Selective cutting has allowed an open forest-grazing area that was progressively closing after remaining abandoned for many years to be reopened. In conjunction with other measures and the reopening of hay meadows in the Máia area, this will create valuable habitats for a variety of species. The Swiss Ornithological Institute finances and supports the project, including monitoring the effects on birds and bats.
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© Nicolas Sironi
A richly structured lanscape has been created.
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Arnaud Barras
Smaller structures add to the range of shelters available to wildlife.
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Arnaud Barras
Impressive trees provide shade for the grazing animals.
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Arnaud Barras
Highland cows graze the newly opened areas.
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Nicolas Sironi
The meadows of Máia, abandoned and overgrown with birch trees, will be restored.
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Nicolas Sironi
Planting high-stemmed fruit trees creates an interesting semi-open environment for many species.
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Renalo Vasco
WWF volunteers help clear brambles, allowing the species-rich grassland to recover in the grazed forest.
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© Nicolas Sironi
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Arnaud Barras
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Arnaud Barras
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Arnaud Barras
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Nicolas Sironi
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Nicolas Sironi
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Renalo Vasco
A richly structured lanscape has been created.
Smaller structures add to the range of shelters available to wildlife.
Impressive trees provide shade for the grazing animals.
Highland cows graze the newly opened areas.
The meadows of Máia, abandoned and overgrown with birch trees, will be restored.
Planting high-stemmed fruit trees creates an interesting semi-open environment for many species.
WWF volunteers help clear brambles, allowing the species-rich grassland to recover in the grazed forest.
Recovery of an open forest in Rénalo, TI
Ecological restoration of a historic open forest in the Centovalli region of Ticino
Domain
Conservation
Unit
Upswing for Birds
Topics
Species Recovery, Habitat Promotion
Habitat
forest, meadows and pastures, wasteland, semi-open farmland
Project start
2022
Project completion
2031
Project status
ongoing
Project management
Petra Horch
Project region
Ticino
Details
Project objectives
The project aims to recreate vast semi-open and structured agricultural areas that have disappeared over the years. This has been made possible by selective cutting to recreate a sparse grazed forest and by increasing the structure of already open and transitional areas. The project is continuing with the restoration of abandoned terraced grasslands overgrown with young birch trees in the Máia area.
Methodology
The vegetation cover, dry stone walls, century-old chestnut trees and new structures have been brought back to the light of day. In the adjacent meadows, high-stemmed fruit trees have been planted and stratified wooded edges with native shrubs have been created. Nesting boxes for birds and shelters for bats have also been installed. In the restored extensive meadows in Máia, strips of unmown hay will be left during the winter, providing an important refuge for many species. The mown hay will also be left in place in traditional haystacks (Mèda), providing valuable habitat for various insects.
Significance
The restoration will create valuable habitats for several species, thanks in particular to the abundance of shelters and various structures, as well as extensive and diversified management of pastures and hay meadows. Among birds, the Redstart, Collared flycatcher, Nightjar, Wryneck and Short-toed Snake Eagle will benefit from this restoration. Among bats, the Leisler’s bat should be able to find food and shelter here. The Swiss Ornithological Station is financing and supporting the project by monitoring these two groups to verify the benefits of the measures implemented.
Project partner(s)
Financial support
- Canton of Ticino
- WWF Switzerland
- Fondo Svizzero per il Paesaggio (FSP)
Employees
Species concerned
Unit
Upswing for Birds
Together with partners, we carry out projects to enhance and secure habitats throughout Switzerland in the long term.
