About
Our Goal: Restoring Over 500 Hectares of Rare Salt Marsh Wetlands in Southern Moravia
Why is this important?
Salt marsh wetlands, also known as saline wetlands, are among Europe’s rarest wetland types. These habitats are home to unique plant species found nowhere else. Additionally, like all wetlands, they support diverse insect, amphibian, bird, and small mammal populations, helping regulate the local climate, purify water, and retain moisture in the landscape.
Why are salt marsh wetlands disappearing?
Due to intensive agriculture, most wetlands in our region have been drained, plowed, or filled in. This has reduced biodiversity and the land's capacity to hold water. The remaining wetlands face nutrient overload (eutrophication), primarily from untreated municipal wastewater and agricultural pesticides. This nutrient surplus encourages invasive plants, like common reed (Phragmites australis), to spread rapidly, transforming once-diverse ecosystems into dense monocultures with limited wildlife.
How can we restore wetland biodiversity and make it an inviting place for people too?
Our landscape’s biodiversity has always thrived alongside human activity, like traditional grazing and mowing, which created favorable conditions for many species. By collaborating with local farmers, we’re reintroducing sustainable wetland management through controlled livestock grazing and well-timed mowing. Our aim is to create a diverse habitat supporting rare salt-tolerant plants along with numerous other plant, insect, amphibian, and bird species.
Project Scope and Methods
The project spans ten key Natura2000 wetland sites known for historically hosting or currently hosting salt marsh plants. We’re using traditional management techniques, like grazing and mowing, as well as innovative methods, such as planting native seeds to curb invasive species and reintroduce regional wetland flora. To reduce drainage and pollution effects, some sites will include biotechnical solutions.
Join Us!
We look forward to meeting you at one of our tours, volunteer events, or public talks!
