Project Goals

The main goal of the LIFE project is the protection of the coastal heaths and forests (Krattwälder) due to their importance for the European ecological Network Natura 2000. A proactive conservation of the flora and fauna habitat area "Küstenheiden und Krattwälder bei Cuxhaven" (Coastal Heaths and Forests "Krattwälder" near Cuxhaven) shall be maintained and restored. A particular long-term goal is to test and establish cost efficient measures for the maintenance of heath, lean turf and transition areas between forests and open land by using so-called mega herbivores (Heck cattle, konik horses, wisents).

Important sub-goals of the project are:

• Protection, maintenance and development of the uniquely open and wide coastal heath landscape by using large herbivores (Heck cattle, koniks);
• Protection and development of near-natural deciduous forests, e.g. Krattwälder, with their typical characteristics, including the development of near-natural structures for forest edges, for example through the use of wisents;
• Mitigation of increased shrub and grass growth, caused especially by the black cherry (Prunus serotina);
• Protection and restoration of small oligotrophic bodies of water