Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
and reptiles have quite narrow habitat preferences in
terms of vegetation structure, especially with regard to
the spatial confi guration of bare soil, short turf, tall
forbs, shrublands and forests. This means that confl icts
between different restoration targets can arise. Large-
scale sod cutting and haymaking are positive for a
number of plant species - although not all - in view of
the removal of nutrients, but negative for many animal
species. The latter may require tall stands or litter accu-
mulated for shelter, oviposition and the development of
juveniles. Restoration efforts should therefore aim to
develop complete communities and not just plant com-
munities of dry grasslands and heathlands (Mortimer
et al
. 1998). Summing up, the design of mosaics
including different successional stages and different
scales should be part of integrated restoration and
long-term management. This will require close coop-
eration with all stakeholders.
