WETREST - Restoration of Wetlands at Zahorie Lowland, Slovakia

The project aimed to contribute to the development of the Natura 2000 network in Slovakia and the conservation of habitats and species at national level as well as to restore 8 proposed Sites of Community Interest (pSCI) in the Zahorie Lowland. The project elaborates long term management plans and restoration projects and the existing forest management plans are amended. This process involves extensive stakeholder concentration. The project also includes construction of a system of fish bypasses and restoration of river banks to enhance the quality of the river and adjacent habitats. There are also actions to re-establish traditional use of lowland hay meadows in order to restore their ecosystem functions. This involves cutting and regular mowing and grazing. Finally, the project aims to block ditches and drains to improve the hydrological conditions of the wet habitats in the project area.