Mapping and restoring fens and lean wet meadows

Challenge

Fens and lean wet meadows, vital habitats in Central Europe and along the European Green Belt, face endangerment due to drainage and intensified land use. Loss of these species-rich areas impacts ecosystem services like water supply, flood protection, and CO² sequestration; these impacts are further magnified by climate change. This rapid development is particularly evident in the Waldviertel region.

Objective

The project aimed to preserve and restore fens and lean wet meadows along the European Green Belt, contributing to biodiversity protection and climate change adaptation. Three specific objectives were pursued: to improve knowledge of fen occurrence through remote sensing, to test measures to allow mowing despite wetness by closing and reopening drainage ditches, and to raise awareness of the importance of these habitats to prevent further destruction.

Approach

The project goals were met by: 

• Using machine learning to classify and locate fens and lean wet meadows and to identify mapping areas and potential restoration sites.
• Implementing restoration measures by closing drainage ditches, temporarily opening them before mowing to ensure the meadows are dry enough, and then closing them again.
• Working with local people identify and propose measures for their fens and wet meadows.
• Facilitating the implementation of conservation measures.
• Advocating and highlighting the value of fens and wetlands.

Achieved results

As a result of our project, we achieved a better awareness of the conservation of fens and poor wet meadows in the region, which is important for both nature conservation and climate protection. In addition, knowledge of the distribution of these habitats in the region was improved and a geodatabase of potential occurrences was created. Another important outcome was the restoration of three fens. Restoration measured included installing self-developed clay barriers in drainage ditches that can be closed temporarily. Approximately 60 people attended two related workshops, including important multipliers and representatives of various organizations and institutions relevant to the area. In addition, a concept for a European Green Belt Camp in the region was developed.