Commencing the revitalisation work on the wetland valley at the Strajanov Breg Nature Reserve
The Strajanov Breg is a headwater valley with the upper section of the stream with the same name at the south-eastern edge of the Ljubljana Marsh. It is enclosed by high and steep forest slopes of karst terrain. Along the bottom of the valley runs the Strajanov Breg Stream. In the remaining lowland bog land, amongst the undergrowth, grows the endangered Fen Orchid – a member of the orchid family, whereas the remaining wetland meadows and lowland bogs are home to the endangered butterfly species, the False Ringlet. Because of its exceptional natural features, the Strajanov Breg Nature Reserve is part of the Ljubljana Marsh Nature Park and is also included in the Natura 2000 European ecological network, and is also a natural heritage and ecologically important area. Agriculture has long been abandoned in the headwater valley, so the abandoned area at the bottom of the valley has become overgrown, primarily by Alder Buckthorn and the Common Alder. The overgrown lowland bog land with its woody plant species threatens the existence of the False Ringlet and Fen Orchid populations. This area is the only remaining true lowland bog land in the Ljubljana Marsh.
Under the ‘People for the Marsh’ project, we began work on revitalising the wetland valley on Wednesday, 12th August. We intend to improve the nature protection status of the area: clear the overgrown areas between the central and headwater section of the valley by removing Alder bushes and trees. By selectively clearing the overgrown areas, we expect to see an improvement in lowland bog conditions and an improvement in the conditions for Fen Orchid growth. At the same time, we also expect an increase in the potential habitat for the False Ringlet.
Work in the Strajanov Breg will last approximately 14 working days. Due to the sensitive nature regarding protection issues in the area, the Republic of Slovenia Institute for Nature Conservation and its partners conduct continuous monitoring of any work undertaken.
Excavator pulls out shrubs, Photo: Glogovčan P.
Mowing overgrowth grasslands after a preliminary manual removal of small shrubs, photo: Glogovčan P.