A land of milk and honey
Vejlerne is known to be the greatest bird sanctuary in the North, with thousands of peculiar and rare birds scampering about in an endless forest of reed and vast shallow water areas. In addition small areas with rare and peculiar vegetation are hidden among the forests of reed and the low marshes. Especially along the old inlet banksides, in the transition between the arable land and sanctuary, the alkaline fens are found as small oases of life.
Vejlerne is a significant nature reserve of both national and international importance. Vejlerne along with the dune and forest areas south of Bulbjerg constitute a rare and cohesive nature reserve. Sea and inlet combine by this gem of nature – a land of milk and honey for ornithologist, botanist and ordinary people with an interest in nature.
Fastidious with high demands
Both the rare birds of Vejlerne and the species-rich alkaline fens make heavy demands to their habitats. The height of vegetation, degree of overgrowing and the water level is of great significance to whether the birds will settle and the alkaline fens will flourish. Through RigKilde LIFE we wish to create the conditions for the alkaline fens to grow and expand concomitantly becoming an even better habitat for the area’s birds.
We will examine:
- Where in the area the habitats are found.
- Whether any special species are found in the area.
- Whether the water level in the area is suitable – for both nature and landowner.
In addition we will be able to promote the fine nature preservation in the area by:
- Clearing overgrown nature areas.
- Establish or improve the conditions for grazing/preservation of the areas.
- Establish advantageously water level – for both nature and landowner.
- Reestablish open water surfaces.
We turn things around
The distance between alkaline fens in Vejlerne increases, but also their size and quality is degrading. Undesirable water levels and lack of management in the areas are greatly responsible for the challenges this characteristic habitat is facing. Several of the alkaline fens in Vejlerne now exist as small cramped and overgrown nature reserves at the edge of the sanctuary.
Vejlerne is still an area where the natural amenities are present in great amounts. The interest and recognition of the area’s natural amenities is great both nationally and internationally. This is the reason why Vejlerne is part of RigKilde LIFE.
Headline
Our goal is to increase the area of alkaline fens in Vejlerne with 30 ha and improve a number of habitats for the area’s birds. Both alkaline fens and birds will experience better conditions, when we establish more areas with a favorable water level, extensive management or vegetation that will not be too high. If we succeed with RigKilde LIFE Vejlerne will in addition to its numerous and spectacular birdlife be able to offer numerous and spectacular alkaline fens in the future. So even if the birds on rare occasions does not show, Vejlerne will still be able to present national rarities – however the blossoming kind instead.
How you can take part
If you are landowner or keeper of animals and want to take part in letting the nature unfold in the area around Vejlerne, do not hesitate to contact us.