C - Specific conservation actions

C.1: Restoration of feeding and nesting habitats of lowland meadows (BROZ)

- arable land will be changed into grasslands by seeding of native seeds and introduction of regular management – mowing, hay making; after that these should be periodically grazed; the management of sites will be subjected to target birds’ requirements for favourable nesting and breeding conditions

Achieved results

April 2014

- 4 hectares of strips grassed along windbreaks as potential feeding sites for the Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor) and Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus) and nesting sites for Tawny Pipit (Anthus campestris)

C.2: Restoration of feeding habitats of lowland pastures (BROZ)

- grazing of domestic animals was the traditional and dominating use of grasslands in the project site in the past, however it was replaced by industrialized animal farming later on; the aim of the activity is to bring grazing back to the project site; an extensive grazing by sheep creates low vegetation grasslands with patches of not-grazed herbaceous vegetation, which provide the favourable environment for various species of arthropods, the important food source of the birds

C.3: Restoration of biocorridors network (BROZ)

- this activity is focused on creating a network of biocorridors, consisting of balks, groves, windbreaks, alleys, field paths and edges, bank vegetation, solitary trees and small groups of trees that will provide food and suitable nesting conditions for target species

C.4: Re-introduction of pollard willows management (BROZ)

- in the past trimming of pollard willows used to be a traditional way of providing fire wood for inhabitants or wicker material for baskets and fences; our aim is to restore the treatment of these trees, because a regular cutting shapes a tree into a branched “head” with a lot of cavities and microhabitats used by insect, what creates a food source for birds

Achieved results

21st February 2015

- in cooperation with SAŽP the pilot workshop on trimming of pollard willows took place in Bodzianske lúky, together 12 pollard willows were trimmed

6th March 2015

- in cooperation with SAŽP the second workshop on trimming of pollard willows took place with the workshop of traditional craft of the region - basketry

C.5: Restoration of small-scale wetlands (VÚVH)

- up to 50 water bodies will be created situated near meadows and pastures restored by other project actions or as parts of bio-corridors; such distribution helps to create diverse landscape, improves microclimatic conditions and retains surface water runoff; wetlands also provide an important food source for birds

Achieved results

- the analysis of historical development (from 18^th century until present), digital terrain model, identification of terrain depressions, meander relicts and morphological development of the Čalovský Dudváh has started within the activity and will be a base for the first draft list of areas to be potentially restored

C.6: Restoration of nesting and perching sites for target bird species (Prif UK)

- elevated perches, stone monoliths and clusters of boulders or wooden posts will be placed within the biocorridors and in the proximity of restored or preserved grasslands; nest boxes will be hanged up; all these elements will be used to improve the nesting and breeding opportunities of the target species

Achieved results

- types and technical specifications of nest perches and bird boxes for Red-footed Falcon were consulted with ornithologists and other experts