Water in the landscape: Restoration of Čalovecký Dudváh meanders

Volunteer days

As a result of several historical events, the country of the Lower Rye Island has changed beyond recognition in a few decades. The mosaic of wetlands, river side arms and vegetation has been transformed into a lifeless chessboard of large monoculture fields. Today, even the last meanders of Čalovecký Dudváh river which once flew through the countryside are plowed to create even larger field units for easier harvest. All this is still hapening at a time when water is becoming increasingly scarce in the soil and throughout the country.

VIDEO: 2 in 1 – restoration of wetlands and bird nesting walls

Volunteer days

During the restoration of small-scale wetlands in the Protected Bird Area ​​Ostrovne Lúky, we got an idea – what if we used the excavated material to build nesting walls for birds right at the foot of the wetlands? We have recorded a nesting site of the European beekeeper in sand embankments in the area and we hope that they will like our new nesting walls so much that they will decide to nest in them this season after returning from their wintering grounds. The small wetlands are being created on restored pastures where the birds can find enough food. The water under the nesting wall will provide refreshment during hot summer days while protecting their offspring from predators.

Willow pollarding workshop 2020

Volunteer days

Today we pollarded willows in protected bird area Ostrovne Luky. The day saw a lot of action, sawing, falling wood.. Even nature conservation and sustainable management of the countryside can sometimes look this way. For old willows pollarding is essential to prolog their life-span.

Restoration of pastures on Zádielská plain

Protection of habitats, Protection of species

The species richness of our country is linked to non-forest habitats – they include thermophilic and xerophilous meadows and pastures, which we can admire in Slovenský Kras. These habitats depend on traditional management – extensive grazing and mowing. Unfortunately, most cities have not been farming traditionally for over 30 years. As a result, pastures are overgrown with aerial trees and expansive grasses.

Planting trees with volunteers

Volunteer days

In december we planted trees with volunteers from DELL, Mary Kay and Geocaching community. We planted black poplars – native species of the Danube floodplain forests. In 3 days we planted 1000 saplings which will grow to be majestic old poplars. Photoreport below: