Landscape development and species protection in woodlands, forests and pastures using large herbivores

Abstract

In addition to administrative regulation, it is necessary to engage in practical maintenance measures in order to ensure the continued existence of typical Central European pasture woodland structures and their biocoenoses. Until now such management, if undertaken at all, has been mostly mechanical, using chainsaws or motor scythes. Since the summer of 2000 in the Soiling-Vogler Nature Park (Lower Saxony/Germany), a newer, gentler management method has been implemented using large herbivores. In this case, Heck cattle and Exmoor ponies provide for the natural clearing of an area of 170 hectares in a part of the forest containing mostly older oak trees. One of the objectives is that the animals should suppress the growth of new beech trees. A more intricate dovetailing of the woodland with the open landscape as well as a general increase in structural diversity, resulting in a diversity of species, should be achieved through the grazing activity. Differing from the intensive manner in which pasture woodlands were historically managed, the grazing should be extensive, i.e. at a lower grazer density. The aim is to develop an optimal management model as well as a conservation and historico-cultural perspective oil important woodland locations, and to carry out scientific research to underpin the findings. This includes both ecological and economic aspects. It is also assumed that projects like this, using large grazing animals, stimulate public interest and help to lead to a more harmonious relationship between man and nature.