Research from open to semi-open, extensively grazed nature areas in Flanders in function of implementation, evaluation and adjustment of nature management

Flemish nature policy aims to extend the area of nature reserves to more cohesive and climate-robust entities. Pattern management is increasingly being replaced by extensive grazing as a more process-oriented management measure, but the scientific insights underpinning this management strategy and especially optimising it in function of biodiversity are limited.

This project investigates the interaction between grazing, vegetation structure and the occurrence of habitats, species and their habitats with the aim of conserving and developing important vegetation structures and types, plant and animal species and their resources. An important focus is on the role of changing vegetation structures as a function of the climatic robustness of nature areas.