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Restoration and management plan of Tananger coastal heathland
Coastal heathland development started about 5000 years ago, as a result of humans cutting trees and burning along the coast. Traditionally, coastal heathlands have been composed of a mosaic containing different habitats cleared of trees. Calluna vulgaris is the most important species characterizing...
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| Format: | Dissertation |
| Language: | English |
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| Online Access: | Request full text |
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| Summary: | Coastal heathland development started about 5000 years ago, as a result of humans
cutting trees and burning along the coast. Traditionally, coastal heathlands have been
composed of a mosaic containing different habitats cleared of trees. Calluna vulgaris is
the most important species characterizing heathlands, and thanks to its dominant
presence, grazing may be performed all-year round. In the past, the burning of areas
within the heathlands, was performed regularly on a rotational basis, to favour the
regrowth of new Calluna vulgaris. Additionally, it has had an important role as fodder of
high value during the winter. Today, coastal heathlands are endangered landscapes,
wherever they still exist in Europe. The abandonment of the land, as a result of changes
in the economic model, has triggered a gradual loss of this cultural landscape, so
dependent on disturbances such as burning and grazing. The main aim of this thesis has
been to assess the current status of Tananger coastal heathland, and then to make a
tailor-made restoration and management plan, to be implemented by Sola Kommune
over the coming years. The species composition was recorded by the creation of
inspection lines across the area, as well as by cataloguing the different vegetation types
that are present today. All data recorded was introduced in a Geographic Information
System program in order to create maps for further analysis. Tananger coastal heathland
is today highly encroached by shrubs, trees, grasses and herbs, mainly as a consequence
of people having abandoned traditional farming techniques. That is why, a restoration
and management plan has been suggested, with the purpose of removing all woody
vegetation from the area, as well as reintroducing traditional management methods,
such as burning and grazing. |
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