Conclusion of wetlands and grasslands restoration
Together with our partners, we have completed the restoration of eight ponds and a karst spring, as well as 45 hectares of grasslands in the Vremščica and Košanska valleys. Additionally, we have assessed the ecosystem services of the Kras Biosphere Reserve and the Reka River Basin.
Under the two-year ReNature project, which commenced in May 2022, we collaborated with our partners to restore wetlands, ponds, and other small water bodies, as well as karst grasslands, which serve as crucial habitats for numerous endangered species, including Natura 2000 qualifying species such as the Italian crested newt, great bustard, meadow viper, Lucanus cervus, and others. Through our research on ecosystem services, together with the local community, we have explored the potential benefits and threats within the Kras Biosphere Reserve.
We restored eight ponds and a spring within the Kras Biosphere Reserve and the Reka River Basin. With the assistance of an external contractor, we cleared overgrowth, removed sediment and debris, and deepened water basins. We reinforced the water-permeable layer with clay and, in some areas, added impermeable membranes to ensure the ponds remain filled with water. These restored ponds provide suitable habitats for amphibians, dragonflies, and other organisms dependent on water.
Furthermore, we improved 45 hectares of grassland ecosystems in the Vremščica and Košanska valleys. In collaboration with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Ljubljana and the Agricultural Community of Gabrče, 39 hectares of grasslands were restored through the removal of overgrowth by an external contractor. Preventing re-growth will be ensured through the grazing of autochthonous Istrian sheep. The Municipality of Pivka, with the assistance of an external contractor, cleared overgrowth and restored 6 hectares of grasslands in the Narin area and the Ravne Castle surroundings. Additionally, they planted a high-stemmed meadow orchard enriched with old resilient varieties such as Goriška Sevka, Mošancelj, Krivopecelj, Bobovec, and others. These restored grasslands, already establishing rich grass swards, will further attract numerous animal species.
Under the two-year ReNature project, which commenced in May 2022, we collaborated with our partners to restore wetlands, ponds, and other small water bodies, as well as karst grasslands, which serve as crucial habitats for numerous endangered species, including Natura 2000 qualifying species such as the Italian crested newt, great bustard, meadow viper, Lucanus cervus, and others. Through our research on ecosystem services, together with the local community, we have explored the potential benefits and threats within the Kras Biosphere Reserve.
We restored eight ponds and a spring within the Kras Biosphere Reserve and the Reka River Basin. With the assistance of an external contractor, we cleared overgrowth, removed sediment and debris, and deepened water basins. We reinforced the water-permeable layer with clay and, in some areas, added impermeable membranes to ensure the ponds remain filled with water. These restored ponds provide suitable habitats for amphibians, dragonflies, and other organisms dependent on water.
Furthermore, we improved 45 hectares of grassland ecosystems in the Vremščica and Košanska valleys. In collaboration with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Ljubljana and the Agricultural Community of Gabrče, 39 hectares of grasslands were restored through the removal of overgrowth by an external contractor. Preventing re-growth will be ensured through the grazing of autochthonous Istrian sheep. The Municipality of Pivka, with the assistance of an external contractor, cleared overgrowth and restored 6 hectares of grasslands in the Narin area and the Ravne Castle surroundings. Additionally, they planted a high-stemmed meadow orchard enriched with old resilient varieties such as Goriška Sevka, Mošancelj, Krivopecelj, Bobovec, and others. These restored grasslands, already establishing rich grass swards, will further attract numerous animal species.