With the support of the European Union, Hungarian partner organisations launched the GRASSLAND-HU LIFE Integrated Project to promote the protection and conservation of Hungary’s grasslands and their wildlife. In connection with this, the staff of the Bükk National Park Directorate carried out habitat-management activities in October as part of a volunteer programme.
Our grassland habitats are not as well known and popular as other ecosystems, but they are just as valuable as our forests and wetlands. Think about it: when we say grassland, most people think of freshly mown lawns in their gardens, but our country is home to such diverse grassland habitats as the Hortobágy salt marshes, the sandy grasslands of the Kishunság, or the marshes of the Őrség, which provide a home or feeding ground for countless species.
Although summer has barely passed, one of the most spectacular events in the world of wildlife, the autumn bird migration, is already well underway. There are species that have already set off during August, but there are also those that are just getting ready for the long journey to their wintering grounds.
The grasslands of the South-Hevesi Regional Unit of the Bükk National Park Directorate are in a beautiful purple colour due to the mass flowering of the Hungarian sea lavender. It could well be the emblematic plant of the Hungarian alkaline grasslands, one of the most characteristic perennial flowering plants of the Tiszántúli steppes, capable of painting the whole horizon purple in summer.
A travelling exhibition of the photo competition A gyepek titkai III. can be seen in the Lászlómajor Visitor Centre and Demonstration Garden of the Fertő-Hanság National Park Directorate until 28 August 2023.
Another good example of nature conservation, agriculture and wildlife management working together. Domestic grasslands are home of unique natural assets. Many of our wild animal and plant species find their essential living conditions in grasslands, which is why protecting these habitats is a key to their conservation.
We organised a nature conservation volunteer camp at the legendary Szőce bog. More than twenty adult volunteers helped us to preserve one of the most exceptional habitats in Hungary by collecting hay that had been mown on the bog.
It's time for the first mowing. It is important for farmers to bear in mind that in Hungary, the use of animal deterrent chain curtainare required by law when mowing grasslands and arable lands subjects of either Natura 2000 or Agri-Environmental Payments.
This spring, colleagues from the Hortobágy National Park Directorate again visited the sites of the Grassland-HU LIFE integrated . The project aims the long-term conservation of Pannonian grasslands and related habitats. After the spring rains, our project areas are beginning to regain their original habitat associations, thanks to various habitat management activities.
Although the Red-footed Falcons (Falco vespertinus) are still in their wintering grounds in Africa, we should start preparing for their arrival now. We need to prepare in the same way as we have been doing for the past two decades," say experts from the Bükk National Park Directorate.
In the framework of a volunteer programme, the staff of the Bükk National Park Directorate again carried out grassland management work on the Sulymos plateau in Tiszadorogma. Within the framework of the Grassland-HU LIFE integrated project mowing was carried out in areas that couldn't be reached by machines and the previously cut false indigo-bush was collected, the Bükk National Park Directorate said.
The official re-opening of the Strázsa Hill Nature Trail, on July 6 2022, was performed by the Duna-Ipoly National Park Directorate (DINPD). The trail has been a popular hiking spot in the area for decadesThe hill and its surroundings still bear the scars of a tumultuous military past, some of which have now been restored.
The Hungarian Natural History Museum’s commitment to the project was primary to prepare multiple-species conservation plans based on previous monitoring programs conducted by the Museum.
Balaton-felvidék National Park Directorate (BFNPD) plays an active role in the implementation of the LIFE IP GRASSLAND-HU country-wide project, which was launched in 2019 and has just reached the halfway point of its 8-year duration.
The 8-year-long Grassland-HU LIFE integrated project has successfully reached its halfway point. The aim of the project is to improve the conservation status of grassland habitats and species, in order to ensure their long-term conservation.
The Herman Ottó Institute Nonprofit Ltd. invited 300 primary school children to get involved in the Day of Birds and Trees on Friday 13th May 2022.
Under the GRASSLAND-HU LIFE integrated project, a one-day online workshop was organized by Herman Otto Institute Non-profit Ltd. on conservation and monitoring of grassland invertebrates of conservation concern and managing their grassland habitats in Natura 2000 sites.
The overall objective of GRASSLAND-HU is to restore and conserve the natural landscape of the Pannonian Steppes, the Hortobágy National Park Directorate intends to report on the status of work and give information about the progress that had been reached on the designated project locations.
The best 30 images of “The Secrets of Grasslands” photo contest are on display from 31 March, 2022. The aim of the exhibition is to bring people closer to the unique animals that live in grasslands. After showcasing the photos in Budapest, from April, the exhibition will tour around the country.
The LIFE integrated project is halfway through its 8-year duration. During the first cycle of the project, between 2019 and 2020, we focused on preparatory works, while during the second cycle pilot actions were conducted. Where does the integrated project stand now that is coordinated by the Herman Otto Institute with the collaboration of 14 project partners and what are the achievements so far?