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Under InFOrMATIOn FACTS The SwedISh ePA PreSenTS FACTS AbOUT dIFFerenT ISSUeSinformation facts
BEST PRACTICE EXAMPLES NATURE CONSERVATION LIP – LOCAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMMES MAY 2011
Photograph: Municipality of Skövde
The meadows of Skövde are now
blooming again
Harebell, mountain everlasting, pasqueflower and common rock rose are flourishing on the meadows of Skövde again, following the restoration of enclosed pastures in the municipality. The restoration has additionally created attractive destinations for excursions by the population of the municipality.
The successful restoration of enclosed pastures in the municipality of Skövde has contributed to increased biodiversity. As the number of farms has decreased, many enclosed pastures have ceased to be maintained and have become over-grown. With support from the Local Investment Programme (LIP), 171 hectares of enclosed pastures were restored over the period 2003–2006. The meadow plants pasqueflower, harebell, mountain everlasting and common rock rose are flourishing again, as is the butterfly fauna. The restoration has also produced other positive environmental effects.
Positive environmental and economic imPacts
• Increased biodiversity.
• Cultural heritage assets have benefited. • Improved recreational opportunities.
swedish ePa SE-106 48 Stockholm. Visiting address: Stockholm – Valhallavägen 195, Östersund – Forskarens väg 5 hus Ub, Kiruna – Kaserngatan 14.
Tel: +46 10 698 10 00, fax: +46 10 698 10 99, e-mail: registrator@swedishepa.se Internet: www.swedishepa.se orders Ordertel: +46 8 505 933 40,
orderfax: +46 8 505 933 99, e-mail: natur@cm.se Address: CM Gruppen, Box 110 93, SE-161 11 Bromma. Internet: www.swedishepa.se/publications
information facts
BEST PRACTICE EXAMPLES NATURE CONSERVATION LIP – LOCAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMMES MAY 2011 ISBN: 978-91-620-8609-1
imPlementation
The purpose of the project was to restore overgrown enclosed pastures to a variety of open and semi-closed pastures. During the restoration the pastures were cleared, thinned, fenced and improved. The municipality and the Swedish Forest Agency cooperated on the project. The Swedish Society for Nature Conservation has assisted with important knowledge. Local knowledge has been important as the areas are sensitive and restoration must be done at the right time.
An acreage 41 hectares greater than the target that had been set was restored. The measures cost more than planned. Information about the project has been disseminated through newspaper articles, the municipality’s website, a small bro-chure and guided tours. Local residents have been positive and as a result of the restoration have gained fine areas for rambling.
Potential and future benefit
The natural landscape, natural resources and biodiversity have to be preserved and used sustainably. The restoration of enclosed pastures and other valuable habi-tats is part of this, and new methods and forms of collaboration may need to be developed. Having access to and being able to spend time in nature is important to everyone. In the long term this can lead to greater environmental involvement.
WhY BEST PRACTICE
The restoration of 171 hectares of enclosed pasture has improved the conditions for biodiversity. Meadow plants are blooming again and cultural amenities have been preserved. The project has led to improved recreational opportunities. The enclosed pastures have become popular for excursions by people living in the municipality.
FOR FURThER INFORMATION Contact
Sari Strömblad, Municipality of Skövde Telephone: +46 (0)500-49 82 96, +46 (0)76-104 96 65
E-mail: sari.stromblad@skovde.se Contractors/providers:
Swedish Forest Agency Sydved AB
Private landowners
The project on the Internet: www.skovde.se
Further information on Best Practice www.swedishepa.se/bestpractice www.naturvardsverket.se/mir FACTS
LIP Skövde 2001 Action 16
Environmental investment: SEK 5.0m Grant: SEK 1.2m