Restoration of the open dune landscape on Schiermonnikoog by means of grazing
The last decades large areas in the dunes of Schiermonnikoog have become overgrown with shrubbery, like brambles and buckthorn. This dense vegetation has not only affected the open dune landscape, but also resulted in the disappearance of vulnerable bird, butterfly and plant species that depend on this unique habitat. And for walkers it becomes increasingly difficult to hike through nature, whereas the freedom to go where you want and the accessibility are an important touristic attraction of the island.
For these reasons, the restoration of the open character of the dunes is one of the most important ambitions of the National Park Schiermonnikoog. A key role in this pursuit is played by grazing, which is a means to restore the dynamic and varied landscape.
Grazing as solution
Since 2015 large grazers like Sayaguesa cattle and Exmoor ponies are deployed in the dunes of Schiermonnikoog. They eat young sprouts of shrubs and grasses, keeping the landscape more open and promoting biodiversity. Evaluations show that grazing positively affects the variation in plants and insects in the dunes. The brushwood has retreated, and distinctive dune plants have expanded.
The province Fryslân advises to scale up the grazing on Schiermonnikoog. By introducing large grazers, the vegetation becomes more varied, enabling rabbits to return, and other species as well that are dependent on a half open dune landscape, like the wheatear and the Niobe fritillary. For walkers it provides new opportunities to hike through nature freely, an experience that is inextricably linked to the charm of Schiermonnikoog.
As agreed upon in the Overlegorgaan (board) of the National Park, the effect of grazing by Sayaguesa cattle and Exmoor ponies has been evaluated after three years. You can read the report here (in Dutch).
Aims of Natura 2000
The restoration of the dune landscape fits within the aims of Natura 2000, which strive for the preservation of rare and threatened nature reserves. Grazing isn’t a goal in itself; it is a means to contribute to the ambitions of the National Park and the Natura 2000 goals.
Nevertheless, it is important to coordinate this with other measures, like the reduction of precipitation of nitrogen compounds and the accessibility of the area for the public.
Sayaguesa cattle
Sayaguesa cattle are extremely self-sufficient. They are used to surviving in rough terrain and extreme weather conditions. Tough grasses and branches suffice as food. They are quite resistant against cold and heat. On a warm day, they do not gather in dune lakes collectively. Sayaguesa cattle are good walkers; they cover large distances within their territory. This makes sure the grazing pressure is spread evenly over the whole dune area. Their udders are small, so they don’t get injured so often because of the buckthorn shrubs. They don’t need help when they get a calf. Overall, they are very well adapted to life in free nature.
Exmoorponies
Exmoors are a sober and old horse breed from the southwest of England, where they are leading a semi-wild life for a long time now. The Exmoor pony is a small, deep brown breed, sometimes almost black, with a wither’s height of about 117 to 127 cm. Their weight is between 310 and 370 kg. Another feature is their panagaré: a lightly coloured to white muzzle and underside.
Dutch land goats
The Dutch land goat (Nederlandse landgeit) is a robust, medium-sized goat with horns. The distinctive buck has sturdy, large, mostly lyre-shaped horns. Often you can also recognize a buck’s wig and an upturned nose. The goat’s horns are smaller. Bucks have long hair; goats can also be short-haired. The colours of their coats vary from motley, with black, brown, beige or blue spots, to sometimes completely white.
This goat race is very resistant to our climate. In Octobre 2018 we began with twelve goats, without a buck. The goats are being vaccinated and checked by a veterinarian. The Nederlandse landgeit is a so-called studbook breed.