"Birds Paradise" open meadows
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Parts of the Odra Delta Nature Park have historically been used for agriculture. It appears that continuing traditional agricultural practices in an extensive way is important to protect species that depend on open meadows. To keep about 350 hectares of meadows open, the Society for the Coast uses limousine cows, Konik horses and Scottish highlanders, which graze year round in the area. At the moment there are about 80 Konik horses and 30 Scottish Highlanders in the park. They are monitored every other day by volunteers. The Society chose for these cattle species as they are traditionally from Poland. Since the release of some Koniks and cows in the Park, the herds have been growing and it is within the aim of the Society to give some of the horses and cows away to surrounding farmers to keep the land that they do not bring under cultivation open as well.
In addition to the "natural mowers" the Society uses mowing machines to mow the grassland once a year before the breeding season. The reeds are also mowed just before the winter, after the second breeding season. The combination of both natural cattle and mowing by machines appears to provide the best living conditions for biodiversity. Local farmers are contracted to undertake the work. Botanical studies that are undertaken show that since grazing is introduced as a natural "tool" for conservation, rare plant species can be seen in the salt marches vegetation of Rów Peninsula and in the Czarnocin Basin. The Curlews (Numenius arquata) for example have successfully found their way back to the area after many years of absence.
Society for the Coast Poland
POLAND - The Society For The Coast is a small non governmental organisation managing and owning a large area of unique wetlands located in the north-west of Poland. Established in 1996, active nature conservation and nature oriented development has been ...
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