Abstract
The biodiversity of low-productive pastures and hayfields is threatened across Europe by intensified land use and abandonment. The question is whether and how Extensive Farming can be maintained or restored, or whether conservation management should shift to New Wilderness. Suitability and feasibility of both strategies differ and depend on local conditions. The aim of the workshop was to discuss and clarify the strategic management dilemma for peatlands by taking the Biebrza National Park (BNP) in N.E.Poland as a case study. The BNP authorities are facing a tremendous and difficult problem to stop and reverse succession on 20.000 ha abandoned fen peat. Questions addressed during the workshop were 'Which extensive farming methods (grazing, mowing, cutting, and burning) are suitable for BNP-peatlands in view of the management objectives? Which methods are most feasible in view of the actual and future socio-economical environment of the BNP? Which management recommendation and research recommendations can be given to the BNP authorities?
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Grazing as a conservation management tool in peatland : report of a workshop, 22-26 April 2002, Goniadz, Poland |
| Editors | J. Bokdam |
| Pages | 5-9 |
| Publication status | Published - 2002 |
Keywords
- pastures
- peatlands
- extensive farming
- conservation
- fens
- grazing
- poland
