For translation of the entire website, you can use Google translate
Within the project, nearly 2,000 hectares of heathlands and associated heath habitats will be restored in southern Sweden. The goal is to achive a species rich mosaic heath landscapes.
The project has a particular focus on small-scale management to create a mosaic of different habitats and structures for a high species richness. The project will also contribute to spreading knowledge about heath habitats and management. The project will run for 8 years, until the end of 2033.
About Northern Heaths
The open heathlands of southern Sweden, dominated by grass and heather, were created when humans started to cultivate the landscape about 5,000 years ago. Through clearing, fire and grazing, the characteristic heathlands developed. The heather and its associated species provide habitats for many insect species. Fire provides mineral deposits, new fresh heather and increases the germination of seeds from heather and other flowering plants. Soil disturbance creates suitable habitats for ground-dwelling insects and reptiles.
Species-rich habitats
Heather and grass heaths are some of Sweden’s most species-rich habitats with many red-listed species. The heaths alone have over 230 red-listed species associated with them, of which 77 species are unique to heather-rich heaths. A large diversity of butterflies is known to be associated with heather and broom. Rare wild bees find nests in the ground in the burned areas or where soil disturbances have resulted in sandier patches. If the heaths are located on sandy soils, the species richness increases considerably, not least the wild bees.
One percent remains
Historically, the heaths occurred mainly in the southwestern part of the country, extending from Bohuslän, at the borders to Norway in the northwest, across Sweden to Blekinge in the southeast. During the 19th century, most of the heathlands along the coasts were cultivated, and from the late 19th century and during the 20th century, most of the original heathlands were planted with forest, encroached or converted to other land use (mainly fields or fertilized grasslands). During the 1980s, it was estimated that only 1 percent of the original heaths remained.
The Restorations
In the project, we will restore nearly 2,000 hectares of heathlands. Former heathlands planted with trees will be restored into open heaths. Encroached heathlands will be cleared and coarse heather burned to create new life in the heaths. Adaptive management will be introduced, with a focus on small-scale burning and grazing. Measures directed to achieve species richness includes soil disturbance, dead wood and flower richness.
The Monitoring
The restorations will be monitored by follow-up the development of vegetation and species richness of butterflies, moths, ground beetles and wild bee species. The follow-up provides valuable knowledge about how the restoration measures succeed and can eventually lead to better and more adapted management.
The Dissemination of Knowledge
Through courses, field trips and seminars, we will increase knowledge about heath habitats and best management. Some activities are aimed at the public, others at, for example, landowners, tenants and managers. We will also exchange experiences with conservationists in other countries on how to best manage heath habitats.
Financing
The project has been granted funding from the European Union, through the LIFE program, and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. The European Union accounts for 60 percent of the project’s total budget, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency accounts for around 30 percent and the remaining 10 percent is co-financing from the participating organizations. The project’s total budget is 23,301,093 euro.
The Participants
The five County Administrative Boards of Halland, Kronoberg, Skåne, Västra Götaland and Östergötland, as well as the Scanian Landscape Foundation, the West Coast Foundation and the Municipality of Varberg participate in the project. The participants are responsible for implementing restoration measures, the practical follow-up and spreading knowledge about heathlands in their respective areas. Lund University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences plan and quality assure the work of inventories and following up on the measures taken in the project. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency participates as an overall expert. The County Administrative Board of Skåne coordinates the project and is responsible for the overall project management.