LIFE IP Natureman aims to improve the conservation status of habitat types in 11 Natura 2000 sites in valleys of Northern and Central Jutland, ie. Petrifying springs (7220), Alkaline fens (7230), Molinia meadows (6410), Xeric sand calcareous grasslands (6120), Semi-natural dry grasslands (6210), and Species-rich Nardus grasslands (6230), as well as several target species typically associated with these habitats.
This baseline report is based on the nationwide datasets from the NOVANA programme (National Monitoring and Assessment Programme for the Aquatic and Terrestrial Environments). The Danish Environmental Protection Agency's mapping of the Natura 2000 areas' light-open habitat types has taken place in 2016-2019 and includes a total remapping every six years. This mapping, in combination with other NOVANA data, forms the backbone of this description of overall development in the distribution and conservation status of habitat types within the project area. Some of the target species are also monitored as part of NOVANA.
The 11 Natura 2000 sites in the project contain large areas of mapped habitat nature. The terrestrial habitat types within the project represent approx. 7% of the habitat types registered in Denmark. The target habitat types are even better represented, for example, more than 40% of the areas recognized as Petrifying springs, and over 30% of the area of Alkaline fens in Denmark are found within the project area.
The natural state of the habitat types varies between the individual subregions. Overall, more than half of the target habitat types are in good or high condition, except for petrifying springs where less than 40% are in good or higher condition.
The large areas in good condition can be attributed to the fact that many areas are managed with grazing and clear-cutting of unwanted vegetation creating a precondition for rich and open natural and semi-natural habitats. However, areas without management remain, and several areas are affected by extensive drainage within the project area. This circumstance is part of the reason why some habitat types have not yet reached favourable conservation status.
The target species of the project are all relatively rare. Some occur in only a few areas - for example, Cypripedium calceolus and Orchis ustulata are found only in one or two of the 36 subregions, respectively. Other species for example Hamatocaulis vernicosus has been found in several locations in 10 subregions.
The baseline report shows that there are many areas with the potential of improving nature quality throughout the project area. The data from the NOVANA-program forms a good platform for further monitoring of the nature management of the project.
Contact:
Maria Pécseli
Danish Environmental Protection Agency
Mail:idmpe@mst.dk
Tel: +45 72 54 37 52