Cerknisko Jezero - Intermittent Cerknica Lake

The project aimed to ensure long-term favourable conditions for the conservation of turloughs and other endangered habitat types in Cerknica Lake in Slovenia. The main focus was to restore watercourses that had been leveled in order to ensure faster outflow of water. The purpose of this work was to prolong the drainage time and to hold back the water in the driest summer months. Raising the level of groundwater, particularly on the marches and close to riverbeds or watercourses, is an important factor in conserving endangered habitat types and species. In addition, abandoned wet grasslands, suitable habitats for corncrake, were purchased, mowed and mulched, and young trees were cut. Additionally the required technical plans were compiled for the restoration of all watercourses in the lake. The project also raised awareness of nature-friendly farming and agricultural policy and highlighted the positive objectives of nature protection. It also marked the beginning of the long-term restoration of former watercourses, and the research of natural processes.