Against natural succession

March 26, 2021

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Meadows and pastures are usually cultivated habitats; they have to be mown by humans or grazed by cattle. If these activities are stopped, sooner or later woody plants will grow and the areas will develop into forest.

However, the violet copper (Lycaena helle) lives in open habitats that are largely free of woods. Therefore, in order to preserve existing habitats, woody plants must be cut back every few years. In February, we were out on the Holderbach and Wüstebach to cut back the emerging raspberry growth. The existing herbaceous layer of tufted hair grass (Deschampsia cespitosa) and bistort (Bistorta officinalis) are ideal for butterflies and caterpillars.

With brush cutters against raspberries

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