Summer in the Service of Nature: Seed Collection and Grassland Habitat Restoration in the LIFE FOR SEEDS Project
M. Matjašec, 7. 7. 2025
The transition between spring and summer in the LIFE FOR SEEDS project has been fully dedicated to vegetation surveys and the selection of 15 meadows where seeds will be collected this year for the seed bank. This season, the number of meadows designated for seed collection has increased, as a student field camp was organised within the framework of the project—one of its key objectives being the collection of seeds for the seed bank. Seed collection has been in full swing since spring and will continue until late autumn.
Emptying the brush machine M. Matjašec
At the end of May and beginning of June, we carried out the annual planned vegetation surveys on all meadows where restoration had taken place, either through the use of seed mixtures or green mulch. Based on initial assessments, the condition of many meadows has improved; in others, it has remained largely unchanged. Variations were observed particularly on acidic soils with minimal grass cover. Nonetheless, restoration efforts have undoubtedly contributed to greater plant species diversity. Among the species showing increased presence are Yellow Rattle (Rhinanthus minor), Fringed Pink (Dianthus superbus), *Dianthus pontederae, Red Fescue (Festuca rubra), Common Bent (Agrostis capillaris), and Tall Oat-grass (Arrhenatherum elatius), among others.
Vegetation survey M. Matjašec
In collaboration with colleagues from the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, we also completed the first round of brushing donor meadows to support the restoration of extensive and wet grasslands. This yielded a significant amount of fresh seed mixture, which is currently drying in castle facilities. Approximately 3.20 hectares were brushed, resulting in around 300 kg of fresh green seed mixture. While the quantity will more than halve once dried, we are already pleased with the outcome—particularly because this year we will be restoring two new plots: one using seed from dry grasslands and one using seed from wet grasslands. This is the final year of brushing, as the restoration of these meadows will conclude with autumn sowing. Vegetation surveys to be carried out next year on extensive and wet grasslands will reveal whether the two-year restoration measure has been successful and to what extent.
