Restoration of the Wetland Area of Hejnum Kallgate (RestHejK)
Restoration of the Wetland Area of Hejnum Kallgate
(RestHejK)
Start date: Sep 1, 2006,
End date: Aug 31, 2011
PROJECT
FINISHED
Background
Hejnum Kallgate is a unique wetland area in the north of Gotland. The area is situated between the Ancylus shingle beach ridge in the west and the Litorina shingle ridge in the east. Between the two ridges the ground is very flat, leading to slow outflow of water. The exceptionally distinctive hydrologic conditions prevailing in the area have created a suitable habitat for many distinctive species of vascular plants and fauna. Several species and subspecies are endemic to this area, and several other species of vascular plants cannot be found anywhere else on Gotland than within the Hejnum Kallgate area.
Objectives
The project aims at achivieing a number of interrelated objectives:
(a) protecting the priority Bog woodland habitat within the Hejnum Kallgate area,
(b) protecting the unique distribution of rare Alkaline fens (260 hectares) within the Hejnum Kallgate area,
(c) protecting Gotlandâs main locality for the marsh fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia) butterfly, achieving an increase by 50% from 242 larva colonies in 2004
(d) protecting Gotland's sole locality for the lay's slipper (Cypripedium calceolus) and maintaining the number at 50-100 specimens or preferably increase the numbers.
These objectives will be met through various actions: Firstly a few preparatory actions: workplans, air photos, hydrological study.
The main bulk of the work will focus on the implementation of protection plans, i.e. restoration and conservation of habitats. The project will notably clear some 160 ha Bog woodland and set up 16.3 km fences as well as create a permanent closure of 3.2 km near a main road with heavy traffic.
Finally the project include awareness-raising campaigns: creation of a small parking and information area, watch tower, foot paths of 7.3km
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