Overview of Implemented Measures

In the past, spruce was planted on many sites designated for forestry in the Siegerland, which led to large forest areas being dominated by spruce monocultures. In some places, spruce was also planted on grasslands, including in the FFH site "Buchheller-Quellgebiet". Here, a spruce belt was established on extensive grasslands, which mainly consisted of Nardus graslands and Molinia meadows. The spruce belt not only caused the loss of valuable FFH habitats but also blocked movement for bird species such as the whinchat (Saxicola rubetra) to the neighboring Special Protection Area in Rhineland-Palatinate. The goal of the measure is therefore to restore former open habitats and create a habitat connectivity system over 35 hectares, linking it to neighboring areas outside the project area, such as the VSG Westerwald.

As a first step in restoring former grassland areas in the FFH site “Buchheller-Quellgebiet,” non-native spruce trees were removed in May 2022 from an area of approximately 35 hectares.

The measure was carried out in close cooperation with the municipality of Burbach and the Forest Management Association of Burbach. The spruce trees were removed using a harvester and transported to a designated storage location using a forwarder.

In February 2023 began the actual conversion of the areas into species-rich grassland. After the spruce trees had been harvested the previous year, mulching work initially started on an area of approximately 6 hectares.

In July 2023, mulching operations started on an additional area of about 10 hectares. Preparation for this measure had started a month earlier: additional spruce trees that had remained partly along the edges of the area and within an adjacent deciduous stand were removed. At the same time, the areas were searched for amphibians, reptiles, or other animals before mulching. Any animals found were relocated within the site.

In addition, a strip approximately 25 meters long and 5 meters wide was cleared of shrubs to create a connection to the neighboring pasture.

Due to previous spruce management, remnants of the old drainage system became visible. During the mulching work, several ditches were closed with the help of an excavator, and parts of the area were intentionally re-wetted. Furthermore, an adjacent alder swamp forest was reactivated as a natural drainage channel in the former Buchheller streambed.

On both areas, clearing and soil preparation were carried out by a coordinated team using a mulcher, excavator, and dump trailer. Remaining wood residues, especially tree stumps, were shredded and mixed into the topsoil. This method facilitates later management and creates the basis for the long-term use of the area as grassland.

Also in July 2023, a green hay transfer was carried out on an area of 6 hectares. The green hay was evenly distributed over the previously mulched area using a manure spreader. The material originated from species-rich hay meadows in the surrounding area, which were largely characterized by the original FFH habitat types occurring in the region. The use of local green hay promotes biodiversity, and the short distance between donor and recipient sites increases the likelihood that a high proportion of viable seeds remains in the material.

In September 2023, a further green hay transfer was conducted on an area of 10 hectares. Part of the material came from moist Nardus grasslands (FFH habitat type 6230). When selecting donor sites, care was taken to ensure they were located in close proximity and within the same natural region (Hoher Westerwald). With the kind support of partners from Rhineland-Palatinate, green hay from the Fuchskaute nature reserve and the Wacholderheide nature reserve in Westernohe was transferred to the FFH site "Buchheller-Quellgebiet". The application took place on two dates using manure spreaders. Particular attention was paid to late-flowering species such as devil’s-bit scabious (Succisa pratensis), which is of great importance for the reintroduction of the marsh fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia). In addition, individual plants of devil’s-bit scabious were specifically planted on the restored grassland areas. Finally, hand-collected seed material from molinia meadows in the FFH site "Buchheller-Quellgebiet" was distributed over suitable moist subareas. This also contained seeds of devil’s-bit scabious to specifically prepare the habitat for the return of the marsh fritillary.

Green hay transfer generally describes the targeted spreading of plant material obtained from mowing species-rich donor sites. This hay is windrowed, loosely loaded, and distributed over target or recipient areas. The seeds contained in the material originate directly from the donor site and are intended to germinate and establish on the new site. This method represents a valuable and important measure in nature conservation: it helps preserve biodiversity, promotes rare plant species, and creates new habitats.

In March 2024, the restored grassland areas were fenced in preparation for the planned grazing. Stable, regionally typical pasture fences were installed across approximately 16 hectares.

In summer 2024, extensive grazing began on the restored grassland areas, including the use of red hill cattle, a robust livestock breed, well suited for landscape management.

As of January 1, 2025, the areas were officially included in the agri-environmental contract scheme.