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Peri urban meadows
Published on 08 April 2021
Sweden
Västsverige
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About this good practice
"Peri urban meadows" is a joint nature conservation project between the municipality of Varberg, the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation and the Halland Botanical Society. The project was ongoing during 2018-2020 in order to inventory natural values in meadow environments close to urban areas, to identify what need to be done to maintain or develop these values, and how to restore meadow environments that previously showed higher natural values. With increased knowledge of which meadows have higher or potentially higher values, municipal management can then be adapted to preserve and develop these values.
A total of 38 areas were included in the project. The majority of the areas are municipally owned and covered by detailed plans. All areas have been inventoried for the purpose of assessing flora and insect values. Based on this, management proposals have been developed that show how these values can be benefited. As resources are always limited, priority has also been given to which areas should primarily be managed according to the proposals. The inventory areas have also been put in a larger landscape perspective and an analysis has been made of their significance for the green infrastructure at a more comprehensive level.
A total of 38 areas were included in the project. The majority of the areas are municipally owned and covered by detailed plans. All areas have been inventoried for the purpose of assessing flora and insect values. Based on this, management proposals have been developed that show how these values can be benefited. As resources are always limited, priority has also been given to which areas should primarily be managed according to the proposals. The inventory areas have also been put in a larger landscape perspective and an analysis has been made of their significance for the green infrastructure at a more comprehensive level.
Expert opinion
Biodiversity is essential to life on Earth, but only 23% of species and 16% of habitats under the EU Nature Directives are in good health, according to WWF. Climate change, industrial agriculture and habitat loss are among the main drivers of biodiversity loss in Europe. That is why EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2030 has been introduced as part of the EU Green Deal. This good practice is an excellent example of how municipalities can create a restoration and management plan for natural areas, with focus on preserving and increasing biodiversity. It is important to assess which areas are significant in terms of biodiversity and to reflect that knowledge in urban development and planning. This good practice provides a great inspiration and guidance to any European municipality.
Works at
Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform
Resources needed
A collaborative project between Vbg Municipality, the Nature Conservation Association and Vbg Botanical Association. A total of 11 people actactively participated in the project, of which representatives from Varberg municipality made up the largest part. A number of consultants also participated.
Evidence of success
A total of 38 areas have been inventoried. The project has resulted in us (Varberg Municipality) changing the management of most of these areas in a way that benefits biodiversity. We have also changed the management of other areas with the aim of creating dispersal corridors and increasing biodiversity. And finally, we have also restored three specific areas through traditional mowing, burning and clearing.
Potential for learning or transfer
Through the project, the municipality has gained valuable knowledge about existing and potential natural values in meadow areas close to the city. This will be a very important basis in connection with the municipality's overall and more detailed planning of how the urban area will grow and be densified. Without this knowledge, there is a risk that natural values and different types of ecosystem services will disappear or be destroyd. These values and services might otherwise be crucial for achieving a long-term sustainable and good living environment, both for humans, animals and plants.
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Municipality of Varberg
Sweden
Västsverige
Contact
Strategic spatial planner