RESTORATION OF FALLOW DRY GRASSLANDS IN COOPERATION WITH LOCAL FARMERS

Currently almost all dry grasslands on the scarps of the Saale river valley are encroached. Therefore, in cooperation with local farmers a pilot project for all-year goat grazing was initiated in two Natura2000 sites in 2006. Already the first grazing period resulted in a successful reduction of woody plants as well as of grasses and litter layer, whereas herbs benefited from that development. We learned that at the beginning of such projects intense discussions with local stakeholders are necessary and we to had to come across many prejudices against that new grazing management.