Birds have long been constant companions of humans and their activities in the environment. Especially the birds of the agricultural cultural landscape, which in Slovenia are tied to traditional land use and the mosaic agricultural cultural landscape. A particularly special place in this regard is represented by wet extensive meadows, in which lives the globally endangered bird species – the corncrake. 

Project objectives:

• To research and expand knowledge about the ecology of corncrake and to carry out a nationwide census.
• Acquire detailed knowledge and experience about appropriate management methods for wet extensive meadows in a bird-friendly manner. On the test area in Ljubljana Marsh we therefore tested different agricultural techniques and conducted experiments with agricultural machinery, procured within the framework of the project.
• In a corncrake-friendly manner on three project areas actively manage at least 180 hectares of wet extensive meadows; at Lake Cerknica with the help of partner Municipality of Cerknica – Notranjska Regional Park.
• Collaborate with farmers, agricultural advisers and landowners in the process of educating about bird-friendly farming and in preparing guidelines to direct the orientation of agricultural policy towards extensive nature-conservation farming.
• Establish a small experimental estate or nature reserve in a narrower area of Ljubljana Marsh with the purchase of 10.0 ha and the lease of 41.1 ha of wet extensive meadows and for visitors establish infrastructure with interpretive materials.
• Raise awareness among local residents, local decision-makers, responsible government institutions and the general public about the importance of protecting corncrake and its habitat – wet extensive meadows – and the importance of the European ecological network Natura 2000 and bird-friendly management of agricultural land.
• Convey a message about the importance of protecting corncrake and its habitat – wet extensive meadows – to the general public with an emphasis on youth.