Nightjars and goat’s cheese
Restoration of a species-rich cultural landscape in Mergoscia (TI)
With the widespread abandonment of traditional farming, large areas of the countryside in Mergoscia have become overgrown with trees, leading to a sharp decline in biodiversity. Targeted measures are being taken to promote biodiversity in this traditional cultural landscape and to better link up the areas that have already been restored.
Project objective:
A section of what used to be a terraced landscape has been restored between the village of Mergoscia and the mountain pasture area. This was the result of tree felling, clearing work, the restoration of dry stone walls and the management of standard fruit tree orchards. All of this work ensures the long-term conservation of the restored areas. A mosaic of open and semi-open areas, as well as wetland zones, creates new habitats where biodiversity is on the rise and rare plant and animal species can be found. The focus is on the following goals:
- Preserving and creating open and semi-open spaces
- Conservation of wetlands and streams
- Conservation of traditional vineyards
- Raising of awareness and public promotion
Project beneficiaries:
The planned measures will benefit numerous animal and plant species, some of which are rare. The species that the Hot Spots association is particularly focusing on include nightjars, hoopoes, lesser noctules, stag beetles, western demoiselles, woodland brown butterflies, burnt-tip orchids and royal ferns. Through information boards, excursions and information events, the general public can learn more about the measures that have been implemented. Local residents can enjoy this wonderful cultural landscape, with its varied terrain, as a local recreational area and take pleasure in the countryside scenery.
About the Hot Spots association:
Since 2002, the Hot Spots association has been promoting cultural landscapes with a high level of biodiversity in Switzerland and neighbouring countries. The focus is on structurally diverse cultural landscapes that are home to an above-average number of animal and plant species, or those that are highly endangered.
Photos: Verein Hot Spots