Hedgerows as a support for biodiversity, the preservation of traditional and disappearing cultural patterns of the Slovenian countryside, and ensuring ecosystem services
In May 2024 we successfully completed the three-year project "EIP 16.5 Hedgerows as a support for biodiversity, the preservation of traditional and disappearing cultural patterns of the Slovenian countryside, and ensuring ecosystem services", which focused on raising awareness and educating the involved stakeholders, especially agricultural holdings, about the importance and methods of establishing and maintaining hedgerows. These natural barriers are crucial for preserving biodiversity, improving ecosystem services, and protecting traditional patterns of the Slovenian countryside. Hedgerows, defined as linear strips of shrubs or trees, represent a vital element of agricultural and cultural landscapes, while also providing shelter to numerous plant and animal species, improving soil and water quality, and contributing to the aesthetic value of the environment.
The project, supported by the Republic of Slovenia and the European Union, was carried out in cooperation with several partners, including the Slovenian Forestry Institute, agricultural holdings, and other advisory institutions. Through practical implementation, we tested and demonstrated the effectiveness of a model for recognizing and increasing the value of hedgerows, which enabled improvements in the ecological and economic potential of the landscape.
Our goal was not only to preserve but also to strengthen the functionality of hedgerows as vital elements of biodiversity and cultivation of natural habitats. With an innovative approach that included the use of native and hardy plant species adapted to upcoming climate changes, we ensured that hedgerows remain a solid pillar of Slovenian agriculture and nature conservation.
PROJECT GOALS AND THEIR ACHIEVEMENT
The project was aimed at improving biodiversity and ecosystem services provided by hedgerows in agricultural landscapes. The project goals were multi-layered, including the preservation and improvement of biodiversity, soil and water protection, providing habitats for wildlife, and improving air quality. The emphasis was also on preserving traditional cultural patterns of the Slovenian countryside.
To achieve these goals, the project included the development and implementation of a model for recognizing and increasing the value of hedgerows, which was tested on five agricultural holdings across Slovenia. The approaches used included innovative planting techniques, such as using tree saplings inoculated with tubers or truffles, in combination with multiple fruiting and nectar-producing species. This approach was intended to improve the long-term ecological and economic potential of hedgerows.
Activities also included education and training of agricultural holdings on establishing and maintaining hedgerows, recognizing and removing invasive species, and incorporating ecosystem services into agricultural practice. An important part of the project was also raising public awareness about the importance of hedgerows for biodiversity and agricultural landscapes.
Additional activities included field visits, where experts in collaboration with farm owners and other stakeholders discussed best practices for establishing and maintaining hedgerows. These activities helped improve practical knowledge and skills of the participants, which is crucial for the sustainable development of agricultural holdings and the preservation of the natural environment.
RESULTS AND IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT
After the initial research and analysis phase (inventories and analyses of the initial situation), a model for placing hedges in the area was developed. In total, more than 700 tree and shrub seedlings were planted on all five farms, including elderberry, wild service tree, birch, cherry, blackcurrant, cornelian cherry, hawthorn, apple, rowan, chestnut, hazel, blackberry, cormus domestica, plum, rosehip, and sunflower. These seedlings were selected for their ability to contribute to ecosystem services. In addition, all hazel and birch seedlings were mycorrhized with the native species Tuber aestivum, which further promotes soil biodiversity and increases plant productivity. After planting, regular maintenance and cultivation work (pruning, watering, protection) was carried out and, where necessary, seedlings that did not survive were replaced. Our planting success rate was over 90%.
The project has brought numerous positive results and impacts, contributing to the improvement of biodiversity and ecosystem functions in Slovenian rural areas.
1. Improvement of biodiversity: The project successfully implemented the establishment and restoration of hedgerows at several sites, increasing the number of habitats for various plant and animal species. In the restored and new hedgerows, various native tree and shrub species were planted, contributing to greater structural and species diversity.
2. Ecosystem services: Hedgerows improved ecosystem services such as soil and water protection, reduced erosion and nutrient leaching, and providing food and shelter for wildlife.
3. Collaboration and education: The project actively involved agricultural holdings and the broader community in hedgerow establishment and maintenance processes. Training and workshops enabled farmers to gain knowledge about the importance of hedgerows and management techniques, strengthening local knowledge and skills.
4. Preservation of the cultural landscape: Hedgerows are a key element of the traditional Slovenian agricultural landscape. The project contributed to preserving these traditional structures, which is important for preserving cultural heritage and the identity of the Slovenian countryside.
5. Scientific and practical contributions: The project results were documented and published, contributing to broader understanding and recognition of the importance of hedgerows. The published studies and recommendations are available for use by other farms and professionals involved in conservation and agricultural planning.
The project was therefore successful in achieving its objectives, contributing not only to improving the local environment but also to promoting sustainable practices in the Slovenian countryside.
TRAINING
We also implemented a training program for agricultural holdings within the project, which was divided into several segments. The training gave farmers a better understanding and skills for identifying and controlling invasive species, which can threaten local ecosystems. The emphasis was also on understanding how hedgerows can contribute to increasing the economic and ecological value of agricultural land, including increasing biodiversity and providing ecosystem services. The training also promoted active farmer participation in planning, establishing, and maintaining hedgerows, which is crucial for their long-term preservation and functionality.
In addition to formal training, practical knowledge transfers were also carried out in the field, where participants had the opportunity to directly participate in hedgerow maintenance. These transfers targeted different groups, including farms, professionals, students, and other interested parties, and included protection-and-care work on hedgerows, ecosystem services provided by hedgerows, habitat types and their protection in Natura 2000, and the species diversity of plant and animal life supported by hedgerows.
Project activities were promoted through various communication channels, aiming to reach a wide range of professional and general public, contributing to a broader understanding and support for hedgerow conservation.
DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION
During the project, we also engaged in promoting the importance of hedgerows and information about the project in various ways, highlighting the following:
- We organized workshops and seminars where experts in agriculture and forestry shared their experiences and best practices with participants. These interactive sessions provided an opportunity for direct exchange of knowledge and experiences, further contributing to greater community involvement in the project.
- We also participated in fairs where we set up information stands. At these events we distributed information material, presented project successes, and conducted educational activities for visitors. This was an excellent way to raise awareness of the importance of hedgerows and to gain new support and interest in the project.
- We also promoted the project via digital platforms, such as social networks and email newsletters. These platforms enabled regular communication with the interested public, posting updates on project progress, and sharing interesting stories and achievements related to hedgerows.
We also used the media to spread knowledge and experiences, aiming to reach as wide an audience as possible.
All these activities were aimed at expanding understanding and appreciation of hedgerows as a key element of sustainable landscape management and preserving natural heritage.
PROJECT PARTNERSHIP
The EIP 16.5 project "Hedgerows as a support for biodiversity, the preservation of traditional and disappearing cultural patterns of the Slovenian countryside, and ensuring ecosystem services" was successfully implemented with strong collaboration among numerous partners: Dr. Tine Grebenc (project leader, Slovenian Forestry Institute), Ajša Alagić (Slovenian Forestry Institute), Polona Vukovič (Slovenian Forestry Institute), Prof. Cvetka Kernel (Secondary School of Forestry, Wood Technology and Health, Postojna), Prof. Tamara Urbančič (Secondary School of Forestry, Wood Technology and Health, Postojna), Janez Gačnik (Zavod Jabolko), Eva Kobe (Notranjska Regional Park), Matevž Podjed (Notranjska Regional Park), Maja Košuta (Notranjska Regional Park), Dr. Benjamin Leskovec (Replika napredne rešitve d.o.o.), Polona Urh (Replika napredne rešitve d.o.o.), Darja Korelc (Macrobios Panonija so.p.), Karol Vetrovšek (KG Vetrovšek), Tadej Udovč (KG Udovč), Aljaž Bevk (KG Široko), Jani Frank (KG Andrejevi) and Marjana Grčman (KG Grčman). We sincerely thank all partners for their invaluable contributions and high-quality work.
The project is implemented under Measure M16 Cooperation of the Rural Development Programme of the Republic of Slovenia 2014-2020, within the 4th public call for sub-measure 16.5 Support for joint actions to mitigate climate change or adapt to it and for joint approaches to environmental projects and lasting environmental practices. The project is co-financed by the Republic of Slovenia and the European Union from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and takes place from May 25, 2021 to May 24, 2024. The amount of co-financing is €248,605.02.
More information: European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and Rural Development Programme of the Republic of Slovenia.
The implementation of extensive nature conservation projects exceeds the financial capacity of the local community, therefore Notranjska Park regularly applies for projects with the possibility of co-financing by the European Union.
The implementation of large-scale conservation projects exceeds the financial capabilities of the local community, therefore Notranjska Park regularly applies for projects with the possibility of co-financing from the European Union.
