a number of difficulties 

Furthermore,  the  creation  of  new 

maintain  the  habitats  in  a  favour-

involving  (i)  the  purchasing/renting 

nature  trails  and  the  presence  of 

able  conservation  status.  Restora-

of land, (ii), re-establishing mowing 

herds of grazing animals have led to 

tion actions for grasslands that had 

or grazing on agricultural land aban-

a noticeable increase in ‘micro-tour-

recently  deteriorated  were  carried 

doned because of its poor agricul-

ism’ at the LIFE project sites. 

out by applying different techniques 

tural value, and (iii) as a result of the 

for  manual  or  mechanical  biotope 

decline of the sheep-breeding sec-

The project produced two excellent 

work  on  754  ha.  This  work  was 

tor in France. Nevertheless, despite 

technical documents on dry grassland 

designed  both  to  contribute  to  the 

these setbacks, the project met its 

management.  These  (French  only) 

conservation of these habitats and 

overall  objective  –  restoration  and 

documents:  “Recueil  d’expériences 

to help establish a national conser-

conservation  of  the  dry  grassland 

de  gestion  et  de  suivi  scientifique 

vation strategy for dry grasslands. 

habitats – over three-quarters of the 

sur  pelouses  sèches”;  and  “Pâtur-

29 sites targeted. The project suc-

age sur pelouses sèches – Un guide 

On  some  sites,  specific  measures 

ceeded  in  restoring  261  ha  of  dry 

d’aide à la mise en œuvre” have been 

were undertaken to improve public 

grassland  habitats  of  Community 

validated by the scientific authority –

Project info panel at Meulières de Claix 
(Charente)

interest, in managing 721 ha of dry 

INRA, National Institute of Agronomic 

grassland by appropriate agricultural 

Research. Available from the publica-

practices, and in stopping degrada-

tions section of the beneficiary’s web-

tion caused by uncontrolled access 

site, they are now widely sourced as 

by people and vehicles.  

reference tools for grasslands man-

agement in France. 

All in all, the conservation status of 

more than 1 000 ha of dry grassland 

In  order  to  establish  a  framework 

habitats was increased. Their long-

for  a  long-term  programme  for  dry 

term management was reinforced by 

grasslands preservation, the benefi-

the fact that 293 ha were purchased 

ciary set out a 110-page proposal for 

by the project or benefit from long-

a national conservation strategy, also 

term renting (18 to 99 years) and/or 

publishing 1 000 copies of a concise 

by  long-term  management  agree-

version of this proposal. Finally, the 

ments signed with the farmers.  

LIFE  project  also  encouraged  the 

Outcomes, dissemination and 
demonstration value

One of the project’s most significant 

successes concerned the re-estab-

lishment  of  appropriate  manage-

ment  practices  on  571  ha  of  dry 

grasslands  through  economically-

viable grazing activities at 13 loca-

tions. These successful experiments 

show  the  possibility  of  restoring 

environmentally  friendly  and  eco-

nomically-viable  grazing  activities 

on sites that were no longer of inter-
est agriculturally. Other positive out-

comes of the grazing schemes have 

included  the  extension  of  existing 

farms, the creation of three new jobs 

for shepherds, the sub-contracting 

municipality  of  Wildenstein  to  pro-

pose the creation of a new National 

Park at one of the sites involved. 

Project Number:  
LIFE98 NAT/F/005237

Title: Programme for the conserva-
tion of the dry grasslands of France

Beneficiary:  
Espaces Naturels de France

Website:  
http://www.enf-conservatoires.org/ 
(go to ‘Espace Librairie’ for docu-
ments)

Period:  
Sept-1998 to Dec-2002
Total Budget: e3 348 000
LIFE Contribution: e1 674 000 

Mountain and  
steppe grasslands

The  area  of mountain  and  steppe  grassland  habitats  in  Europe  has 

declined in recent decades, mainly through intensification of agricul-

ture or, conversely, land abandonment. Several LIFE Nature projects 

have contributed to the restoration and improvement of the conser-

vation status of these habitats. 

The most common European moun-

pers and crickets, e.g. Pholidoptera 

The  area  of  mountain  grasslands 

tain  grassland  habitat,  included 

transsylvanica  (Orthoptera),  and 

habitats  in  Europe  has  declined  in 

in  Annex  I  of  the  Habitats  direc-

mountain-specific  bird  communi-

recent  decades  with  the  intensifi-

tive,  is  the  species-rich  Nardus 

ties,  the  most  significant  of  which 

cation  of  agricultural  practices  on 

grasslands  habitat  (6230*),  which 

are the black grouse (Tetrao tetrix), 

the  one  hand  and  land  abandon-

occurs in almost all the EU member 

rock ptarmigan (Lagopus mutus) and 

ment and too low an intensity of use 

states,  except  for  Estonia,  Malta 

rock partridge (Alectoris graeca). 

on  the  other.  Tourism  (hiking  and 

Gentiana acaulis: typical plant species of mountain mat grass (Nardus stricta) grasslands

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and Cyprus. There are several other 

very  geographically  restricted  and 

endemic mountain grasslands habi-

tats, such as those found in Cyprus 

and the Iberian Peninsula, but these 

are less extensive. 

Habitat  6230*  is  most  commonly 

found  within  the  Alpine  bioregion 

(Alps,  Pyrenees  and  Carpathians). 

It also occurs relatively frequently in 

the Mediterranean, Continental and 

Atlantic  bioregions.  Nardus  grass-

lands  host  many  species  included 

in the Habitats Directive Annexes II 
and IV, ranging from butterflies (such 

as the Maculinea alcon), grasshop-

 
 
Mountain and 
steppe grasslands

skiing)  and  more  recently  climate 

change  are  other  threats  to  these 

habitats: there is evidence that the 

timber line is “climbing” in the Alps 

Grasslands of the steppes

and Pyrenees, permanently affecting 

grasslands.

With  the  enlargement  of  the  EU  to 

the  east,  new  grasslands  habitats 

Mountain  grasslands  often  require 

were included in the Habitats direc-

several  restoration  measures  –  the 

tive  that  are  characteristic  of  the 

ronmental  measures.  In  northern 

most  frequently  employed  being 

Pannonian, Steppic, and Black Sea 

the  removal  of  trees  and  shrubs 

biogeographical  regions.  Habitats 

(by  machines  or  by  hand)  and  the 

such  as  Pannonic  sand  steppes 

Thuringia, Germany, another project 
– LIFE03 NAT/D/000005 (see p. 32) 
–  targeted  a  special  habitat  type, 

reintroduction  or  management  of 

(6260*) and Ponto-Sarmatic steppes 

the  inland  salt  steppe  grasslands 

grazing. 

(62C0*) are characterised by natural, 

(1310, 1510*).

open  grassland  communities  usu-

A  number  of  LIFE  Nature  projects 

ally dominated by tussock-forming 

For  descriptions  of  practical  man-

have contributed to the restoration 

grasses  of  the  genus  Festuca.  As 

agement  techniques  (several  of  them 

and  improvement  of  the  conserva-

yet, very few LIFE projects have tar-

based on LIFE nature projects) that are 

tion  status  of  mountain  grassland 

habitats.  Among  the  projects  LIFE 

has co-funded: 
-  LIFE06  NAT/D/000008  (“Conser-
vation  and  regeneration  of  Nardus 

geted habitats of this type. One that 
did  was  LIFE04  NAT/AT/000002 
(“Pannonic steppes and dry grass-

designed to help Natura 2000 site man-

agers to prepare their own site-specific 

management  plans  for  these  habitat 

lands”),  which  restored  small  rem-

types and species targeted, see:

nants of steppe habitats in various 

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/

Grasslands in Central Europe”) – the 

sites in Lower Austria to make them 

natura2000/management/habitats/

objective  is  to  restore  the  Nardus 

fit  for  the  application  of  agri-envi-

pdf/6230_Nardus_grasslands.pdf

grasslands on 32 Natura 2000 net-

work sites located in northern Lux-

embourg , the Belgian Ardennes and 

in two regions of western Germany 

(Saarland and Reinland-Pfalz).
- LIFE02 NAT/P/008478 (“Serra da 
Estrela: management and conserva-

tion of priority habitats”) – the main 

project  actions  targeting  Nardus 

grasslands  (“cervunal”  in  Portu-

guese)  included  scrub  elimination, 

pasture  control  and  management, 

fire  control,  and  installation  of 

fences. 

LIFE and grassland habitat management in Natura 2000

Active management of certain habitats is considered 

necessary for the conservation of Natura 2000 sites. 

Documents  in  the  semi-natural  grasslands  library 

(see below) contain detailed descriptions of practi-

cal management techniques to help site managers 

prepare their own site-specific management plans 

for the habitat types and species targeted, and to 

implement these ‘in the field’, taking local constraints into account.

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/ 

habitats/models_en.htm

Semi-natural grasslands library
The semi-natural grasslands electronic library is designed to make it easier to 

share knowledge about the management of Natura 2000 sites.

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/calendar/index_

pubs.htm

Mountain and steppe grasslands

LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands  I  p. 2

Italy: Pastureland and peat bog  
conservation in Piedmont

This LIFE-Nature project introduced sustainable management and carried out conservation initia-

tives in the first regional nature park of the Piedmont region of Italy, which is home to valuable 

peat bogs and pasturelands.

The Alpe Veglia – Alpe Devero Park 

Both  these  phenomena  could  lead 

was founded in 1978 and is located in 

to  the  disappearance  of  grasslands 

the mountain valley of Val d’Ossola on 

of  community  interest.  The  survival 

the Italian-Swiss border. It is made up 

of the peat bogs is also under seri-

entirely of high-altitude mountain hab-

ous threat due to the drainage system 

itats, dominated by two Alpine valleys 

operating in the area. The SCI is one 

that have for thousands of years been 

of only two European sites where a 

used as summer pastureland. It has 

rare butterfly, Raetzer’s ringlet (Erebia 

been designated a Site of Community 

christi), has been recorded. The first 

Interest (SCI) and a Special Protec-

sightings were in the 1970s.

tion  Area  (SPA)  in  recognition  of  its 

ecological importance. The sites host 

Objectives and results

18 habitats (including various types of 

peat bogs, Alpine Nardus grasslands 

The project’s main objective was to 

and  mountain  hay  meadows)  and 

carry  out  conservation  measures  in 

many plant and animal species listed 

the  mountain  pastureland  and  peat 

in  the  European  Birds  and  Habitats 

bogs. Sustainable management of the 

Directives. 

pastureland,  supported  by  specific 

shrub removal, would help restore the 

The lack of sustainable pastureland 

high-altitude meadows, while the peat 

management and the irregular mow-

bog environment could be conserved 

ing of meadows, however, have led to 

by shutting off the drainage system.

some areas being invaded by shrubs 

and  other  areas  being  overgrazed. 

Efforts to fulfil the goals of the project 

Aster alpinus

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were  highly  successful.  In  all  the 

habitats, the processes of degrada-

tion (including the erosion processes 

and/or trampling) were halted. 

As  a  result  of  the  project,  the  floral 

richness  of  the  area  was  improved 

and damage was reversed on the spe-

cies-rich Nardus grasslands and the 

siliceous substrates. In the mountain 

areas, excess Nardus was removed 

through  grazing  and  the  amount  of 

dry residual old Nardus was reduced. 

The project also improved the amount 

of nutrients thanks to the presence of 

cattle  and  enlarged  the  area  of  the 
habitat  (91  ha)  by  mowing  invasive 

shrubs.

Lesser Butterfly-orchid  
(Platanthera bifolia) 

Typical alpine scrubland habitat

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LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

Benefit to wildlife

Such  engagement  of  local  farm-

ers was a key aspect of the project. 

The  project  also  had  a  beneficial 

Project activities enabled farmers to 

impact  on  the  fauna  of  the  area.  It 

become directly responsible for pre-

helped stabilise the breeding popu-

serving  the  territory,  bringing  them 

lation  and  the  breeding  success  of 

closer to the problems of conserva-

black grouse (Tetrao tetrix tetrix) and 

tion and showing them that maintain-

also  stopped  the  decline  in  recent 

ing  traditional  agricultural  activities 

years  of  ptarmigan  (Lagopus  mutus 

helps protect the environment. This 

helveticus). Moreover, new data about 

project  paved  the  way  for  greater 

the conservation status of Raetzer’s 

dialogue between the park and local 

ringlet was collected. The scarcity of 

people, allowing the park authority to 

information on the ecology and state 

show that the preservation of biodi-

of  conservation  of  the  species,  as 

versity is compatible with economic 

well as its restricted distribution, had 

development.  Moreover,  it  demon-

posed a real threat to its survival.

strated a new way of working that will 

continue after the project in the spirit 

The  main  innovative  value  of  the 

of Natura 2000.

project  concerns  the  successful 

implementation of a new methodol-

In  the  short  term,  the  results  of  the 

ogy for cattle and horse grazing using 

project are assured by the available 

temporary electric fences to improve 

financial  funds  of  the  Regione  Pie-

the conservation status of the Nardus 

monte and of a LEADER project. The 

grasslands.  This  methodology  was 

regional authorities are currently plan-

used over large areas with the coordi-

ning to introduce a new regional law 

nation of the park authorities and the 

that will further aid protected areas. 

support of local farmers.  According 

When it is approved, the regional park 

to the beneficiary, this is the first such 

will have an annual financial budget 

case  in  the  Alps.  Its  results  can  be 

for sustainable management. Increas-

transferred and used in other Natura 

ing numbers of tourists and the aban-

2000 sites with large areas of grass-

donment  of  traditional  agricultural 

lands that are currently dependent on 

activities, however, remain a threat to 

cattle or horses for grazing (for exam-

the area. Continued efforts must be 

ple, sites in the Alps, Apennines, Pyr-

taken to raise awareness among the 

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enees and Balkans).

local population and visitors.

Temporary electric fences help with 
Nardus grasslands horse grazing  
management

Black grouse (Tetrao tetrix) – left, and alpine marmot (Marmota marmota)  
– right, benefited from the project actions

Project Number:  
LIFE02 NAT/IT/008574

Title: Alpe Veglia and Alpe Devero: 
actions of conservation of mountain 
grasslands and peatlands

Beneficiary: “Ente Parco Naturale 
Alpe Veglia e Devero”  (Alpe Veglia 
– Alpe Devero Park)

Contact: De Negri Ivano

Email:  
parco.vegliadevero@cmvo.net

Website:  
www.parcovegliadevero.it/life/LIFE_
home.htm

Period:  
Jan-2003 to Dec-2005
Total Budget: e 611 000
LIFE Contribution: e 306 000

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Mountain and steppe grasslands

LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands  I  p. 2

Italy: Managing Tuscan mountain 
grasslands

Tuscany’s mountain grasslands have received a significant boost from a dedicated package of 

LIFE support that successfully restored sustainable grazing patterns and improved the conserva-

tion status of biodiversity within Nardus grassland (Nardus stricta) areas.

Typical Apennine mountain grasslands landscape in Pratomagno Natura 2000 site (visible fence for the protection of Caltha palustris)

Italy’s  Apennine  mountain  range 

diversity of these high-altitude grass-

nised these problems and applied for 

stretches along much of the country’s 

land areas. However, modernisation of 

LIFE Nature support to help restore 

east coast and supports a wide range 

local agricultural systems over recent 

these important grassland areas. Par-

of  grassland  habitat  types  through-

years has led to an intensification of 

ticular  attention  was  paid  to  boost-

out  the  1  000  km  upland  region.  In 

grazing regimes. Overgrazing seriously 

ing  biodiversity  on  three  proposed 

Tuscany,  the  Apennine  vegetation 

threatens the survival of some of the 

Natura  2000  Sites  of  Community 

is  characterised  by  primary  summit 

area’s  important  grassland  species. 

Importance (Pratomagno, M.Tondo-

grasslands that grow at some 1 400 

The composition of local flora has also 

La  Nuda  and  M.Castellino-Le  For-

m above sea level and form the south-
ernmost limit for a number of central 

been badly affected by the abandon-
ment of traditional farm practices and 

bici), which between them hosted the 
priority  species  Appennine  primula 

European plant communities. 

the increase in afforestation.

(Primula  appennina),  as  well  as  the 

Livestock  grazing  has  traditionally 

Botanists from Tuscany’s Forests and 

concentrations of Nardus grasslands 

played  a  key  role  in  maintaining  the 

Agro-forestry Property Service recog-

in the Northern Apennines. 

most  extensive  and  well-preserved 

 
LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

Sustaining upland species

Despite  severe  climatic  conditions 

and wild fires during the LIFE project, 

Demonstrating the value  
of LIFE

An integrated programme of habitat 

a beneficial range of outcomes was 

restoration  activities  was  approved 

achieved, resulting in the restoration 

The  elaboration  and  approval  of 

for LIFE support, including prepara-

of  sustainable  grazing  patterns  on 

the management plans of the three 

tion of dedicated management plans 

around  750  ha  of  mountain  grass-

separate SCIs is the main success 

for each of the three proposed Sites 

land. 

of Community Importance. The plans 

of  the  project.  The  best  results 

were obtained in the Monte Tondo-

set out strategic objectives based on 

Specific successes included improv-

La Nuda SCI, mainly because of the 

conserving and sustaining the moun-

ing the conservation status of more 

business  acumen  of  the  local  gra-

tain  grasslands’  animal  and  plant 

than  330  ha  of  Nardus  grasslands, 

zier. From a technical point of view, 

communities through a combination 

whilst  some  12  ha  of  thin  Junipe-

the  best  results  were  obtained  in 

of  activities  covering:  land  acquisi-

rus  formations  were  also  restored. 

the Pratomagno SCI. 

tion and management on particularly 

Beechwood clearance targets were 

sensitive sites; clearance of invasive 

exceeded  by  over  50%  and  LIFE 

The  management  plans  drawn  up 

plant species from traditional grass-

funds  helped  purchase  12  ha  of 

by the project are a binding tool for 

land areas; construction of fences and 

semi-natural  grassland  for  active 

the future management of the SCIs. 

watering  places  in  order  to  control 

conservation management, to which 

The Tuscan mountain communities 

grazing; and geo-engineering works 

the beneficiary added a further 6 ha 

are  legally  required  to  include  the 

on slopes at risk from erosion. These 

using its own public sector funds. 

actions  foreseen  in  the  manage-

practical  habitat  restoration  works 

ment plans in their annual planning 

were complemented by a stakeholder 

In  addition,  the  geo-engineering 

for the management of the Regional 

consultation initiative, aimed at gain-

ing long term support from local com-

work  stabilised  1,350  m2  of  grass-
land habitat threatened by erosion. 

Agriculture and Forest Estate. As a 

result,  no  after  LIFE  conservation 

munities and livestock farmers for the 

A large number of access gates were 

plan was elaborated because it was 

grassland conservation plans.

included in the project’s fencing pro-

not needed.  

Wooden grids have successfully limited 
soil erosion. This picture shows the 
growth of vegetation 2.5 years after  
the project ended

gramme as a response to feedback 

from  the  stakeholder  consultation 

The  project  also  had  an  important 

process.

demonstration  value,  since  similar 

works  were  carried  out  in  other 

Agreements have been reached with 

areas  outside  the  project,  both  by 

12 graziers in the Pratomagno SCI 

private  stakeholders  and  public 

(resulting in 85 cattle and 44 horses 

bodies.  The  Casentino  mountain 

grazing the area in 2007). Some 60-

community  intends  to  replicate 

70 cattle are regularly browsing in a 

the  LIFE  project  activities  in  other 

32  ha  area  of  the  Monte  Tondo-La 

areas  of  the  Tuscan  Apennines  in 

Nuda  SCI.  In  the  M.  Castellino-Le 

Arezzo province. 

Forbici  SCI,  agreements  with  four 

graziers  have  been  established  for 

a total of 465 sheep. Shrub cutting 

and  thinning  activities  have  been 

regularly  implemented  after  the 

project end, as well as maintenance 

of gates, drinking troughs, and other 

Project Number:  
LIFE00 NAT/IT/007239

Title: Conservation of Tuscan  
Apennines mountain grasslands

infrastructure  installed  thanks  to 

Beneficiary: Regione Toscana

LIFE. 

The  conservation  of  the  mountain 

grasslands  has  allowed  the  local 

population to live in these environ-
ments and to increase the produc-

tion and sale of local products such 

as beef, lamb and cheese. Work to 

increase  tourism,  such  as  restora-

tion of mountain huts, is ongoing. 

Contact: Giovanni Vignozzi

Email: giovanni.vignozzi@regione.
toscana.it

Website:  
www.rete.toscana.it/sett/agric/
foreste/life/progetto.html

Period: Nov-2001 to Dec-2005
Total Budget: e 1 122 000
LIFE Contribution: e 561 000 

Mountain and steppe grasslands

LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands  I  p. 2

Hungary: Restoring grasslands and 
marshes in the Hortobágy

The steppe-like Hortobágy region of eastern Hungary has been adversely affected for many 

years, particularly as a result of being cut off from the life-giving Tisza river. Several LIFE-Nature 

restoration projects, however, have revived this famous region. 

The  broad,  wind-swept  Hortobágy 

the elimination of unused channel net-

holds a special place in the imagina-

works; the removal of woody growth 

tion  of  the  Hungarian  people.  The 

from  the  puszta  and  the  creation  of 

region is part of the Alföld, or Great 

artificially  flooded  wetland  habitat. 

Hungarian Plain, and was designated 

Nearly  300  water  control  structures 

the country’s very first national park in 

were removed from the puszta (these 

1973. Modern farming practices and 

were later recycled into roads for local 

development have put great strains on 

villages),  and  more  than  100  km  of 

the region, however, over the past 200 

channels and banks were eliminated 

years. Sections have been drained and 

with heavy equipment, resulting in rain-

several  pusztas  (prairies)  have  been 

water forming shallow pools of about 

cultivated and cut off from the Tisza 

200 ha in the puszta (some irrigation 

river. 

channels that are still in use, however, 

could  not  be  removed.)  In  addition, 

Other threats have included: the con-

nearly  3  000  woody  plants,  (bushes 

version  of  its  marshlands  and  sodic 

and shrubs) – most of which were low-

Hortobágy steppes (puszta) remain an 
important habitat for millions of birds

lakes to fish ponds; the creation of vast 

value, invasive species introduced to 

paddy fields in its alkaline grasslands 

Hungary – were removed.

To ensure the conditions for traditional 

and  meadows;  the  introduction  of 

herding of grazing stock, the shelters 

invasive alien species; the transforma-

Several shallow ponds that had formed 

and sweep wells were renovated. Also, 

tion of natural rivers into channels; the 

in old riverbeds have been left with an 

due to the increased livestock popu-

building of settlements and farmhouses 

insufficient  catchment  area  even  in 

lation, traditionally designed summer 

foreign to the landscape; the destruc-

wet years. To remedy this situation, in 

shelters  and  windbreaks  were  con-

tion of the ancient grazing system; the 

Nagy-Vókonya, the project flooded a 

structed from natural materials. Winter 

displacement of traditional domestic 

200 ha area. Shallow-water habitats 

fodder for the animals was produced 

animal types; the mowing of the grass; 

were enlarged from 37 to 295 ha over-

outside the grazing area. By the end 

the bombing of southern sections by 

all, by inundation and the elimination 

of the project duration, the number of 

Soviet aircraft during military drills; the 

of channels. Work to eliminate paddy 

native  livestock  (Hungarian  Flecked 

construction of power lines above the 

fields  and  irrigation  systems  in  the 

and Hungarian Grey Cattle, Mangalica 

puszta; and the encroachment of crop-

pusztas of Hortobágy continues, pro-

pigs,  Racka  sheep  and  goats)  was 

land on the pristine grasslands. 

tecting wetland habitat and facilitating 

increased by 1 040. 

rainwater retention. 

In spite of these factors, the Hortobágy 

puszta remains an important habitat 

Return to traditional grazing

for  millions  of  birds,  and  the  region 

Favourable  changes  to  the  flora 

occurred, and most of the damaged, 

dried out parts of the wetland habitat 

is steadily being restored through the 

The  long-term  continuation  of  the 

were transformed into valuable alkaline 

efforts of three LIFE nature projects.

results, however, is best assured by a 

meadow  and  marshland  vegetation. 

return to traditional grazing. The grassy 

Rare aquatic (Lemnetea) and mudflat 

The project dubbed “Habitat manage-

meadows  of  the  Hortobágy  steppe 

(Nanocyperion)  plant  assemblages 

ment of Hortobágy eco-region for bird 
protection” focused on restoring habi-

can  best  be  preserved  and  used  by 
applying grazing stock of indigenous 

appeared in the area, with one spe-
cies endemic to the Carpathian Basin, 

tats for the high number of bird species 

breeds. Moreover, re-establishment of 

namely the Hungarian Elatine (Elatina 

found in the region. The beneficiary, the 

the traditional grazing system serves 

hungarica).  On  the  project  site,  288 

Hortobágy Environmental Association 

both the interests of conservationists 

plant species were recorded over the 

(HEA), engaged in three main activities: 

and people living near the Hortobágy.

course of the project period.

 
LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

Additionally, between 2002 and 2006, 

around 225 bird species were observed 

on the project site. It is noteworthy that 

13  of  the  recorded  bird  species  are 

included in the IUCN Red List Species 

published in 2004. By 2006, a total of 

96  breeding  species  were  recorded, 

11 of which are strictly protected by 

national legislation, including the bit-

tern  (Botaurus  stellaris)  and  aquatic 

warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola). Fol-

lowing the restoration work, up to 56 

pairs of EC Bird Directive Annex I spe-

cies water birds were nesting in Nagy-

Vókonya.  In  2005,  the  number  had 

increased  to  63  pairs.  Furthermore, 

while in 2003 only around 7 600 water 

birds were estimated to have appeared 

on habitats in place of the former, dam-

aged paddy fields, following the res-

toration works, in 2004, some 61 000 

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Black-tailed Godwits (Limosa limosa) 
are dependent on alkali meadows  
grazed by cattle

(Charadrius morinellus) were observed 

on these patches, the highest number 

ever recorded. 

Ongoing restoration

The Hortobágy National Park is also 

currently implementing a LIFE Nature 

project in Egyek-Pusztakócs, an area 

of dry and wet grasslands, marshes 

and  arable  land.  River  regulations 

and drainage for intensive agricultural 

practices  have  dried  up  and  frag-

mented much of the area, and as a 

result the valuable pannonic steppic 

grasslands  have  almost  completely 

disappeared.  Although  the  largest 

marshes have been revitalised follow-

ing the construction of a water system 

between 1976 and 1997, the restora-

tion of grasslands has been neglected 

and in 2005, some 97 000 individuals 

This project also encouraged inten-

to date because of lack of funds. 

found a roosting, foraging and stop-

sive  grazing  methods,  this  time  to 

over habitat on the project site.

recreate the unique mosaic of alka-

The project is engaged in the trans-

Steppe and marsh rehabilitation 

Intensive grazing of cattle keeps the 

loess and salt steppes, grazing with 

line wet and dry grassland patches. 

formation of arable land to pannonic 

An  earlier  LIFE  Nature  project  in 
the  region  (LIFE02  NAT/H/008634) 
focused on restoring the salt steppes 

grass short and gives the weak plant 

grey cattle and racka sheep, and reed 

associations such as the Puccinellio-

bed management, in order to restore 

Salicornetea (habitat 1310) the space 

priority habitats on a total area of 1 

to spread into suitable solonetz soil 

500 ha. It is expected that the overall 

and  marshes.  The  beneficiary,  the 

areas (alkali soils). 

Hortobágy National Park Directorate 

conservation impact of this action will 

be felt over a much larger area (5 000 

aimed to restore these habitats across 

The project improved the habitats of 

ha) thanks also to the establishment 

10 000 ha of the Hortobágy National 

37 species of birds listed in Annex I of 

of  ecological  corridors  and  buffer 

Park. The project planned to eliminate 

the Birds Directive and increased the 

zones; in addition, important ‘islands’ 

the artificial factors altering the natural 

populations of many important spe-

of  wooded  areas  should  protect 

micro-topography  of  the  flood  plain 

cies. It also reconstructed small areas 

marshes  from  agricultural  contami-

area by levelling or filling in a total of 

of  special  soil  surface  microforms, 

nants.  In  the  long-term,  grasslands 

360 km of artificial dykes and irrigation 

which are a special habitat type of salt 

and marshes are expected to reach a 

channels. 

steppes. In 2003, some 500 dotterels 

favourable conservation status.

Project Number:  
LIFE02 NAT/H/008638

Project Number:  
LIFE02 NAT/H/008634 

Project Number:  
LIFE04 NAT/HU/000119  

Title: Habitat management of Horto-
bágy eco-region for bird protection

Title: Restoration of pannonic steppes, 
marshes of Hortobágy National Park

Title: Grassland restoration and 
marsh protection in Egyek-Pusztakócs

Beneficiary: Hortobágy Environ-
mental Association

Beneficiary: Hortobágy National 
Park Directorate

Beneficiary: Hortobágy National 
Park Directorate

Contact: Zoltán Ecsedi

Contact: Szilvia Göri

Contact: Zoltán Ecsedi 

Email: hortobagy.te@chello.hu

Email: szilvi@www.hnp.hu

Email: szabolcs@www.hnp.hu

Website: www.hortobagyte.hu

Website: http://life2002.hnp.hu/

Website: www.hortobagyte.hu

Period: Jul-2002 to Jun-2006
Total Budget: e 830 000
LIFE Contribution: e 622 000

Period: May-2002 to Nov-2005
Total Budget: e 780 000
LIFE Contribution: e 547 000

Period: Sept-2004 to Dec -2008
Total Budget: e 1 040 000
LIFE Contribution: e 700 000

 
 
Mountain and steppe grasslands

LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands  I  p. 29

Sweden: Converting spruce  
plantations into grasslands

This ambitious project aimed to restore limestone grasslands habitats by clearing afforested 

areas and reintroducing grazing. It has created the conditions for long-term management and 

conservation of Kinnekulle’s habitats with the participation of farmers and the local population.

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Early purple orchid in limestone grassland on Österplana hed (Kinnekulle mountain)

Kinnekulle is a raised plateau in the 

climate, the varied geology and cen-

visitors,  including  Carl  Linnaeus, 

province of Västergötland, Sweden, 

turies of grazing and mowing activi-

who in 1746 described the site as “A 

on the eastern shore of Lake Vänern. 

ties have created the conditions for 

place among the most remarkable in 

Its highest point is 306 m above sea 

an unusual concentration of biodiver-

the country”.

level.  It  features  a  varied  geology 

sity.  The  landscape  was  character-

composed  of  several  different  rock 

ised by large areas of hay meadows, 

As a result, the area has been included 

layers,  sandstone  and  limestone 

open pastures and grasslands con-

in the Natura 2000 network and clas-

being the most abundant. The char-

taining large ancient oaks and other 

sified as a Site of Community Impor-

acteristic  flat  summit  and  shape  of 

deciduous trees spread out over the 

tance (SCI) – no less than 17 habitat 

the “mountain” was sculpted during 

limestone pavements that favoured 

types included in Annex I of the Habi-

the last Ice Age.

a  very  rich  plant  and  animal  life  in 
a landscape that remained more or 

tats Directive are to be found here, 
including  nine  priority  ones.  These 

The  region  has  seen  human  activ-

less  unchanged  until  the  19th  cen-

range  from  calcareous  grasslands 

ity at least since the Bronze Age, as 

tury. This rich variety of habitats and 

and  natural  grasslands  on  the  thin 

evinced  by  various  archaeological 

species that stand out from the sur-

soils  of  the  limestone-layer,  which 

traces  on  the  hill.  The  benign  local 

rounding plains was noticed by many 

constitute the largest area of “alvar” 

 
 
 
LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

habitat on the Swedish mainland, to 

wooded pastures and deciduous and 

coniferous forests. Also found here 

are species included in the Habitats 

Directive,  such  as  the  lady’s  slip-

per orchid (Cypripedium calcelous), 

Tortella rigens, Osmoderma eremita 

and Triturus cristatus, as well as one 

bird listed in the Birds Directive: the 

red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio). 

Additionally, Kinnekulle hosts about 

200 species that are rare and threat-

ened at the national level. 

With the modernisation of agriculture 

(mechanisation and use of artificial fer-

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tilisers) and the implementation of the 

Sheep grazing was reintroduced

land parcelling law at the end of the 

1800s, many of the meadows and pas-

could  guarantee  the  sustainability 

and/or  haymaking  areas  previously 

tures were abandoned or converted to 

and conservation status of the area 

covered with trees, scrubs or spruce 

arable land or planted with spruce. The 

in  the  future.  With  the  help  of  LIFE 

plantations.  The  targeted  habitats 

more unproductive soil areas that once 

funding, the Västra Götaland County 

concerned  were  mainly  rupicolous 

were covered by hay meadows were 

Administrative  Board  (CAB-Västra 

calcareous or basophilic grasslands 

abandoned  and  as  a  result  became 

Götaland)  proposed  an  ambitious 

(6110*), semi-natural dry grasslands 

covered with scrub vegetation and for-

project with the overall objective of 

on calcareous substrates (6210), Nor-

ests. Some of these areas have devel-

restoring Kinnekulle and, maintaining 

dic alvar (6280), Molinia meadows on 

oped into rich deciduous woodlands. 

a favourable conservation status of 

peaty or clayey-silt-laden soils (6410) 

As a result, in Sweden, only 2 500 ha 

the  Natura  2000  species  and  habi-

and  Fennoscandian  wooded  pas-

meadows remain, representing a loss 

tats at the site. These aims would be 

tures (9070). 

of 99% of the original area. 

achieved  through  cooperation  with 

landowners, the local community and 

It  is  not  easy  to  convince  landown-

In order to restore and maintain this 

other interested parties.

important  habitat,  quick  interven-

ers to change from an intensive forest 

production system based on spruce to 

tion  was  needed,  based  on  boost-

Restoring limestone grasslands

an extensive grazing system. The LIFE 

ing  grazing  by  creating  new  pas-

funding created the opportunity for a 

tures and structures to help sustain 

One  of  the  main  objectives  of  the 

radical change in land use. The first 

livestock (e.g. fences and barns for 

project  was  to  restore  open  and 

step was to convince the owners. This 

winter  feeding),  together  with  the 

wooded grassland habitats, clearing, 

was done through continuous dialogue 

creation  of  management  tools  that 

fencing  and  re-opening  for  grazing 

and meetings with the landowners, the 

This illustration of the restored  
grasslands landscape was used in  
project brochures

Swedish Farmers’ Association and the 

Swedish Forest Agency.  

These areas were cleared of all young 

trees,  shrubs,  and  spruce  planta-

tions.  The  majority  of  the  clearing 

work was done in winter and carried 

out  manually  with  chainsaws  and 

brush-cutters. The work was done by 

landowners, tenants and local con-

tractors. The spruce logs were mainly 
delivered for paper production, while 

stumps  and  other  residues  were 

turned  into  wood  chips  for  home 

heating. Despite mild winters, rainy 

summers and two severe storms, the 

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Mountain and steppe grasslands

LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands  I  p. 

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In October 2003 (left), this area was covered with spruce and scrubs; by June 2007 (right), after clearing and three grazing seasons, 
some plants and the red-backed shrike had returned

aim of the project has been achieved 

been converted to open grassland. 

by agri-environmental subsidies. This 

and  more  than  600  ha  of  land  has 

As a result, some indicator species 

guarantees both the habitat conser-

been cleared. 

have now returned, such as the red-

vation and economic sustainability of 

backed shrike (L. collurio). 

the area. “Without LIFE financing it 

With the first step accomplished, the 

was impossible to kick-off this proc-

project  had  to  establish  the  condi-

“The  immediate  reintroduction  of 

ess,  and  at  the  same  time  make  it 

tions for the reintroduction of graz-

grazing after clearing was crucial for 

sustainable  after  its  end,”  stresses 

ing livestock. To this end, more than 

the success of the action,” believes 

Ms Thordarson. The beneficiary will 

70km of electric fences were erected 

Ulf Wiktander, who was in charge of 

continue to draw up contracts with 

and three sheds built to protect and 

the restoration work. Surveys indicate 

farmers  regarding  clearing  work, 

provide  feeding  stations  for  some 

that plants not previously present at 

grazing  etc.  with  the  aim  of  gradu-

250 cattle during winter. 

the site – early purple orchid, fragrant 

ally  getting  more  pastures  into  the 

orchid,  sandwort  (Arenaria  gothica) 

environmental  scheme.  “There  is  a 

The 1 540 ha covered by the project 

and  thyme  –  have  become  estab-

continuous interest from farmers who 

were defined as nature reserves (17 

lished after restoration. 

in total) under Swedish law, and  are 

want to join in the measures imple-

mented by the project as they see the 

now subject to specific management 

Kinnekulle is also a very important tour-

possibilities of production along with 

plans. All the nature reserves are now 

ist destination with more than 100 000 

nature conservation work,” empha-

included in the Kinnekulle Natura 2000 

visitors per year. The project created 

sises Ms Thordarson.

site. The County Administrative Board 

three new car parking areas, informa-

is responsible for managing these new 

tion signs and leaflets. New footpaths 

nature reserves, but it is the landowner 

have made the nature reserves more 

or tenant who carries out the majority 

accessible  for  visitors  while  at  the 

of the management work.

same time controlling access.

Grasslands, farmers and  
visitors benefit 

According to project manager Maria 

Thordarson, farmers have been sup-

portive of the restoration work, which 

As a result of the project actions the 

has created a new income stream for 

area  of  limestone  grasslands  and 

them: high-quality meat from herds 

pavement (alvar) has more than dou-
bled. The differences in the landscape 

grazing  the  project  areas  is  now 
being  sold  in  shops  locally  and  in 

before and after the restoration are 

Stockholm as ‘Kinnekulle beef’. 

notable (see pictures), especially in 

those areas where spruce plantation 

The majority of grazing and hay cut-

has, after only three grazing seasons, 

ting in the nature reserves is financed 

Project Number:  
LIFE02 NAT/S/008484

Title: Kinnekulle plateau mountain 
- restoration and conservation

Beneficiary: Länsstyrelsen Västra 
Götaland

Contact: Maria Thordarson

Email:   
gsesto@parcodellemadonie.it

Website:  
www.o.lst.se/projekt/kinnekulle

Period: Nov-2001 to Sept-2007
Total Budget: e 5 730 000
LIFE Contribution: e 2 860 000

 
 
  
 
 
LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

Germany: Conserving the inland salt 
marshes of Thuringia

Northern Thuringia is home to some outstanding inland salt marshes – the result of a special hydro-

geological situation, in combination with appropriate land use. With the support of LIFE, local farmers 

are playing a key part in the conservation of this delicate grassland habitat.

The  salt  marshes  around  the  Kyff-

häuser mountains are the largest and 

most biodiverse in Thuringia. The typi-

cal salt marsh vegetation is currently 

distributed over four project areas of 

varying size, covering some 75 ha in 
total. The LIFE Nature project LIFE03 
NAT/D/000005 targeted an expansion 
of the area of salt marshes to 110 ha. 

Depending  on  humidity  levels,  most 

land within the project area is nowa-

days used agriculturally, ranging from 

relatively  intensive,  over  extensive 

grassland farming, to natural succes-

Salt marsh in Thuringia

sion on abandoned land. 

beneficiary (and after mowing of the 

reed),  relatively  intensive  grazing  of 

the project area started in November 

2005. Grazing is being carried out by 

herds of Heckrinder cattle (Bos taurus 

primigenius) and Konik horses. These 

species have different eating habits, 

thereby  allowing  the  formation  of  a 

mosaic  grassland  structure,  as  suc-

cessfully implemented in the Hungar-
ian Pannonic Steppes project (LIFE02 
NAT/H/008634).

By October 2006, the first salt indica-

tor plants were seen growing, includ-

ing Aster tripolium, Halimione pedun-

The  main  threats  to  the  continental 

vegetation itself, this would also ben-

also show that the breeding rates of 

salt  marshes  are  abandonment  of 

efit the conservation of the avifauna of 

Gallinago gallinago and Vanellus vanel-

grassland farming or a lack of graz-

managed grassland habitats. 

lus have increased since the project 

as improving the continental salt marsh 

culata and Suaeda maritima. Results 

ing activities in habitats with halophile 

started. 

vegetation, the displacement of salty 

A delicate balance

conditions by freshwater influence, or 

As well as the conservation benefits, 

the loss of hydraulic regulation tradi-

Finding the right management concept 

farmers are generally positive about the 

tionally ensured by the irrigation and 

for the delicate plant community is not 

project because it allows them to man-

drainage system. 

easy, however: if too much water is on 

age their land in a more effective way.

site for too long, salt-tolerant reed will 

Regaining  control  over  the  water 

thrive in place of the rare salt plants and 

regime in the Esperstedter Ried is cru-

prevent mowing or grazing of the prior-

cial to the development of saline habi-

ity habitat; if there is too little salt water 

tats of varying humidity and conditions. 

on site, the tiny and light-demanding 

Targeted land purchase is a necessary 

salt plants are simply out-competed 

preliminary measure (requiring regular 

by more robust grassland species. The 

contact between the LIFE office and 

grazing intensity also needs to be finely 

the  local  farmers’  association),  fol-

balanced: if grazing is too light, more 

lowed by actions including the clear-

competitive plant species will grow in 

ing of ditches and the construction or 

place of the salt-adapted species; at 

renovation of weirs. The construction 

the other end of the scale, overgrazing 

of a connecting channel is necessary 

can also be a problem. 

to enlarge the sites suitable for halo-
phile vegetation. 

The  project  has  been  very  active  in 

seeking the optimal grazing intensity 

Another key objective is the introduc-

for halophytes on the one hand and 

tion  of  extensive  grassland  farming 

meadow breeders on the other. Fol-

across the entire project area. As well 

lowing the acquisition of fences by the 

Project Number:  
LIFE03 NAT/D/000005

Title: Conservation and develop-
ment of the inland salt marshes of 
Northern Thuringia

Beneficiary: Thuringian Ministry for 
Agriculture, Nature Conservation and 
the Environment

Contact: Stephan Pfützenreuter

Email: Stephan.Pfuetzenreuter@
tmlnu.thueringen.de

Website: http://www.thueringen.de/
de/tmlnu/themen/naturschutz/ 
binnensalz/index.html (German only) 

Period: Sept-2003 to Aug-2008
Total Budget: e 2 440 000
LIFE Contribution: e 1 830 000

Grasslands as  
high biodiversity  
farmland areas

High  nature  value  farmland  –  usually  characterised  by  low-intensity 

agriculture that allows wildlife to flourish – is recognised as having a 

crucial role to play in achieving the goal of halting the loss of biodi-

versity by 2010. Although extensive mixed arable systems may also 

support  high  biodiversity,  most  high  nature  value  farmland  consists 

of semi-natural grasslands (EEA, 2004) , dehesas, montados, steppe 

and mountain grasslands habitats, most of them included in Annex I 

of the Habitats Directive.

Particularly  important  for  biodiver-

Several LIFE projects have resulted in 

to support farmers in less favoured 

sity are small-scale farms in central, 

proposals for new agri-environmen-

areas  –  normally  mountainous  ter-

eastern and southern Europe, which 

tal measures (CAP) or for the adap-

are  responsible  for  creating  and 

tion  of  existing  agri-environmental 

maintaining species-rich semi-natu-

measures. In some cases, this has 

rain  (see  box).  A  good  example  is 
the project, LIFE02 NAT/UK/008539 
(“Yorkshire Dales Limestone Coun-

ral grasslands. The abandonment of 

helped to secure ongoing payments 

try”), which promoted management 

LIFE has been supporting the establishment of agri-environmental measures under CAP 
with the involvement of farmers

these small farm systems results in 

the  loss  of  dependent  grasslands 

species and habitats. 

The LIFE programme has made an 

important contribution to mountain 

habitat  restoration  and  to  estab-

lishing  actions  that  guarantee  the 

sustainability of traditional  agricul-
tural activities, such as grazing and 

mowing. 

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Grasslands as  
high biodiversity  
farmland areas

and  restoration  of  grasslands  by 

extensive farming with hardy native 

cattle breeds. It also gave advice to 

Germany”)  succeeded  in  restoring 

farmers on funding sources available 

and  conserving over 100 ha of dry 

for the subsequent grasslands man-

grasslands  on  chalky  soil  habitats 

agement  through  agri-environment 

at  14  sites  in  the  Saar  Region  and 

measures,  as  well  as  on  new  mar-

Schleswig-Holstein.

keting  opportunities  for  conserva-

that have contributed to the imple-

mentation of management and res-

tion-oriented  farms  with  traditional 

The  following  section  presents  a 

toration measures in high biodiversity 

breeds.

series of examples of LIFE projects 

farmland areas inside Natura 2000.

LIFE has also promoted the devel-

opment of partnerships with farmers 

and found ways of continuing land 

use and farm practices that guaran-

tee a favourable conservation status 

of the grasslands habitats and other 

Natura  2000  assets.  As  a  direct 

result of such intensive cooperation 

with  local  stakeholders,  including 
local  farmers,  the  project  LIFE00 
NAT/D/007058 (“Regeneration and 
preservation  of  dry  grassland  in  P

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LIFE, Natura 2000 and agri-environmental measures

Since 1992, several LIFE projects have provided valuable information and experience on how 

agri-environmental measures could be deployed and adapted to contribute to nature conser-

vation. Moreover, by reorienting existing agri-environmental measures towards a sustainable 

management of Natura 2000 network sites, LIFE has helped to promote a Community perspective, 

supporting both Agriculture and Nature conservation EU policy.

Many of these LIFE projects have demonstrated how local agri-environmental schemes can be adapted to reconcile farming 

interests with nature protection, with a special focus on grasslands species and habitats that are heavily dependent on 

traditional agricultural activities. In a number of cases, LIFE projects have revealed conflicting situations and illustrated the 

need to adapt current agri-environmental measures to the real needs of farmers in Natura 2000 areas.

The main LIFE contribution with regard to agri-environmental measures is:

l Launching (“starter”) of long-term habitat management through agri-environment 
l Promotion of wider use of agri-environment in the Natura 2000 network

l Design/adaptation of new agri-environmental measures for habitat (especially grasslands) conservation

l New markets for conservation-oriented farming (such as certification of local beef breeds)

For more information on and LIFE project examples, see the brochure: 

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/documents/agrienvironment_en.pdf

 
 
Grasslands as high biodiversity  
farmland areas

LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands  I  p. 

Ireland: farming for conservation  
in the Burren

Burren LIFE is the first major farming for conservation project in Ireland. Based on a pilot scheme 
for 20 farms covering over 3 000 ha, the €  2.23 million project (75% funded by LIFE Nature) aims 
to develop a blueprint for sustainable agriculture for the whole Burren region.

The goat is also closely associated with the Burren, where large herds of feral (once farmed, now wild) goats are commonly seen

The  Burren  –  from  the  Gaelic  word 

ria caerulea), bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus 

includes the five priority habitats: the 

Boireann (place of stone) – is one of 

corniculatus),  tormentil  (Potentilla 

stunning  limestone  pavements,  tur-

Europe’s most remarkable limestone 

erecta) and bloody cranesbill (Gera-

loughs2, orchid-rich grasslands, petri-

areas.  Extending  over  30  000  ha  of 

nium snaguineum) among many oth-

fying springs and cladium fens.

Ireland’s mid-western coastline, this 

ers. Orchid species include the frog 

dramatic  glaciated  karst  landscape 

orchid  (Coeloglossum  viride),  bee 

According  to  Dr  Brendan  Dunford, 

supports a variety of habitats listed 

orchid (Ophrys apifera), and fly orchid 

project manager, farming is an integral 

under Annex I of the Habitats Direc-

(Ophrys insectifera).

part of the Burren landscape. Many 

2 Turloughs are temporary lakes, which 
flood with changes in groundwater. Unique 
to Ireland, they are typically grazed during 
the summer months. 

tive, including five priority habitats.

A small area of the Burren is protected 

The exposed limestone slabs make an 

as a National Park, but the rest is pri-

excellent building material, which has 

vately owned. Its boundaries encom-

been exploited by humans to create 

the region’s famed megalithic tombs, 

stone forts and dry stone walls. Some 

pass five Special Areas of Conserva-
tion1 within the Natura 2000 Network, 
covering a total of 47 000 ha. Special 

60% of Ireland’s total area (30 000 ha) 

areas of Conservation are the focus of 

of this priority habitat is found in the 

the Burren LIFE Project (BLP), which 

Burren. 

Orchid-rich  calcareous  grasslands 
(Festuco-Brometalia) are also closely 

associated  with  the  Burren.  The 

grasslands within the project area are 

of very high quality, harbouring spe-

cies such as blue moor grass (Sesle-

 Galway Bay Complex, Ballyvaughan 
Turlough, The East Burren Complex, Black 
Head-Poulsallagh Complex and Moneen 
Mountain. 

O’Kelly’s spotted-orchid (Dactylorhiza 
fuchsii ssp. okellyi), a white variety of 
the common spotted-orchid

LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

generations have successfully farmed 

the region’s rocky hills. The extensive, 

low input farming systems practiced 

by these farmers (mainly cattle, sheep 

and goats) helped preserve the Bur-

ren’s  natural  heritage,  particularly 

from  the  threat  of  scrub  encroach-

ment (mainly hazel and blackthorn). 

In addition, Dr Dunford explains, that 

farming practices such as use of the 

Burren  winterages  (winter  grazing) 

have proven to be key to the survival 

of the diversity of plant and insect life 

in the region. 

Despite this long tradition of agricul-

ture, recent years have seen the with-

drawal, restructuring and reduction of 

farming activity. Dr Dunford notes that 

Animals’ hooves also create patches for seedling establishment and grazers redistribute 
nutrients and seedlings, further enhancing floral diversity 

changes  in  management  practices 

(the project beneficiary), is to develop 

for  the  scheme,  (ii)  selection  of  the 

have  led  to  the  slow  degradation  of 

a new model for the sustainable agri-

pilot  farms,  and  (iii)  the  drawing  up 

priority habitats through under-graz-

cultural  management  of  the  priority 

of farm management plans for each 

ing,  abandonment  and  the  loss  of 

habitats of the Burren. The project has 

of the selected sites. Visits to other 

land management traditions. The area 

the support of the Burren Irish Farm-

limestone areas in Europe e.g. to the 

already had its own agri-environment 

ers  Association  and  Teagasc  –  the 

Lowland Limestone Pavement Reha-

programme (the Burren Rural Environ-

Irish Agriculture and Food Develop-

ment Protection Scheme3) but under 
CAP reforms there was an opportunity 

for the design of a new model for ‘con-

ment Agency (both project partners), 

as well as local communities.  

bilitation project in Cumbria, England 
– LIFE99 NAT/UK/006094 (see case 
study on p. 42) were also carried out 

to compare notes on site-selection. 

servation agriculture’ in the Burren.

A pilot project of this nature requires 

Studies addressing the impact of the 

The overall objective of the partner-

and monitoring in order to ensure that 

ity, soils and water quality were also 

ship-based project, implemented by 

the  new  mechanisms  are  transfer-

carried  out  and  matched  with  data 

the National Parks and Wildlife Service 

able to the whole 60 000 ha of Bur-

on the condition of livestock and the 

a considerable amount of preparation 

land use stipulations on habitat qual-

3 The Burren Agreement (995) under 
REPS  and the Burren Agreement (2007) 
under REPS 4

ren  farmland.  These  preparations 

costs of management. 

(covering the first three years of the 

project)  included:  (i)  talking  to  the 

BLP  finance  and  operations  officer 

local farmers and generating support 

Ruairí Ó Conchúir explains that a key 

High biodiversity in The Burren: water forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpiodes) – left, and 
the transparent Burnet (Zygaena purpuralis) – right

aspect of the project is that it is “farmer-

led”. This was reflected in the 100 plus 

‘expressions of interest’ from farmers 

who attended numerous public meet-

ings held in 2004-05 to inform the wider 

Burren community of the project.

Twenty LIFE monitor farms are now 

actively participating in the scheme. 

In addition, there has been an ongo-

ing interest from other farmers in the 

area. Mr Ó Conchúir says that due to 
the “very strong interest”, it was pos-

sible to be selective. This was impor-

tant  in  ensuring  a  good  diversity  of 

farms  –  from  40  ha  to  over  400  ha 

and including suckler beef, dairy and 

Grasslands as high biodiversity  
farmland areas

LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands  I  p. 

The thin, nutrient-poor, unimproved soils and winter grazing regimes serve to stop the more invasive plant species and litter from 
monopolising the vegetation, while the absence of animals in the flowering season allows often minute herb flora to thrive unhindered

mixed (beef and lamb) – and in con-

habitats: (already there appears to be 

The karst nature of the Burren means 

servation status from “favourable” to 

a big increase in number of orchids 

that water is often in short supply, as 

“very unfavourable”.

observed in sampled areas) and has 

most of the water flows underground 

had a significant impact in terms of 

and  in  a  very  unpredictable  man-

As the project enters its final year, most 

supporting  the  income  of  the  local 

ner. Water provision is a huge issue 

of its ambitious programme of works 

farming and non-farming community.

for  farmers,  and  the  project  funded 

(targeting almost 40 diverse, but com-

plimentary actions) has already been 

successfully  implemented.  Notably, 

the  farm  management  plans  were 

Livestock management, access 
and water provision
The Burren is difficult terrain to farm, 

a range of solutions from the use of 

‘hydram  pumps’,  pasture  pumps, 

piping and tanks, to cleaning out old 

springs and walling new ones. 

completed at the end of 2006 – ena-

with many areas only accessible on 

bling specific works to be carried out 

foot. This can make herding and live-

Another  key  action  concerns  the 

on the targeted farms.

stock  management  particularly  dif-

rebuilding of areas of stone walls. One 

Key ‘farming for conservation’ 
actions:

ficult,  especially  where  the  number 

of  the  characteristic  features  of  the 

of  part-time  farmers  is  increasing. 

Burren, internal boundary walls, were 

“Improving access onto winter grazing 

traditionally critically important to man-

areas is probably one of the key issues 

age stock and land, usually dividing a 

Scrub control
Encroaching scrub has been cut from 

we are addressing,” says Ms Parr.  In 

farm  or  winterage  in  order  that  tar-

the  past,  many  farmers  resorted  to 

geted grazing could take place. Using 

an area of up to 80 ha and approxi-

bulldozing tracks to improve access, 

local workers, boundaries have been 

mately 30 km of pathways have been 

which causes considerable damage 

restored on more than 15 LIFE farms. 

opened up to allow access for cattle 

to  the  priority  habitats.  The  project 

herding. This task has been carried out 

solution  has  been  to  pilot  a  system 

by local contractors (from a database 
of workers developed by the project). 

of best practice access routes on six 
LIFE  farms  using  “minimal  impact” 

Grazing and feeding
Getting the grazing and feeding sys-
tems right is another significant aspect 

According to Dr Sharon Parr, project 

construction  with  local  limestone 

of conservation and agricultural pro-

scientific coordinator, the dual ben-

chip. Derogations for the work had to 

duction on the Burren farms. Led by Dr 

efits are already clear – it has resulted 

be secured from wildlife, monuments 

James Moran (seconded to the project 

in a significant impact on the Burren 

and agricultural authorities. 

by Teagasc) and working closely with 

LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

the farmers, new feeding regimes have 

been implemented through the man-

agement  plans.  The  main  changes 

have included extended winter grazing 

in traditional winterage areas, adjust-

ment  of  winter  grazing  levels,  the 

reintroduction of light summer grazing 

of winterages and the summer grazing 

by sheep (on one farm). 

New markets for Burren producers 

The Burren Beef and Lamb Producers Group is a 

new initiative launched in March 2007. Involving 

16 Burren farmers, its members actively farm for 

conservation in the Burren. Lamb was launched 

in June 2007, with beef following in September 

2007 – generating, in just over 12 months, sales 
of €50 000-€60 000. 

In a bid to encourage farmers to cut 

down on the use of silage, a special 

Support for the LIFE farmers

supplementary  feed  has  also  been 

[financial]  support  because:  “They 

value  what  has  taken  place,  and  in 

formulated,  tailored  to  suit  the  area 

Involvement in the project is voluntary 

particular the impact this has had on 

and to animals’ mineral and nutritional 

requirements. This is available to all 

LIFE farms, and to other Burren farm-

– farmers receive an annual payment 
of up to €750, but this covers all of 
their time spent on the project. Any 

their environment.”

Finally,  according  to  Dr  Dunford, 

ers, with special feed bins and water 

additional LIFE support is for works 

there are already indications that the 

troughs supplied as required. Accord-

carried out on the farms such as the 

project’s findings could also influence 

ing to Moran, farmers have reported 

special feed (funded 25%) purchase 

farming  in  other  areas  of  the  coun-

high  satisfaction  with  the  feed,  and 

of some special equipment e.g. cattle 

try.  Earlier on in the project, the team 

a major improvement in the level of 

troughs (50%), and scrub removal and 

was  asked  by  the  Irish  Department 

grazing by animals, which in turn will 

stone wall works (up to 80%).

of  Agriculture  and  Food  to  submit 

lead to enhanced biodiversity.

its  experiences,  incorporating  best 

Mr Ó Conchúir emphasises that these 

practice  identified  through  the  farm 

A recent meeting with vets from the 

grants have little bearing on the strong 

work programmes, into revisions for 

Burren region highlighted the poten-

support for the scheme among the LIFE 

the Burren of the national Rural Envi-

tial animal health benefits of switching 

farmers. For them, he says, the most 

ronment  Protection  Scheme  (REPS 

from  silage  to  concentrate  feeding, 

important aspect has been the techni-

and  noted  the  general  good  health 

cal support offered by the project, in 

44). More recently, Dunford notes that 
the National Parks and Wildlife Serv-

and  calving  success  of  outwintered 

particular the agricultural monitoring 

ices (the beneficiary) is looking to uti-

animals.  Moran  adds  that  one  vet 

and support with derogations.

lise the BLP final results in order to 

joked that if this continues, he’ll soon 

develop a blueprint for future farming 

be out of business!”

Looking to the future, the project team 

for conservation measures on areas of 

Farm Demo Day, July 2008, involved 
farmers in discussions on grasslands 
management

is optimistic that the majority of the 

high nature value across Ireland.

farmers will continue the work started 

under  LIFE,  irrespective  of  whether 

or not they receive future additional 

4 These cover payments to farmers under the 
Rural Development Programme 2007-203

Project Number:  
LIFE04 NAT/IE/000125

Title: Farming for conservation in  
the Burren

Beneficiary: National Parks and  
Wildlife Service, Dept of Environment, 
Heritage and Local Government

Contact: Ruairí Ó Conchúir

Email: info@burrenlife.com

Website: www.burrenlife.com and 
www.npws.ie 

Period: Sept-2004 to Aug-2009
Total Budget: e 2 230 000
LIFE Contribution: e 1 673 000

Grasslands as high biodiversity  
farmland areas

LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands  I  p. 9

Latvia: Protecting floodplain meadows 
in partnership with farmers

A LIFE Nature project in Latvia is undertaking a nationwide programme to restore priority flood-

plain habitats. This innovative scheme has developed close ties with local landowners to ensure 

the continuity of habitat management actions when the project ends. 

The Baltic State of Latvia contains a 

significant resource of floodplain habi-

tats.  The  LIFE  Nature  project  “Res-

toration of Latvian floodplains for EU 
priority species and habitats” (LIFE04 
NAT/LV/000198) targeted 16 of these 
areas  covering  14  085  ha  in  total. 

These areas feature the best floodplain 

meadows  in  the  country,  including 

50% of the national resource of fenno-

scandian wooded meadows and over 

6 530 ha of alluvial forests. Nine habitat 

types listed in Annex I of the Habitats 

Directive are recorded in the project 

sites. The project areas host the high-

est breeding densities of the priority 

species corncrake (400-685 individu-

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als) and lesser spotted eagle (59-120 

Geese on restored areas in the Seda project site

individuals)  as  well  as  one-third  of 

the Latvian snipe population (59-120 

and  are  gradually  being  invaded  by 

continuous management for the ben-

individuals) and the only two recorded 

scrub. Changes in the water regime 

efit of species and habitats (e.g. Fen-

sites of spotted eagle in Latvia. Five of 

from  past  drainage  works  are  also 

noscandian wooded meadows 6530, 

the project sites are among best areas 

taking their toll, as is the overall lack 

Fennoscandian lowland species-rich 

in the country for Osmoderma eremita. 

of awareness of the natural and socio-

dry  to  mesic  grasslands  6270,  Spe-

The project targets a total of 23 species 

economic value of these areas. 

cies-rich  Nardus  grasslands  6230). 

listed in Annex 1 of the Birds Directive 

and three species listed in Annex II of 

the Habitats Directive. 

A nationwide restoration  
programme

Through its actions the project would 

also contribute to the further develop-

ment and establishment of the Natura 

2000 network in the country.

As in other parts of Europe, the main 

The aim of the LIFE Nature project was 

threat to the floodplains comes from 

to restore the biologically most impor-

To achieve the project aims, the ben-

a lack of management and fragmen-

tant and currently abandoned flood-

eficiary – the Latvian Fund for Nature, 

tation;  most  have  been  abandoned 

plain areas and to ensure subsequent 

in partnership with 22 other organi-

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sations  and  the  19  municipalities 

where  the  project  sites  are  located  

–  planned  to  initiate  a  coordinated 

nationwide programme for the resto-

ration and long-term management of 

these important floodplains, drawing 

up management plans for 15 sites and 
undertaking urgent restoration works 

on some 2 400 ha of meadows.

Cattle grazing in restored areas in the 
Sita project site and Pededze floodplain

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

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Konik horses grazing in restored meadows in Sita and the Pededze floodplain

Getting farmers involved

tional agri-environmental programmes 

team of volunteers, together with stu-

for at least five years after the end of 

dents, journalists and the city mayor. 

Since long-term management is highly 

the  LIFE  project  –  grasslands  man-

The project planned to use the same 

dependent on agricultural stakehold-

agement  activities  will  be  continued 

approach for restoration (an open pub-

ers (more than 90% of the target area 

under the Rural Development plan for 

lic event) in other areas where land-

is  privately  owned),  the  project  has 

Latvia. 

gone to great lengths to involve local 

farmers. More than 400 of them have 

Practical steps

been contacted and study tours, edu-

owners do not have the capacity for 

restoration (no machinery, old age, no 

interest), but where it would be crucial 

for biological diversity. 

cational seminars and one-to-one dis-

Restoration actions carried out to date 

cussions organised as appropriate to 

in the project areas include the con-

Other dissemination activities planned 

incite interest and active participation. 

struction of a 2 km long fence in the 

include the publication of 100 000 cop-

Burtnieki  meadows  and  a  1  585  m 

ies of various information booklets, and 

This approach has proved quite effec-

fence in the Lielupe floodplains site. 

a comprehensive best practice manual 

tive: by November 2007, a total of 226 

Sixteen Konik horses (a hardy breed) 

on grassland management, designed 

contracts had been signed with land-

are grazing the 80 ha fenced area at 

to be of interest internationally.

owners, for the restoration of 4 112 ha 

the latter site.  

of  habitats.  This  has  been  achieved 

despite the incorrect and outdated land 

To enable grazing, it is first necessary 

ownership  data  available  in  munici-

to remove overgrowth of shrubs. The 

Project Number:  
LIFE04 NAT/LV/000198

palities and the fact that some of the 

LIFE project has signed contracts for 

project areas have a large number of 

shrub removal on 796 ha, with shrub 

landowners owning small plots. Both 

cutting finalised at the interim stage 

of these factors make the preparation 

across a total of 313 ha. To promote 

of  management  agreements  a  time-

this action, the project held a habitat 

consuming and complicated process. 

restoration  event  in  the  summer  of 

To ensure the continuity of the project 

2006. The event took place in Jelgava, 
Pilssala  (in  the  Lielupe  floodplains 

management activities, the contracts 

project site). The event, which was very 

are signed on condition that the land 

popular and provided much publicity 

manager  (landowner)  will  apply  for 

for the project, involved the restoration 

funding  under  national  and  interna-

of 0.5 ha of floodplain meadow by a 

Title: Restoration of Latvian flood-
plains for EU priority species and 
habitats

Beneficiary: Latvian Fund for 
Nature

Contact: Inga Racinska

Email: inga@lanet.lv

Website: www.ldf.lv/pub 

Period: Oct-2004 to Jun-2008
Total Budget: e 1 600 000
LIFE Contribution: e 1 144 000

 
 
 
 
Grasslands as high biodiversity  
farmland areas

LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands  I  p. 4

Spain: La Serena – a farming model 
that lets birdlife flourish

Overgrazing, hunting and development are just some of the increasing threats to a host of priority 

bird species in La Serena, Extremadura: part of one of the largest grassland areas in the EU. This 

LIFE project provided a model for alternative, economically-viable management that can help sus-

tain birdlife and win the support of farmers.

The  La  Serena  y  Sierras  Periféricas 

The density of the following species 

important to the life of the area – was 

Natura  2000  area  in  western  Spain 

was particularly seen to benefit: par-

allowed  to  continue,  while  on  the 

has  some  of  the  best-conserved 

tridge, lesser kestrel, great bustard, lit-

other it was banned for the duration 

steppe  areas  in  the  EU,  containing 

tle bustard, sandgrouse, corn bunting 

of the project.

priority habitats and significant popu-

and hare.

lations of a whole range of protected 

Compensation for economic loss was 

birds, including the great bustard (Otis 

The farm-management system

vital  in  achieving  cooperation  from 

tarda), little bustard (Tetrax tetrax) and 

the  pilot  estates’  farmers  and  the 

lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni). 

Two farming estates were managed 

study produced an analysis of pos-

using  environmentally-friendly  trial 

sible  future  funding  mechanisms  to 

These  natural  grasslands  owe  their 

techniques,  with  two  others  moni-

address this issue. Interest from other 

biodiversity  to  traditional  non-irri-

tored as they continued conventional 

farmers in the area was high, however, 

gated farming methods used in cereal 

modern methods. 

growing and sheep grazing.  But the 

and represented a change of mental-

ity, showing that the sector is willing 

habitats are coming under increasing 

On the project estates, livestock inten-

to practice sustainable farming if suit-

pressure.  In  some  cases  resources 

sity was reduced from 3 sheep/ha to 

able  aid  schemes  are  in  place.  The 

are  being  over-exploited  through 

an average of 1.5 sheep. Chemicals 

beneficiary  will  continue  to  support 

intensive farming techniques, in oth-

were either not used at all or reduced 

economic  viability  by  encouraging 

ers by overgrazing or through harm-

to  organic  farming  levels.  Fencing 

businesses such as organic cheese-

ful hunting practices. The land is also 

systems were organised to rationalise 

making or bird-watching tourism.

in danger of being heavily built-on or 

the grazing. Changes in the rotational 

abandoned, so destroying its delicate 

system were introduced for cereal dry 

Results from this and a similar project 

ecosystem.

farming  and  legumes  were  grown. 

in Extremadura have been passed to 

This  LIFE  Nature  project  addressed 

cies  were  taken  into  account  when 

a model for future sustainable man-

these threats by establishing a dem-

planning exactly when to plough and 

agement  in  this  and  similar  steppe 

onstration  management  model  to 

harvest. No fertilisers were used.

areas.

Breeding requirements for bird spe-

the regional government and could be 

promote alternative farming-practices 

and achieve long-term conservation 

The whole area was “zoned” by bird 

of habitats and species in the special 

species so that practices could be tai-

protection  area  (SPA)  without  com-

lored according to the species within 

promising economic success.

each  zone.  This  will  be  hugely  sig-

nificant to the management of the La 

At the end of the project, pilot areas 

Serena SPA in the future.

showed an increased number of spe-

cies  of  conservation  interest,  and  a 

On  one  of  the  estates,  hunting  – 

higher abundance of game species. 

regarded by the local population as 

Project Number:  
LIFE00 NAT/E/007327

Title: Habitat management model of 
the SCI La Serena - Sierra de Tiros 
(Extremadura, Spain)

Beneficiary:  
Sociedad Española de Ornitologia

Contact:  
Alejandro Alejandro Sánchez Pérez

Email: asanchez@seo.org

Livestock intensity was managed 
and reduced in La Serena

Website: www.seo.org/programa_
intro.cfm?idPrograma=31

Period: Jan-2001 to Dec-2004
Total Budget: e 736 551
LIFE Contribution: e 552 413

LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

UK: Limestone pavements -  
a restoration success story

This LIFE project provided an opportunity to help reverse a seemingly hopeless pattern of exploitation 

and neglect of habitats over a wide area of the English Lake District. The project’s achievements  

helped to convince local communities that sites can be successfully restored to their former glory.

The  Lowland  Limestone  pavements 

and other limestone habitats around 

the Morecambe Bay area in northern 

England are botanically the richest of 

their type in the country. They contain 

areas of yew-dominated woodlands, 

lime woodland, juniper, dry limestone 

grasslands,  a  calcium-rich,  nutrient-

poor lake and a sizeable population of 

the narrow-mouthed whorl snail (Ver-

tigo angustior).

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achieved on over 330 ha in addition to 

the Whitbarrow area, resulting in main-

tenance of species-rich grasslands.

Coppicing and scrub clearance pro-

duced  an  immediate  response  from 

ground flora, including violets and prim-

roses. This resulted in greater numbers 

of butterflies, among them High Brown 

Fritillaries, which in one area increased 

by 400%. Habitats of the endangered 

whorl snail were restored through deer 

The  site  area  contains  a  mosaic  of 

A lowland limestone pavement

control and resulting numbers of the 

Annex 1 listed habitats and is a can-

snail  were  estimated  in  the  tens  of 

didate Special Area of Conservation 

out  and  deer  controlled  by  fencing 

thousands.

(cSAC),  but  its  rich  ecosystem  has 

and culling to prevent destruction of 

come  under  increasing  threat  as  a 

tree re-growth. Water levels in the marl 

Recovery  of  some  pavement  areas 

result of its exploitative past, includ-

lake were restored to return marginal 

may be slow, but by the project-end, 

ing much removal of limestone pave-

habitats to near-natural conditions.

maidenhair  (Adiantum  pedatum), 

ment for domestic garden decoration. 

This has been reduced by recent legal 

A new area is born

protection and awareness, but heavy 

spleenwort,  and  Hart’s-tongue  fern 

(Asplenium  scolopendrium)  were  all 

recorded and juniper was responding. 

commercial  afforestation  with  non-

The most dramatic result was the trans-

native species has resulted in equally 

formation achieved by early clearing of 

The work attracted considerable public 

serious  deterioration  of  habitats, 

100 ha of pine at Whitbarrow. In less 

attention, particularly where landscape 

through needle-fall and gradual clos-

than  four  years,  the  reclaimed  lime-

change was dramatic. This resulted in 

ing of the tree canopy.

stone grasslands were being grazed 

many visits, increased awareness and 

The beneficiary, a small wildlife protec-

purchase  204  ha  of  that  area,  ben-

parish council to purchase further land 

tion trust, had already had success in 

efiting the grazing and allowing public 

for conservation.

by cattle. Project funds were used to 

support  and  encouraged  one  local 

stemming the loss, but with funding 

access to the spectacular area created 

from LIFE was able to achieve major 

– some of which had been under coni-

restoration and establish a sustainable 

fer cover for 30 years.

management pattern.

In all, 266 ha of non-native plantations 

Work  began  with  felling  of  conifers 

were removed using techniques devel-

in  some  of  the  most  badly  affected 

oped to preserve the habitat, includ-

areas. Rotational coppice cycles were 

ing the disposal of woodchips; 300 ha 

reintroduced within the yew and lime 

of land was brought into sympathetic 

woodlands. Low-intensity grazing was 
established  on  grasslands,  prevent-

management  through  the  land-pur-
chase and through agreements with 

ing  the  expansion  of  woodland  and 

private  landowners  over  deer  man-

bracken  and  increasing  the  number 

agement. Coppicing was carried out in 

of flower species. Scrub and bracken 

eight areas, which became high-profile 

clearance  programmes  were  carried 

demonstration models. Grazing was 

Project Number:  
LIFE99 NAT/UK/006094

Title: The Lowland Limestone  
Pavement Rehabilitation Project   

Beneficiary:  
Cumbria Wildlife Trust

Contact: Kerry Milligan 

Email:   
mail@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk   

Period:  
Aug-1999 to Jul-2003 
Total Budget: e 876 467  
LIFE Contribution: e 438 234

 
 
Grasslands species

Grasslands  are  key  habitats  for 

Several LIFE projects directly target 

a look at the contribution made by 

many  species:  plants,  butterflies 

grasslands  species,  and  the  pro-

LIFE  projects  to  the  conservation 

and reptiles, many birds, as well as 

gramme has been actively contribut-

of  the  grasslands  species:  falcons 

grazing mammals such as deer and 

ing to the conservation of these spe-

and kestrels (Falco naumanni, Falco 

rodents. However, the overall popu-

cies and their habitats.  This section 

vespertinus and Falco cherrug); bus-

lation trend is negative for charac-

features  a  handful  of  projects  that 

tards  (Tetrax  tetrax,  Otis  tarda  and 

teristic grasslands species, such as 

work across several Member States 

Chlamydotis  undulata);  corncrake 

the  great  bustard,  corncrake  and 

for  the  conservation  of  the  same 

and  invertebrates  (butterflies  and 

several species of invertebrates. 

species  or  habitat.  Here,  we  have 

dragonflies).

Red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio)

Great bustard (Otis tarda) 

Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus)

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Macromia splendens

Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) 

Little bustrard (Tetrax tetrax) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

Bustards: LIFE support  
for grasslands bird species 

Europe’s grasslands provide essential habitats for a wide range of important and endangered 

flora and fauna. Many bird species are particularly dependent on grassland environments and 

these include the bustards, which continue to be closely associated with grassland conservation 

activities supported by a collection of successful LIFE Nature projects. 

Bustards  are  large  terrestrial  birds, 

grassland habitats following agricul-

tems  and  rural  development  strate-

forming the family Otididae, found pri-

tural intensification. 

marily in dry open grassland habitats 

gies. No previous evaluation of bus-

tard conservation measures had been 

with  low  vegetation  where  they  are 

LIFE  funds  have  been  used  by  an 

carried out for over a decade and the 

able to look out over long distances. 

array  of  different  beneficiaries  from 

LIFE project results, such as guide-

They are omnivorous, ground nesters 

across  the  EU  to  implement  active 

lines  on  farm  grassland  techniques 

and seldom use trees since they lack 

conservation measures in grassland 

and the establishment of a bustard-

a hind toe that other birds use to grasp 

areas to restore and manage bustard 

conservation  contact  group,  have 

branches during perching. 

habitats. Three bustard species have 

been acknowledged by stakeholders 

been assisted. These are the little bus-

as  making  important  contributions 

Bustards are mainly resident in south-

tard (Tetrax tetrax), great bustard (Otis 

to  conservation  methodologies  for 

ern and eastern European countries, 

tarda) and houbara bustard (Chlamy-

bustard habitats. The project results 

where they have suffered rapid popu-

dotis undulata fuertaventurae). Each of 

have  been  widely  used  within  the 

lation reductions across most of their 

these species is classified as vulner-

original  beneficiary  countries  and 

range.  This  has  been  caused  by  the 

able and all are included in Annex I of 

also informed grassland management 

loss  and  fragmentation  of  traditional 

the Birds Directive. 

actions  in  Austria,  Hungary,  Turkey, 

Houbara bustard (Chlamydotis  
undulata) in the Canary Islands

Conservation success factors

More  than  25  dedicated  LIFE 

Greece and Russia.  

Little bustards

Nature  projects  have  been  sup-

The  little  bustard  was  originally 

porting  work  with  Europe’s  bus-

dependent on Europe’s steppic grass-

tards. These initiatives have gener-

land environments, but the loss of this 

ated important knowledge regarding 

natural  habitat  has  led  to  a  serious 

the different success factors involved 

decline in the species. It has already 

in grassland conservation activities for 

disappeared  from  several  countries 

Europe’s bustard populations. 

in central and eastern Europe. Those 

The LIFE project “Evaluation 

have now adapted to various kinds of 

of bustard conservation best 

traditional agricultural grassland land-

remaining  little  bustard  populations 

practice  in  Western  Europe” 
(LIFE03NAT/CP/P/000008) exam-
ined the problems and opportunities 

linked to bustard conservation solu-

tions in Portugal, Spain and France, 

with  an  emphasis  on  farming-sys-

scapes, ranging from sheep pastures 

to extensive cereal farms. 

Experts from the project LIFE04 NAT/
FR/000091  (“Reinforcement  of  the 
migratory breeding populations of the 

Little Bustard in France”) knew from 

previous LIFE work that lack of food 

resources and nest destruction dur-
ing harvesting were the main causes 

for the dramatic decline in migrating 

populations  of  little  bustards.  Eight 

separate  project  sites  were  identi-

fied for conservation activities and a 

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Grasslands species

LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands  I  p. 4

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Male Little bustard

Great bustard

through management controls, such 

as  extensive  mowing  regimes,  that 

create  favourable  conditions  with 

good year-round feeding opportuni-

ties  and  limited  disturbance  during 

the most critical periods of the bus-

tards’ life-cycle. 

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In  Slovakia  a  similar  LIFE  Nature 
project  (LIFE05  NAT/SK/000115) 
has  been  proactively  working  on 

grassland restoration and manage-

ment activities designed to improve 

the conservation status of great bus-

tards,  including  protection  of  key 

programme for breeding, rearing and 

(50%) now found in the Iberian Penin-

nesting and wintering locations. 

releasing bustards was implemented. 

sula. Great bustards are also found in 

The project also developed an innova-

central European Member States, as 

tive measure to prevent the destruction 

well as Russia and Turkey. The spe-

Austria’s LIFE05 NAT/A/000077 also 
included collaborative work with local 

of nests during harvest. This involved 

cies is now extinct in the UK, France, 

farmers in order to encourage active 

drawing  up  ‘emergency  contracts’ 

Poland  and  western  parts  of  Ger-

management  of  appropriate  great 

with farmers to stop the destruction 

many. 

of nests located on land not included 

bustard  habitats  in  border  areas, 

particularly  those  neighbouring  the 

in agri-environmental measures. The 

As with the little bustard, loss of tra-

Czech  Republic.  The  project  fea-

contracts compensated the farmer for 

ditional grassland habitat represents 

tured  guidance  on  pertinent  grass-

delaying pasture/lucerne mowing for 

the main threat to great bustard popu-

land techniques and a considerable 

up to two months. 

lations. Several different LIFE projects 

amount  of  effort  was  invested  in 

have been working towards improving 

restoring “open habitats”, by mark-

New  grassland  management  meas-

ures in Portugal’s Alentejo region have 

also been successful in enhancing little 

habitat conditions, including Spain’s 
LIFE99  NAT/E/006350  (“Manage-
ment  of  the  habitat  in  the  ZEPA  of 

bustard habitats. There are estimated 

Villafáfila”). This project was based in 

ing and redirecting overhead power 

cables that had killed many bustards 

each year.

to be up to 20 000 little bustards in 

an area that hosts the world’s highest 

Houbara bustards

Portugal, but more than 90% of this 

density  of  great  bustards  and  con-

population is endangered by threats 

tains a pseudo-steppe ecosystem set 

Habitat  restoration  work  formed  a 

to  traditional  grassland  agricultural 

in a landscape of gently rolling hills, 

key component of a Canary Islands 

landscapes from abandonment, affor-

dominated by extensive cultivation of 

LIFE  Nature  project  set  up  to  help 

estation,  increased  irrigation,  inten-

cereals. The LIFE project forms a sec-

conserve Europe’s only populations 

sification  and  overgrazing.  Project 
Tetrax  (LIFE02  NAT/P/008476)  was 
introduced to tackle these issues and 

ond phase of a scheme that started in 

1996 and has successfully maintained 

a minimum area of grassland planted 

of  the  houbara  bustard.  The  LIFE 
Nature project LIFE03 NAT/E/000046 
aimed to redress threats associated 

succeeded in a variety of conservation 

with the forage crop alfalfa, that pro-

with landscape changes following the 

measures including: the setting up of 

vides  the  bustards  with  their  main 

archipelago’s recent socio-economic 

specific agri-environmental measures 

food supply. 

to promote pasture and fallow farm-

land mosaics; and the designation of 

new special protection areas (SPAs) 

for  steppic  birds  in  areas  of  impor-

tance to the little bustard. 

Great bustards

The LIFE Nature project “Conserva-
tion of Otis tarda in Hungary” (LIFE04 
NAT/HU/000109) also recognised the 
importance of providing appropriate 

development.  Traditional  grassland 

areas had been built on or were being 

overgrazed by goats. A package of 

actions was rolled out in support of 

the houbara bustard. These included 

purchase of land for management as 

food supplies for great bustards and 
this formed part of an integrated set 

a typical steppe environment conser-
vation reserve, and the development 

of habitat conservation measures to 

of an agro-environmental programme 

The great bustard population is highly 

improve the breeding and wintering 

in  areas  inhabited  by  the  houbara 

fragmented across Europe with much 

condition  of  great  bustards.  Posi-

that promoted traditional grass and 

of  the  world’s  breeding  population 

tive  outcomes  have  been  achieved 

legume crops.

 
 
 
 
 
 
LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

Falcons and kestrels:  
Conserving these majestic hunters

The sight of a bird-of-prey soaring over a valley on a warm summer’s day is something to savour. 

However, in recent decades this sight has become increasingly rare in Europe. Falcons and allies, 

including the lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni), the red-footed falcon (Falco vespertinus) and the 

Saker falcon (Falco cherrug) are among the continent’s most threatened bird species. A number 

of LIFE Nature projects have attempted to reverse the species’ decline, with positive results.

The  lesser  kestrel  is  found  in  the 

l  The use of pesticides. These may 

for  the  Vale  do  Guadiana  and 

Mediterranean region, principally in 

cause direct mortality, but are prob-

Campo Maior SPAs.

Spain,  Greece,  Italy  and  Portugal, 

ably  more  important  in  reducing 

with a migratory range that extends 

prey populations

This  ambitious  project  met  all  of 

as far as Asia Minor and North Africa. 

l  The abandonment or restoration of 

its main objectives. Specifically, by 

It is usually a colonial breeder, often 

old buildings, resulting in the loss 

2006, there were an estimated 427-

in the vicinity of human settlements 

of nest-sites. 

in old buildings. It forages in steppe-

like habitats, natural and managed 

Iberian success

grasslands, and non-intensively-cul-

462 breeding pairs of Falco naumanni 

distributed across 55 colonies. This 

compares with just 31 known colo-

nies when the project started in 2002 

tivated-land. 

LIFE  Nature  projects  in  Portugal 

and an estimated 340-370 breeding 

and Spain have had some success 

pairs in 2003. Results were particu-

There  was  a  dramatic  reduction  in 

in  reversing  this  negative  popula-

larly good in the Castro Verde SPA, 

the lesser kestrel population between 

the mid-1960s and the mid-1990s, 

so much so that the species is now 

tion trend. The Portuguese project 
(LIFE02 NAT/P/008481) focused on 
the Special Protection Areas (SPAs) 

where  the  species’  population  has 

risen 60% since 2001. In total, the 

LIFE Nature project created 817 new 

classified as ‘vulnerable’ at a Euro-

of Castro Verde, Vale do Guadiana 

breeding places, of which 37% have 

pean level.

and  Campo  Major  with  actions 

been occupied, equating to 22% of 

aimed at improving feeding oppor-

the  total  Portuguese  lesser  kestrel 

The main causes of this decline are 

tunities  and  increasing  the 

population. 

identified as:

l  Habitat loss and degradation, pri-

marily a result of agricultural inten-

sification, but also afforestation and 

urbanisation

Lesser kestrel

number of nesting 

sites favoured by 

In neighbouring Spain, the LIFE project 

lesser  kestrels. 

K e y   a c t i o n s 

included: 

l  The construc-

“Conservation  of  Falco  naumanni 
nesting  habitat  in  Aragon”  (LIFE00 
NAT/E/007297) set out to protect the 
lesser kestrel’s nesting habitats in the 

tion of walls or 

Monegros SPAs of Aragon. The prin-

towers  to  pro-

cipal activities included:

v i d e   b r e e d i n g 

l  The  repair  of  traditional  rural 

sites

houses

l  The  purchase  or 

l  Population monitoring

l e a s e   o f   s t r u c -

l  Predator control

tures  (e.g.  ruined 

l  Analysis  of  biological  samples  of 

buildings)  suitable  for 

individuals to determine contamina-

breeding  in  the  Castro 

tion levels and reproductive failures

Verde SPA

l  An information campaign targeting 

l  Increasing the quality of the feed-

the local population.

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ing areas (e.g. by promoting alter-
native farming techniques) 

The project has contributed to a steep 

l  Monitoring power lines 

rise in the number of breeding pairs 

l  Drawing up zonal plans (EU agri-

(from 589 to 1 041). Existing breeding 

environmental  measures  –  Rural 

colonies were consolidated and new 

Development-specific for a zone) 

colonies formed, in particular in the 

 
 
Grasslands species

LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands  I  p. 4

county  of  Monegros.  The  restora-

Ongoing conservation efforts

habitats (so as to increase the avail-

tion of 50 old agricultural buildings 

as breeding habitats also served to 

increase  awareness  of  conserva-

tion among the local population. 

A  third  LIFE  project  targeting  exclu-
sively the lesser kestrel (LIFE05 NAT/
F/000134) is currently running in two 
separate  Natura  2000  sites  in  wine-

ability of food), to install artificial nests, 

and to monitor the nesting and release 

sites. In Spain, new nests and other 

improvements  are  also  being  put  in 

place so as to improve the breeding 

Project  LIFE96  NAT/E/003102, 
implemented in the Spanish region 

growing regions, one in France and one 

success of the nesting site (the roof 

in Spain. The project aims to improve 

and bell-tower of a church in the centre 

of Extremadura, aimed to improve 

the conservation status of Falco nau-

of Almendralejo). A national restoration 

the  conservation  status  of  the 

mannni in Aude (France) and Extrema-

plan is being drawn up for France, as 

lesser kestrel, whilst also targeting 

dura (Spain). The beneficiary, the Ligue 

well as guidelines for habitat manage-

the little and great bustards. Con-

pour la Protection des Oiseaux (LPO), 

ment,  based  on  studies  to  improve 

cerning  the  kestrels,  the  meas-

has imported both kestrels and know-

knowledge of the lesser kestrel’s biol-

ures focused on the restoration of 

how from the Spanish partner (DEMA), 

ogy, feeding habits and causes of mor-

buildings  and  installation  of  artifi-

and has established a breeding centre 

tality. The project is already managing 

cial  nests.  These  have  been  very 

in  France.  Some  50  chicks  are  now 

habitats in favour of the species thanks 

successful,  with  high  occupancy 

being released each year in Aude and 

to partnerships with hunters and sheep 

rates and productivity. 

work is ongoing there to manage the 

farmers.

Falcons in Pannonia

The Pannonian bio-geographical region is home to two falcon 

species included in Annex I of the Birds Directive: the red-

Falco vespertinus 
The red-footed falcon breeds in open areas with small wood 

footed falcon (Falco vespertinus) and the Saker Falcon (Falco 

patches, scattered trees, or windbreaks. Preferred habitats 

cherrug).

are steppe grasslands, but it can breed in agricultural habitats 

as well. Some 90% of the European red-footed falcon popula-

Falco cherrug
There are only 450 known breeding pairs of Saker falcon, of 

tion is located in Hungary and Romania, where the number 

of known breeding pairs had fallen from 3 200 in 1990 to just 

which 40% are found in Hungary and Slovakia. Sakers pre-

925 in 2003. 

fer wooded and plain steppes and grazed grasslands with 

ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus).The main objective 

of the LIFE Nature project “Conservation of Falco cherrug in 
the Carpathian basin” (LIFE06 NAT/H/000096), which began 
in October 2006, is to identify the principal reasons why the 

The LIFE Nature project “Conservation of Falco vespertinus in 
the Pannonian Region” (LIFE05 NAT/H/000122) aims to cre-
ate favourable conditions for the short-term stabilisation of the 

species’ population, targeting 12 SPA sites in Hungary and 11 

numbers of this bird have declined by more than 20% over 

proposed SPAs in western Romania. The project will focus on 

the last 10 years. Steps will also be taken to create favour-

securing current nesting sites and increasing potential nesting 

able conditions for the short-term stabilisation of the popula-

places by installing nest boxes. Practical measures are also 

tion, including installing nesting boxes and reintroducing the 

being taken to reduce the key factors of mortality: insulating 

ground squirrel. As the result of the project, life conditions for 

dangerous electricity pylons close to nesting, roosting and 

Sakers are expected to improve in the Carpathian Basin. The 

feeding sites; eliminating predators; and introducing speed 

number of breeding pairs is forecast to reach 180 in Hungary 

limits to reduce road kills.

and 35 in Slovakia by 2010. 

Saker falcon (Falco cherrug) ready to be released after marking

Female red-footed falcon (Falco vespertinus) on breeding site

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LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

Habitat restoration and management 
to aid the threatened corncrake

The destruction and poor management of its habitat – tall grasslands and herbaceous vegeta-

tion – has endangered the long-term survival of the corncrake (Crex crex). Several LIFE-Nature 

projects, however, have sought to protect this bird species through raising its status and safe-

guarding its habitat.

Since  1992,  28  LIFE  projects  have 

The three areas contained large tracts 

directly or indirectly targeted the corn-

of  grassland  that  were  traditionally 

Bird-friendly grasslands  
management

crake, a globally threatened species, 

managed  to  provide  fodder  for  live-

classified as ‘vulnerable’ at both world 

stock and hay for local farmers. How-

Land  was  leased  and  purchased  to 

and European level and listed in Annex 

ever,  with  the  decline  of  traditional 

increase the potential habitat for the 

I of the Birds Directive.

agriculture  practices,  abandoned 

corncrake.  The project also tested an 

grasslands  have  developed  vegeta-

innovative bird-friendly mowing tech-

Corncrakes breed in open or semi-open 

tion that is too dense for corncrakes. In 

nique. Initially the farmers were unre-

landscapes, mainly in meadows of tall 

other areas, conversely, intensification 

ceptive to the new technique, but over 

grass. The species is in steep decline 

of agriculture – conversion to crop pro-

time it became accepted and widely 

across most of its range because mod-

duction, early grass mowing (resulting 

demonstrated  in  the  project  areas. 

ern farming practices mean that nests 

in the destruction of nests and chicks) 

In  fact,  the  technique  has  become 

and birds are destroyed by mowing or 

and the fertilisation of meadows – has 

a  symbol  of  bird-friendly  grasslands 

harvesting before breeding is finished.  

led to problems for the species.

management and was presented in the 

Other  causes  of  the  decline  include 

project’s leaflet and brochure.

habitat  loss  or  degradation  due  to 

The project drew up an Action Plan for 

intensification of cultures, overgrazing, 

Corncrake 2005-2015 and a National 

The  implementation  of  similar  tech-

abandonment of land, and draining of 

Monitoring Scheme for the Corncrake 

niques involving local farmers has also 

wetlands. 

for the long-term protection of the spe-

cies in Slovenia.

In Slovenia, an important concentra-

tion of this species (around 250 sing-

Another significant result of the project 

paid dividends in Germany and Latvia. 
The project in Germany (LIFE97 NAT/
D/004233)  successfully  developed 
breeding habitats for the corncrake in 

ing  males)  can  be  found  in  the  area 

was the introduction of a new agri-envi-

the lower Elbe region. The beneficiary, 

surrounding Lake Cerknisko, in the flat 

ronmental scheme for the protection of 

the Lower Saxony regional authority, 

fields of Ljubljansko barje and along the 
Nanoščica  river.  Here,  a  LIFE  project 
(LIFE03 NAT/SLO/000077) introduced 
for the first time an essential manage-

the corncrake and other endangered 

bought 33 ha of land, closing gaps in 

wet grassland birds in priority Natura 

a network of specially managed land. 

2000  sites.  This  scheme  falls  within 

The conversion of arable land to grass-

the  Rural  Development  Programme 

land was a specific project objective. 

ment plan for these areas.

for  the  Republic  of  Slovenia  2007-

Using special seed mixtures provided 

Mowing meadows for 
the corncrake

2013 and was introduced in coopera-

for by the beneficiary, farmers sowed 

tion with the Ministry for Agriculture, 

former arable land sections for free.

Forestry and Food. The new scheme 

offers fresh incentives to farmers for 

corncrake habitat management in key 

Natura 2000 sites.

In  Latvia,  the  LIFE  Nature  project 
(LIFE03  NAT/LV/000082)  raised  the 
national protection status of the corn-

crake in the project area, the northern 

Gauja valley, creating the basis for its 

inclusion in the Natura 2000 network.

These  are  just  three  examples  of 

how LIFE is linking conservation and 

rural development for the benefit of 

the corncrake and other threatened 

species. 

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Grasslands species

LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands  I  p. 49

Invertebrates: an essential and oft 
forgotten element of grasslands

Butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) and dragonflies (Odonata) fascinate us with their amaz-

ingly complex life cycles and graceful flight. Along with other invertebrates such as beetles 

(Coleoptera), these insects also play an extremely important role in grasslands and other ecosys-

tems and are important actors in our economy. The EU Habitats Directive recognises the need 

for their protection and the LIFE programme has been actively contributing to the conservation of 

these species and their habitats.  

Butterflies are one of the best stud-

ied  insect  groups,  and,  because  of 

their  short  lifespan,  are  particularly 

vulnerable to environmental threats. 

A number of recent studies point to 

(cid:65)(cid:76)(cid:67)(cid:65)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:85)(cid:83) (cid:18)(cid:25)(cid:5)

a  dramatic  decline  in  butterfly  spe-

cies  throughout  Europe  as  a  result 

of intensive farming, habitat loss and 

climate change. 

According  to  a  2005  study  by  the 

European Environment Agency (EEA)1, 
population trends of butterfly species 
(cid:36)(cid:82)(cid:89) (cid:19)(cid:16)(cid:5)
showed  a  dramatic  (28%)  decline 

across the EU-25 between 1990 and 

2000.  The  highest  number  of  spe-

cies assessed, namely 206 butterfly 

species, occurred in farmland habitat 

Figure 4: Percentage of threatened butterflies living 
in different broad habitat types in Europe 

(cid:68)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:15)(cid:77)(cid:69)(cid:83)(cid:73)(cid:67) (cid:71)(cid:82)(cid:65)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:76)(cid:65)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:83) (cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:5)

(cid:87)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:65)(cid:78)(cid:68) (cid:65)(cid:78)(cid:68) (cid:83)(cid:67)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:66)(cid:76)(cid:65)(cid:78)(cid:68) (cid:18)(cid:25)(cid:5)

(cid:79)(cid:84)(cid:72)(cid:69)(cid:82)(cid:83) (cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:5)

(cid:65)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:69) (cid:71)(cid:82)(cid:65)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:76)(cid:65)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:83) (cid:17)(cid:16)(cid:5)

(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:77)(cid:73)(cid:68) (cid:71)(cid:82)(cid:65)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:76)(cid:65)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:83) (cid:23)(cid:5)

(cid:72)(cid:69)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:12) (cid:66)(cid:79)(cid:71) (cid:65)(cid:78)(cid:68) (cid:70)(cid:69)(cid:78) (cid:24)(cid:5)

Source: European Environment Agency (EEA) 200 © Copyright. Data compiled from Council 
of Europe, 999. Red Data Book on European Butterflies (Rhopalocera)

–  typically  open  grassy  areas  such 

egorise the main habitat types where 

Extremadura in western Spain, which 

as extensively farmed areas, grass-

these plants, and therefore butterflies, 

aimed at the conservation of several 

lands,  meadows  and  pastures.  The 

occur. 

EEA attributes this “very substantial” 

endangered insect species found in 

and around six Natura 2000 sites.

decline to loss of extensive farmland 

According  to  another  EEA  study2 

with low or no input of nutrients, her-

(See figure 4), over half of Europe’s 

The marsh fritillary butterfly

bicides and pesticides. Another key 

576  butterfly  species  are  linked  to 

factor  is  agricultural  intensification, 

grassland habitat types, of which 71 

The marsh fritillary butterfly (Euphy-

leading among other things to a loss 

are under threat, and a larger propor-

dryas aurinia) has declined dramati-

of marginal habitats and hedgerows 

tion (34%) are limited to dry or mesic 

cally  in  Europe  and  is  regarded  as 

and a higher input of fertiliser, herbi-

grasslands. 

cides and insecticides.

endangered or vulnerable in most of 

its European range. Listed as a prior-

This  article  highlights  a  handful  of 

ity species in Annex II of the Habitats 

Xeric grasslands are the most threat-

exemplary  LIFE  Nature  projects 

Directive, it is found in a range 

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ened grassland habitat type in Europe, 

located  in  grassland  habitat  types 

of habitats in which its pre-

says the EEA, since they contain many 

that target, among other things, the 

ferred  host  plant,  the 

specialist species that need dry, well-

protection  and  conservation  of  the 

devil’s-bit scabious 

lit conditions to thrive. Although but-

highly endangered marsh fritillary but-

(Succisa praten-

terfly species are more specific to the 
individual plants that host them than 

terfly. It also charts the progress of a 
project in the autonomous region of 

sis) occurs. 

to habitat types, it is possible to cat-

 EEA Species diversity CSI 009  
– Assessment Nov 2005

2 Assessment of all known butterfly spe-
cies in Europe (EEA 200) http://themes.
eea.europa.eu/Specific_media/nature/indi-
cators/grasslands/natural_species

Marsh fritillary 
butterfly

 
 
 
 
 
LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

Marsh fritillaries are essentially grassland 

l  Conservation  and  upgrading  of 

removal of upper peat layers and res-

butterflies  and  although  populations 

may occur occasionally on wet heath, 

bog margins and woodland clearings, 

most colonies are found in damp acidic 

habitats  for  rare  butterflies  of  wet, 
semi-natural meadows (LIFE06 NAT/
PL/000100) – as well as Euphydryas 
aurinia, this project also targeted  five 

toration of natural hydrology. LIFE has 

also  funded  a  range  of  awareness 

raising campaigns.

or dry calcareous grasslands. Sheep 

other endangered butterfly species

In the UK, one of the species’ two main 

selectively  graze  devil’s-bit  scabious 

and are therefore detrimental to marsh 

fritillary populations. Burning and mow-

ing are also known to have caused the 

l  Action for sustaining the population 
of Euphydryas aurinia (LIFE05 NAT/
DK/000151) 

strongholds  in  Europe  (the  other  is 

Spain) the marsh fritillary has undergone 

a dramatic decline in recent years, with 

a 66% loss in populations nationally 

extinction of populations. 

These three LIFE projects have been 

since 1990. The mid-Cornwall moors, 

focusing  mainly  on  conservation 

the location of the LIFE project, is a sig-

Populations of the marsh fritillary vary 

actions to bring the threatened and 

nificant area for the species, supporting 

greatly in size from year to year, and, 

isolated populations of the marsh fri-

some of the larger populations in this 

at least in part, this is related to cycles 

tillary into a favourable conservation 

region of England. Project actions have 

of attack from parasitic wasps. Adults 

status. The main actions involve the 

targeted habitat management over sev-

tend to be sedentary and remain in a 

establishment of mechanisms for the 

eral sites, a strategy necessary for the 

series of linked metapopulations, form-

legal protection of the species and, 

long-term maintenance of populations 

ing numerous temporary sub-popula-

on Natura 2000 sites, by the introduc-

of this butterfly.

tions,  which  frequently  die  out  and 

tion  of  legally-binding  management 

re-colonise. The sedentary behaviour 

plans  or  the  elaboration  of  national 

The marsh fritillary butterfly has also 

of the adults and increasing fragmen-

conservation  or  biodiversity  plans. 

suffered  rapid  decline  in  Denmark, 

tation  of  their  preferred  habitats  has 

Additionally, there has been a great 

due to fragmentation of habitats and 

led to the establishment of numerous 

deal of work on-site to ensure good 

populations. Together with a continu-

endemic races. The marsh fritillary is 

conditions  for  the  larval  food  plant, 

ing decline in quality of existing and 

an  extremely  variable  butterfly,  with 

the  devil’s  bit  scabious.  The  plant 

potentially suitable habitats, this has 

34  subspecies  described  in  Europe 

benefits from measures that prevent 

caused the conservation state of the 

alone. 

overgrowing, and the clearance work 

marsh fritillary today to be highly unfa-

LIFE project actions:
l  Restoration  of  the  mid-Cornwall 

Moors  for  the  Euphydryas  aurinia 
(LIFE03  NAT/UK/000042)  –  http://
www.midcornwallmoors.org.uk/

is also of value to many other listed 

vourable. Only eight small sub-popu-

species and habitat types. Typically, 

lations remain, and thus the actions 

actions include mechanical clearing 

of  the  LIFE  project  were  crucial  to 

of overgrowth, including scrubs and 

reverse  this  negative  trend  and  to 

trees,  controlled  burning,  mowing, 

ensure the butterfly species continues 

extensive grazing, and in some cases 

to exist there.

Endangered arthropods of Extremadura

The Spanish project LIFE03 NAT/E/000057 has been target-
ing the conservation of several endangered species listed in 

Problems such as loss of habitat quality due to water pollu-

tion, changes in land-use or poor river bank and forest man-

the Habitats Directive – two beetles (Cerambyx cerdo and 

agement were tackled so as to improve the conservation sta-

Lucanus  cervus),  four  dragonflies  (Coenagrion  mercuri-

tus of these invertebrates. In order to increase significantly the 

ale, Macromia splendens, Oxygastra curtisii and Gromphus 

surface of favourable habitats, ditches and irrigation chan-

graslini) and one butterfly (Graellsia isabelae). Project actions 

nels were restored, vegetation was managed and invasive 

took place over a network of seven Natura 2000 sites cover-

flora species eradicated. These activities will also result in 

ing some 35 000 ha in northern Extremadura. 

Studies were conducted, inter alia, on the distribution and 

population size of targeted species; on the location of breed-

ing grounds; and on movements of individuals among popu-
lations. The data gathered show that the distribution of the 

target species is wider than initially thought and several new 

populations of many of the species have been found, which 

is good news. Management plans were drafted for the four 

dragonfly species. 

increased connectiv-

ity among the individ-

ual populations in the 

metapopulations  of 

the  various  targeted 

species. 

Southern damselfly 
(Coenagrion mercuriale)

l
i

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LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands  I  p. 

Projects focusing  
on grasslands habitats

The table below provides further examples of LIFE projects focusing on grasslands habitats.

For more information on individual projects, visit the online database at:  

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/project/Projects/index.cfm. 

The database provides useful, detailed search fields – for example under “habitats” users may 

search grassland habitats under “Natural and semi-natural grasslands formations”

Country

Number

Name

Austria

LIFE04 NAT/AT/000002

Pannonic Steppes and Dry Grasslands

LIFE06 NAT/A/000123

Bisamberg habitat management

Belgium

LIFE00 NAT/B/007168

Restoring and Managing Calcareous Habitat types in the region of Lesse 
and Lomme

LIFE02 NAT/B/008593

Restoration and sustainable management of upper Meuse dry Grasslands 

LIFE03 NAT/B/000023

Uitkerkse Polder: a surplus value for nature and people

LIFE97 NAT/B/004206 

Protection of the habitats of a number of priority species of wet  
grasslands in Belgium 

LIFE03 NAT/B/000020

Restoration and management of the lowland mire “Damvallei”

Czech 
Republic

LIFE04 NAT/CZ/000015

Restoration of thermophilous habitats in the Moravian Karst

Denmark

LIFE04 NAT/DK/000020

Restoration of Dry Grasslands in Denmark

Estonia

LIFE03 NAT/EE/000180

Conservation of NATURA 2000 biotopes in Räpina polder

France

LIFE98 NAT/F/005237

Programme for the conservation of the dry grasslands of France 

LIFE99 NAT/F/006301

Safeguard of habitats and species of the Ardèche canyon and its plateau

LIFE99 NAT/F/006309

Restoration of the dry grasslands of the limestone plateaux of  
the Aveyron

LIFE99 NAT/F/006312

Dry grasslands and associated habitats of Quercy

LIFE99 NAT/F/006318

The management of the xerothermic habitats of the North Harth

LIFE99 NAT/F/006332

Priority species, chalk grasslands and screen in the lower Seine valley 
catchment area

Germany

LIFE00 NAT/D/007058  

Regeneration and preservation of dry grassland in Germany 

LIFE02 NAT/D/008461

Restoration and conservation of xeric grasslands in Germany  
(Rheinland-Pfalz) 

LIFE03 NAT/D/000001

Medebacher Bucht – Building block for Natura 2000

 
LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

Country

Number

Name

Germany

LIFE06 NAT/D/000008

Conservation and regeneration of Nardus Grasslands in Central Europe

LIFE03 NAT/D/000005

Conservation and development of the inland salt marshes of Northern 
Thuringia

LIFE06 NAT/D/000008

Conservation and regeneration of Nardus Grasslands  
in Central Europe

Hungary

LIFE05 NAT/H/000117

Habitat management on the Pannonian grasslands in Hungary

LIFE06 NAT/H/000102

Restoration and grassland management of Felsö-Kongó meadows

LIFE04 NAT/HU/000119

Grassland restoration and marsh protectin in Egyek-Pusztakócs

Ireland

LIFE04 NAT/IE/000125

Farming for conservation in the Burren

Italy

LIFE00 NAT/IT/007239

Conservation of Tuscan Appennines mountain grasslands

LIFE00 NAT/IT/007266 

Petrifying springs and seminatural dry grasslands in Valle S. Croce e  
Valle del Curone 

LIFE02 NAT/IT/008574

Alpe Veglia and Alpe Devero: actions of conservation of mountain  
grasslands and peatlands 

LIFE03 NAT/IT/000131

Habitat preservation in Dolomiti Bellunesi

LIFE03 NAT/IT/000134

Safeguard Thero – Brachypodietea habitat SIC ‘Area delle Gravine’

LIFE98 NAT/IT/005136

Beigua: urgent interventions for priority grasslands 

LIFE99 NAT/IT/006237

Restoration of grassland habitats in the Monte Gemelli, Monte Guffone 
SIC 

Portugal

LIFE02 NAT/P/008478

Serra da Estrela: management and conservation of priority habitats

Slovenia

LIFE00 NAT/SLO/007223

Management plan and urgent actions for Veternik and Oslica high dry 
meadows

LIFE02 NAT/SLO/008587

Conservation of endangered habitats / species in the future  
Karst Park

Sweden

LIFE00 NAT/S/007118

Restoration of alvar-habitats at Stora Karlsö

LIFE02 NAT/S/008484

Kinnekulle plateau mountain – restoration and conservation

LIFE03 NAT/S/000070

Natural pastures and hay meadows in Jämtland/Härjedalen

LIFE05 NAT/S/000108

Natural meadows and pastures of Östergötland – restoration and  
maintenance

United  
Kingdom

LIFE00 NAT/UK/007071

Improving the management of Salisbury Plain Natura 2000 sites

LIFE02 NAT/UK/008539

Yorkshire Dales Limestone Country Project

LIFE99 NAT/UK/006094

The Lowland Limestone Pavement Rehabilitation Project

LIFE Focus  I  LIFE and Europe’s grasslands  I  p. 

Available LIFE publications

LIFE-Focus brochures

Other publications

A number of LIFE publications are 
available on the LIFE website:

LIFE  on  the  farm:  Supporting  envi-
ronmentally  sustainable  agriculture 
in Europe  (2008 - 60p - ISBN 978-92-
79-08976-3) 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/
publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/
documents/agriculture.pdf

LIFE and endangered plants: Conserv-
ing Europe’s threatened flora  (2008 - 
52p - ISBN 978-92-79-08815-5) 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ 
publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/
documents/plants.pdf

LIFE and Europe’s wetlands: Restoring 
a vital ecosystem (2007 - 68 pp. - ISBN 
978-92-79-07617-6) 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ 
publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/
documents/wetlands.pdf

LIFE  and  waste  recycling:  Innovative 
waste management options in Europe 
(2007 - 60 pp. - ISBN 978-92-79-07397-7) 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/
publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/
documents/recycling.pdf

LIFE  and  Europe’s  rivers:  Protecting 
and  improving  our  water  resources 
(2007 – 52pp. ISBN 978-92-79-05543-0 
- ISSN 1725-5619)
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/
publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/
documents/rivers.pdf

LIFE and Energy: Innovative solutions 
for sustainable and efficient energy in 
Europe (2007 – 64pp. ISBN 978 92-79-
04969-9 - ISSN 1725-5619)
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/
publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/
documents/energy_lr.pdf

LIFE and the marine environment  
(2006 – 54pp. ISBN 92-79-03447-2- ISSN 
1725-5619) http://ec.europa.eu/environ-
ment/life/publications/lifepublications/
lifefocus/documents/marine_lr.pdf

LIFE and European forests (2006 - 68pp. 
ISBN 92-79-02255-5 - ISSN 1725-5619)
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/
publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/
documents/forest_lr.pdf

LIFE  in  the  City:  Innovative  solu-
tions for Europe’s urban environment 
(2006,  64pp.  -  ISBN  92-79-02254-7 
– ISSN 1725-5619)  http://ec.europa.eu/ 
e n v i r o n m e n t / l i f e / p u b l i c a t i o n s / 
lifepublications/lifefocus/documents/
urban_lr.pdf

Integrated  management  of  Natura 
2000 sites (2005 - 48 pp. – ISBN 92-79-
00388-7) 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ 
publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/ 
documents/managingnatura_lr.pdf

LIFE,  Natura  2000  and  the  military 
(2005  -  86  pp.  –  ISBN  92-894-9213-9 
– ISSN 1725-5619)
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/
publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/
documents/military_en.pdf

LIFE for birds: 25 years of the Birds 
Directive:  the  contribution  of  LIFE-
Nature projects (2004 - 48 pp. – ISBN 
92-894-7452-1 – ISSN 1725-5619)
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/
publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/
documents/birds_en.pdf

LIFE-Nature:  communicating  with 
stakeholders and the general public 
– Best practice examples for Natura 
2000  (2004  -  72  pp.  –  ISBN  92-894-
7898-5 – ISSN 1725-5619) 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/
publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/
documents/natcommunicat_lr.pdf

LIFE and agri-environment support-
ing Natura 2000: Experience from the 
LIFE programme (2003 - 72 pp. – ISBN 
92-894-6023-7 – ISSN N° 1725-5619)
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/
publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/
documents/agrienvironment_en.pdf

A number of printed copies of cer-

tain  LIFE  publications  are  availa-

ble  and  can  be  ordered  free-of-

charge  at:  http://ec.europa.eu/ 

environment/life/publications/

order.htm

Best LIFE-Environment Projects 2007-2008 
(2008, 44 pp.-ISBN 978-92-79-09325-8 
ISSN 1725-5619)  
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ 
publications/lifepublications/bestprojects/
documents/bestenv08.pdf

Best LIFE-Environment Projects 2006-2007 
(2007,  44  pp.-ISBN  978-92-79-06699-3  
ISSN 1725-5619)  
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ 
publications/lifepublications/bestprojects 
documents/bestenv07.pdf

LIFE-Third Countries 1992-2006 (2007, 
64 pp. – ISBN 978-92-79-05694-9 – ISSN 
1725-5619) 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/
publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/
documents/TCY_lr.pdf

Best  LIFE-Environment  Projects  2005-
2006  (2006,  40  pp.  ISBN  92-79-02123-0) 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/ 
publications/lifepublications/bestprojects/
documents/bestenv06_lr.pdf 

LIFE-Environment  1992-2004  “Dem-
onstrating excellence in environmen-
tal innovation” (2005, 124 pp. – ISBN 
92-894-7699-3 – ISSN 1725-5619)
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/
publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/
documents/lifeenv92_04.pdf

LIFE-Environment Projects 2006 compi-
lation (2006, 56 pp.-ISBN 92-79-02786-7)
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/
l i f e / p u b l i c a t i o n s / l i f e p u b l i c a t i o n s / 
compilations/documents/envcompila-
tion06.pdf

LIFE-Nature Projects 2006 compilation 
(2006,  67  pp.  –  ISBN  92-79-02788-3) 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/
l i f e / p u b l i c a t i o n s / l i f e p u b l i c a t i o n s / 
compilations/documents/natcompila-
tion06.pdf

LIFE-Third  Countries  Projects  2006 
compilation (2006, 20 pp. – ISBN 92-
79-02787-5) 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/
l i f e / p u b l i c a t i o n s / l i f e p u b l i c a t i o n s / 
compilations/documents/tcycompila-
tion06.pdf

LIFE “L’Instrument Financier pour l’Environnement” / The financial instrument for the environment

Period covered (LIFE III) 2000-2006.

EU funding available approximately EUR 945 million.

Type of intervention co-financing actions in favour of the environment (LIFE projects) in the Member States of  

the European Union, in associated candidate countries and in certain third countries bordering the Mediterranean and 
the Baltic Sea. 

LIFE projects
>  LIFE Nature projects improve the conservation status of endangered species and natural habitats. They support the 

implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives and the Natura 2000 network. 

>  LIFE Environment projects contribute to the development of innovative and integrated techniques or methods to 

support environmental progress.

>  LIFE Third Countries projects support environmental capacity building and initiatives in non-EU countries bordering 

the Mediterranean and the Baltic Sea. 

LIFE+ “L’Instrument Financier pour l’Environnement” / The financial instrument for the environment

Period covered (LIFE+) 2007-2013.

EU funding available approximately EUR 2,143 million

Type of intervention at least 78% of the budget is for co-financing actions in favour of the environment (LIFE+ 

projects) in the Member States of the European Union and in certain non-EU countries.

LIFE+ projects
>  LIFE Nature projects improve the conservation status of endangered species and natural habitats. They support the 

implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives and the Natura 2000 network.

>  LIFE+ Biodiversity projects improve biodiversity in the EU. They contribute to the implementation of the objectives of 
the Commission Communication, “Halting the loss of Biodiversity by 200 – and beyond” (COM (2006) 216 final). 
>  LIFE+ Environment Policy and Governance projects contribute to the development and demonstration of innovative 
policy approaches, technologies, methods and instruments in support of European environmental policy and legislation.
>  LIFE+ Information and Communication projects are communication and awareness raising campaigns related to the 
implementation, updating and development of European environmental policy and legislation, including the prevention 
of forest fires and training for forest fire agents.

Further information further information on LIFE and LIFE+ is available at http://ec.europa.eu/life.

How to apply for LIFE+ funding The European Commission organises annual calls for proposals. Full details are 

available at http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/funding/lifeplus.htm

Contact

European Commission – Directorate-General for the Environment 
LIFE Unit – BU-9 02/1 – B-1049 Brussels – Internet: http://ec.europa.eu/life

LIFE Focus / LIFE and Europe’s grasslands

Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities

2008 - 54p - 21 x 29.7 cm
ISBN 978-92-79-10159-5
ISSN 1725-5619
DOI: 10.2779/23028 

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