Odense City
With the project Odense River Valley (Danish: Odense Ådal), Odense City wishes to establish care of a 90 ha area with a special focus on the habitat types alkaline fens (7230) and petrifying springs (7220). The area also comprises the habitat types Species-rich Nardus grasslands (6230), Semi-natural dry grasslands on calcareous substrates (6210) and Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (91E0).
An estimated majority (approximately 70%) of the habitat types in the area is currently untouched due to lacking maintenance, thus experiencing an overgrowth of tall herbs and trees.
The alkaline fens (7230), petrifying springs (7220) and the remaining habitat types with low-growing vegetation depend on extensive care, primarily in the form of grazing in and around the habitat types to preserve them and prevent an overgrowth of trees, bushes and tall herbs. If this is neglected, the low growing species will disappear.
Odense City will improve the project area by:
- Combining the areas with petrifying springs (7220) and alkaline fens (7230) so they appear as larger cohesive areas, unlike the present fragmented habitatareas.
- Initiating grazing of all habitat types dominated by low-growing vegetation within the project area.
- Improving the hydrology of a 10 ha area of bogs by obstructing ditches and terminating drainage. This alteration should not affect the higher lying areas in terms of drainage.
- Ekstensify farming on parts (approximately 25 ha) of the existing farmland along Odense River Valley. The farmland is to function as a relief area for the actual natural areas in order to create correlation between the registered habitat types and to generate an improved foundation for a sustainable and rational operation of the areas.
FACTS Number of ha: 116 of which 90 ha will receive care. Number of landowners: 36 Types: Petrifying Springs (7220), Alkaline Fens (7230), Semi-natural dry grasslands on calcareous substrates (6210), Species-rich Nardus grasslands (6230), Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (91E0) Contact Odense City Park and Nature Lars Sønderby E-mail: lkis@odense.dk Tel: + 45 23 28 97 19 Nature 2000-area Odense River with Hågerup River, Sallinge River and Lindved River Natura 2000-area no. 114 Habitat area H98 www.odense.dk/parkognatur
REMARKS
Nature needs care
Both Alkaline fens (7230) and Petrifying springs (7220) depend upon extensive care, primarily in the shape of grazing in and by the habitat types to maintain the surroundings and prevent an overgrowth of trees, bushes and tall herbs. If this is neglected, the low growing species will disappear.
