Naturschutz und Grünlandwirtschaft am Dümmer-Stand und Perspektiven des Entwicklungs- und Erprobungsvorhabens „Osterfeiner Moor“

Abstract

The article gives a prelimenary report of the Research and Development Project “Osterfeiner Moor”, located in Northwest Germany in the Duemmer Lake Region. This flat landscape is an important bird area, in addition of intensive large scale meat production which causes a lot of environmental problems. Cultivation of former wetlands and fen has started long time ago and boosted since 1953 that plain rewetting or restoration to wilderness would not solve these problems. Ecological restoration for endangered pasture bird habitats needs mowing and grazing. During the first phase of the project 1996 – 2000, several management treatments were carried out: (1) about 180 ha land of a former fen have been purchased, (2) a renewed ditch and new adjustable dams allow water management according to the projects needs, (3) special agricultural machinery for wet grassland has been purchased and (4) local farmer are working on lease. The scientific programme has been started in 1998. As a main tool for restoration success emphasis was laid on cooperation and good communication with all persons involved. The present results show e. g. that the delay of the first cut either for hay or silage results in a serious decrease of the nutritive value of the grass compared to an early cutting. Grazing of cattle is more effective than mowing regarding the poor feeding value. Consistently farmer should be free in their decision between grazing and cutting. We conclude that the combination of trust in self-responsibilty, control of abiotic parameters (especially water management), qualified information and, last but not least, good communication is a promising strategy in conservation.