20 ha of new high-trunk orchards will be planted
High-trunk orchards are an important habitat for the Scops owl. The cavities of the fruit tress are a nesting place for Scops owl, while the trees themselves represent foraging habitat and the hunting poles. At the end of August, the selected suppliers delivered the last material that will be used for planting fruit trees of traditional varieties. In addition to 1,200 seedlings belonging to 16 varieties, metal nets to protect the roots from voles, a 2 m high metal net for protection against game and wood poles purchased.
By planting 1200 fruit trees and therefore establishing 20 ha of meadow high-trunk orchards, the habitat of the Scops owl will be improved long-term. Interested owners of agricultural land in the Natura 2000 area Goričko who would like to receive trees with protective materials must apply by 30 October 2020 to a public call published on the Nature park Goričko Public Institute. A public appeal is posted here (in Slovenian language).
After the end of appeal, employees of the Nature park Goričko Public Institute will visit the applicants to determine the number of trees and planting sites. Mutual agreements with the owners (applicants) will be signed to determine the obligations and conditions of the recipient of the trees. Planting is planned to start in the fall of 2020 and continue until April 2021.
