RESTORATION OF WETLANDS At - wise-rtd.info

SCI Mešterova lúka

NATURA 2000 

is a coherent European ecological network of special areas of conservation that is being 

established within the territory of the EU Member States. The network aims to contribute towards 

ensuring biodiversity through the conservation of valuable natural habitats and of endangered 

species of wild fauna and flora - i.e. habitats and species of Community interest. 

To be a part of the NATURA 2000 network implies great natural values of the site and manifests 

an intention to preserve the site as a part of European natural heritage. The European 

Commission selects the sites from submitted proposals (National Lists) of the individual 

Member states and decides about their incorporation into the NATURA 2000 network. 

LIFE PROGRAMME 

the European Commission has several financial instruments enabling funding of various 

environmental initiatives. One of them is the LIFE Programme which is focused on environmental 

and nature protection. The programme’s objective is to contribute to the implementation, 

development and enhancement of the Community environmental policy and legislation 

as well as the integration of the environment into other EU policies such as economic 

and social policies. In order to achieve this, LIFE co-finances projects having a significant 

positive impact on the environment. 

European Tree Frog (Hyla arborea)

SCI Kotlina 

Wetlands represent very important habitats with 

the occurrence of many rare and threatened 

communities, as well as plant and animal species. 

However, nowadays wetlands are among the most seriously 

threatened natural ecosystems in Slovakia. In the 

last century, especially during its second half, the total 

area of wetlands in Slovakia was dramatically reduced 

and the vast majority of remaining natural and seminatural 

wetlands are seriously threatened by human 

intervention. Thousands of hectares of these unique 

habitats were sacrificed for drainage, stream regulation, 

gravel and peat extraction, development and land 

reclamation schemes. The wetlands have been drained 

mainly in the lowlands but also on the foothills. 

The main purpose of the reclamation schemes was 

to gain more arable land for agriculture. However, the 

wetlands were also drained in forest areas as a part of 

so-called “intensification“ of forest management. Many 

wetlands were completely destroyed during this period 

and many others seriously damaged. 

In Záhorie Lowland (west Slovakia) almost all important 

wetlands have been drained. Following the drainage of

Western Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza majalis) 

White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) 

Once these species were quite common in Záhorie region, 

but nowadays they are rather rare. 

Moor Frog (Rana arvalis) 

wetlands, the landscape has dried up in the whole region. 

One of the most serious consequences was the 

dramatic increase in forest fires. These changes have 

lead to the dramatic decline of typical wetland species 

and habitats. Many species that were once common 

(such as amphibians or storks) have become rare, 

some of them even locally extinct. 

The grave situation with our wetlands bring us to the 

conviction that nowadays it is not enough just to protect 

them, but that it is necessary to take more active 

measures towards their restoration. Therefore, during 

the last two decades we have implemented several 

projects focused on the restoration of wetlands, particularly 

of their hydrological conditions and biodiversity. 

Our project “Restoration of the Wetlands of Záhorie 

Lowland“ (WETREST), supported by the LIFE Nature 

Programme of the European Commission and implemented 

during the years 2005 -2008, is one of the largest 

and most successful of such projects in Záhorie 

region and in the whole of Slovakia.

Project title: LIFE05NAT/SK/000112 “Restoration of the Wetlands of Záhorie Lowland“ (WETREST) 

Starting date: 01/02/2005 

Ending date: 31/12/2008 

Project beneficiary: State Nature Conservancy of Slovak Republic 

Banská Bystrica 

Project partners: Slovak Water Management Enterprise 

BROZ - Regional Association for Nature Conservation and Sustainable Development 

Total project budget: 624 000 EUR 

EU financial contribution: 312 000 EUR (50 %) 

Financial contribution of beneficiary and partners: 312 000 EUR (50 %) 

OBJECTIVE 

The main project objective is to contribute to the development of the NATURA 2000 network in the territory of 

Záhorie Lowland through the conservation, restoration and enhancement of important wetland habitats and 

species. The specific project objectives are: 

✿ improving the overall habitat conditions at eight Sites of Community Importance - wetlands degraded in past 

by the drainage schemes and other human interventions 

✿ reaching and maintaining favourable conservation status of the habitats and species targeted 

✿ raising public awareness about wetland restoration / conservation issues

Greater Bladderwort 

(Utricularia vulgaris) 

Norfolk Hawker 

(Aeshna isosceles) 

Common Eurasian Spadefoot 

(Pelobates fuscus) 

SCI Bahno 

Restoration of the water 

regime in SCI Bahno 

SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT 

The following activities have been performed as a part of project implementation: 

✿ Elaboration and implementation of Management Plans and Restoration Projects for the eight most significant 

wetlands - Sites of Community Importance (SCI), 

✿ Elaboration of amendments to forest management plans so that they are in compliance with the requirements 

of nature conservation, 

✿ Implementation of specific restoration and management measures - restoration of the water regime of wetlands 

(blocking and backfilling drainage ditches, restoration of small streams) and improvement of habitat conditions 

for the most threatened plant and animal species, 

✿ Construction of a fish by-pass on the Rudava River near Veľké Leváre community in order to enable fish migration 

that has been obstructed by the existing weir, 

✿ Restoration of species-rich lowland hay meadows along the Rudava River, 

✿ Education and training of project personnel, including excursions, seminars and workshops for staff of partner 

organizations participating in the project, 

✿ Raising public awareness on wetland conservation and restoration through project presentation in the media, 

publishing information and education materials, organizing lectures and excursions for the general public and 

installing information panels at project sites.

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The project area consists of eight wetlands - Sites of Community 

Importance that are located in the area between the district cities of Malacky 

and Senica (west Slovakia). Four of them - Rudava, Orlovské vŕšky, 

Mešterova lúka and Kotlina - are situated within Záhorie Military District. 

Rudava is also designated as an internationally important wetland (Ramsar 

site) according to the Ramsar Convention. 

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Plavecké Podhrad 

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Identification code: SKUEV0171 

SCI name: Zelienka 

Cadastral area: Lakšárska Nová Ves, Šaštín 

Area: 141,25 ha 


SCI name: Vanišovec 

Cadastral area: Šaštín 

Area: 202,19 ha 


SCI name: Jasenácke 

Cadastral area: Lakšárska Nová Ves 

Area: 49,93 ha 


SCI name: Bahno 

Cadastral area: Borský Peter 

Area: 49,99 ha 


SCI name: Kotlina 

Cadastral area: Hlboké, Cerová-Lieskové, Šranek 

Area: 638,85 ha 


SCI name: Rudava 

Cadastral area: Nivky, Obora, Plavecké Podhradie, Plavecký Mikuláš, 

Plavecký Peter, Prievaly, Studienka, Šranek, Záhorie 

Area: 1952,38 ha 


SCI name: Orlovské vŕšky 

Cadastral area: Riadok, Malacky 

Area: 206,92 ha 


SCI name: Mešterova lúka 

Cadastral area: Červený Kríž, Malacky 

Area: 133,50 ha

The project area is part of the geomorphologic unit Borská nížina lowland (Bor lowland), which is 

a part of Záhorie lowland. It stretches over the largest area (about 570 km 2 ) of inland aeolian sands 

in Slovakia. Under such specific conditions a diverse mosaic of biotic communities has evolved. Running 

and still waters and wetlands alternate with dry sand dunes. Thanks to extraordinary habitat diversity, 

there is a high number of species and communities with different ecological requirements present here 

in a relatively small area. High biological diversity also occurs because of its location on the edge of three 

biogeographical regions - Alpine, Pannonian and Continental. 18 habitats of Community interest and six 

habitats of national interest have been recorded in the area. Among them the forest habitats of various 

types are represented ranging from fen alder woods to dry pine-oak woods. 

Záhorie wetlands scattered in depressions between the sand dunes 

resemble small oases in the middle of a desert of aeolian 

sands and pine plantations. They stand out because of their immense 

diversity of life, since they harbour many plant and animal species that 

cannot be found elsewhere. The occurrence of some species such 

as Round Leaf Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), Alpine Bulrush (Trichophorum 

alpinum) or Wild Calla (Calla palustris) is indeed remarkable 

as they have survived in Záhorie region since the last glaciation when 

there was a sub-arctic climate. The tiny Fen Orchid (Liparis loeselii) is 

one of the rarest species of Community interest that can be found within 

the project area with the project site Rudava harbouring its largest 

population in Slovakia. 

Round-leaved Sundew 

(Drosera rotundifolia) 

Water Violet (Hottonia palustris) 

Fen Orchid (Liparis loeselii)

W 

ith respect to wetland forests, two types of 

fen alder woods deserve special attention - 

communities of sedge-alder wood and alder wood 

with Crested Fern (Dryopteris cristata). In Slovakia 

these natural communities with relict species are 

now adays to a greater extent only present in Záhorie. 

They grow in slacks and along streams where the 

ground water level is high. They are also frequently 

flooded. The dominant tree species is Common 

Alder (Alnus glutinosa) which is the most resistant 

of all our native tree species, even against long term 

flo oding. Elongated Sedge (Carex elongata) is a charac 

teristic species commonly found on the forest 

floor of an alder fen. Among the other frequently 

found species are Greater Tussock-Sedge (Carex 

paniculata), Marsh Cinquefoil (Comarum palustre), 

Marsh Fern (Thelypteris palustris), Water Violet 

(Hottonia palustris), Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus), 

European Frog-Bit (Hydrocharis morsus - ranae) and 

Marsh Pennywort (Hydrocotyle vulgaris). 

Cotton Grass 

(Eriophorum spp.) 

Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus) 

As for non-forest wetland habitats, the most remarkable 

are transition mires and fens, along 

with the natural dystrophic lakes and ponds with their 

typical vegetation. Several Peat-moss species can 

be found here (e.g. Sphagnum fimbriatum, S. palustre, 

S. squarrosum); less common is Cotton Grass 

(Eriophorum sp.) or Round Leaf Sundew (Drosera 

rotundifolia). In deeper pools there is abundant 

cover of yellow-flowering Bladderworts (Utricularia 

vulgaris and Utricularia australis) floating on the surface. 

Some of the rarest species, such as Bogbean 

(Menyanthes trifoliata), Marsh Helleborine (Epipactis 

palustris) or Wild Calla (Calla palustris), can be 

found only on a few sites.

European Stag Beetle 

(Lucanus cervus) 

Hermit Beetle 

(Osmoderma eremita) 

Rhysodes sulcatus 

T 

he large variety of natural conditions and habitats also results 

in a high diversity of fauna, including many rare and threatened 

species. The most abundant are invertebrates, of which many 

represent glacial relicts. More than 1000 beetle species (Coleoptera) 

were recorded within the project area. The majority of rare 

beetle species can be found just in wetlands and well-preserved 

old-grown forests. The priority species of Community interest 

is Hermit Beetle (Osmoderma eremita) living exclusively in old 

hollow trees. Dying trees, especially oaks, are an ideal habitat for 

European Stag Beetle (Lucanus cervus) and Great Capricorn 

Beetle (Cerambyx cerdo), as well as for Rhinoceros Beetle (Oryctes 

nasicornis), Flower Beetle (Cetonischema aeruginosa) or the 

rare Rhysodes sulcatus. 

Butterflies (Lepidoptera) are also species rich. Most species 

of Community interest can be found on the meadows along the 

Rudava River, such as Scarce Large Blue Butterfly (Maculinea 

teleius), Dusky Large Blue Butterfly (Maculinea nausithous) and 

Large Copper (Lycaena dispar). 

Heath Fritillary (Melitaea athalia) 

Rhinoceros Beetle (Oryctes nasicornis)

Dragonflies and damsel-flies (Odonata) are abundant and well recorded, including four species of Community 

interest that have been recorded in the area. The Large White-faced Darter Dragonfly (Leucorrhinia 

pectoralis) can only be spotted on well-preserved fens. The project area harbours over 90% of its total population 

in Slovakia. Unlike the larvae of Green Club-tailed Dragonfly (Ophiogomphus cecilia), which inhabit the sandy 

riverbed of the Rudava River, the larvae of Balkan Goldenringed Dragonfly (Cordulegaster heros) prefer the 

small forest streams. This is our largest dragonfly and has been only recently discovered in Slovakia, with most of 

the records come from Záhorie region. One of the rarest and most threatened European damsel-flies is Ornate 

Bluet (Coenagrion ornatum). Its largest population in Slovakia, numbering several hundred individuals, was only 

recently discovered within the project area in the upper section of the Rudava River. 

One of the most remarkable invertebrates that can be commonly found in Záhorie wetlands is Medicinal Leech 

(Hirudo medicinalis). Once used in traditional medicine for “blood-letting“, nowadays it has been re-discovered 

and is used by modern medicine for the treatment of some diseases. 

Common Darter Dragonfly 

(Sympetrum striolatum) 

White-faced Darter Dragonfly 

(Leucorrhinia pectoralis) 

Green Club-tailed Dragonfly 

(Ophiogomphus cecilia)

R 

eferring to vertebrates, the Rudava River is a home of the rare Ukrainian Brook Lamprey (Eudontomyzon 

mariae), which is only known at a few sites in Slovakia and is also ranked among the species of Community 

interest. Altogether the Rudava harbours 40 fish species, which represents the highest fish species diversity 

among all 55 tributaries of the Morava River. 

The fauna of amphibians and reptiles is also abundant and diverse with 18 species. The wetlands represent 

important reproduction and breeding habitats for amphibians, some of them living there all the year round. 

The most common are Common Newt (Triturus vulgaris), Common Eurasian Spadefoot (Pelobates fuscus), 

Moor Frog (Rana arvalis), Agile Frog (Rana dalmatina), European Tree Frog (Hyla arborea) and Common Toad 

(Bufo bufo). 

Common Newt 

(Triturus vulgaris) 

Slow-worm (Anguis fragilis) 

Common Toad 

(Bufo bufo) 

Edible Frog (Rana esculenta) 

Greylag Goose (Anser anser)

Spined Loach (Cobitis taenia) 

Kingfisher 

(Alcedo atthis) 

I 

n wetlands and adjacent forests of the project area there are more than 

100 species of birds. Black Stork (Ciconia nigra) is among the rarest 

bird species living in the area. It feeds mainly on fish and amphibians. Here 

in wetlands it finds both quiet places for nesting and enough food for its 

young. Greylag Geese (Anser anser) also occasionally nest here, especially 

on larger wetlands with some reed stands. 

The European Beaver (Castor fiber) was extinct in the whole of Slovakia 

until only 40 years ago. Nowadays it can be commonly found within the project 

area. With several hundred individuals, Záhorie region harbours about 

90 % of the Slovak population of this largest European rodent. The Otter 

(Lutra lutra) can be also spotted in the streams and large water bodies, 

though sightings of otters are quite sporadic compared to beavers. Eleven 

bat species (Chiroptera) also occur in the area, most of them roosting in 

old hollow trees. Populations of game animals such as European Roe Deer 

(Capreolus capreolus), Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) and Wild Boar (Sus 

scrofa) are also important to mention. 

Black Stork 

(Ciconia nigra) 

Great Egret 

(Egretta alba) 

European Roe Deer 

(Capreolus capreolus) 

European Beaver (Castor fiber)... 

... and its masterpiece

Intensive forest management in Záhorie region – planting of pine monocultures 

instead of natural mixed forests 

DRAINAGE, LAND RECLAMATION 

AND STREAM REGULATION 

Most of the natural wetlands in Záhorie region, 

including eight project sites, were drained in 

the last century. Almost all free-flowing streams were 

regulated. Natural streams have been at least partly 

saved mostly within the Záhorie Military District, due 

to its specific land use and natural conditions. Many 

important wetlands were completely destroyed during 

this period, while many others have been seriously damaged. 

Following drainage the wetland habitats have 

been drying up and gradually deteriorating. Typical 

wetland species that were once common disappeared 

from the large areas, some of them even became extinct 

in the whole region. The retention capacity (ability 

to keep and store water) of the drained landscape has 

decreased, therefore floods occur more often now and 

with more devastating effects. Similarly, draining of 

forest wetlands, along with the planting of pine plantations, 

has led to a dramatic increase in forest fires. 

FOREST MANAGEMENT 

Forest management was one of the most serious 

factors threatening the natural forests, wetlands 

and their biodiversity in Záhorie region. Forest management 

practices were focused on maximum timber 

production, using large scale clear-fells, removal of the 

top soil layer by heavy bulldozers and planting pine monocultures 

(plantations) instead of natural mixed forest 

stands. Removal of old and hollow trees, largely unprofitable 

and senseless, have lead to the loss of nesting 

habitats for birds, but also of entire bat colonies and 

endangered invertebrates. Forest management also 

threatened rare black storks, which are very sensitive 

to disturbance, especially during the breeding period. 

These forest management practices have been commonly 

used almost in the whole Záhorie region, continuously 

damaging even the last remaining natural 

forest and wetlands habitats and negatively affecting 

a wide range of plant and animal species, many of 

them listed in the Annexes of the Habitat and Bird 

Directives. Most of the valuable forest habitats, including 

those located within the Sites of Community Importance, 

would be seriously damaged or completely 

destroyed if this way of forest management was not 

changed. 

OVERGROWN MEADOWS 

DUE TO ABANDONMENT 

Species-rich meadows and pastures within the 

Rudava project site require special care as their 

continued existence depends on traditional farming 

activities – mowing and grazing. Absence of regular 

mowing during last two decades has caused the 

meadows to be gradually overgrown with weeds and 

shrubs resulting in the loss of their formerly rich diversity 

of species. 

Clear-fell in fen alder wood in proposed SCI Malina (2004)

SCI Mešterova lúka after restoration 

of the water regime 

Information panel 

In general, the project has reached its main objective – to preserve and 

restore valuable forest, wetland and meadow habitats with their typical 

species in the territory of Záhorie Lowland, thus contributing to the 

strengthening of the NATURA 2000 network in that region. 

Backfilling 

of drainage ditch 

• Eight valuable wetlands (Sites of Community Importance), degraded 

in the past by drainage, have been successfully restored. After re-filling 

of drainage ditches the water conditions and whole ecosystems are returning 

back to their natural state. For several decades, these wetlands 

were suffering from a lack of water. Now there is enough water even 

during dry seasons. The conservation status of the habitats and species 

targeted by the project has been remarkably improved and shall 

be further maintained as a part of project follow-up. We have even 

succeeded in increasing the total area of wetlands within the project 

area, along with the abundance of some of their most threatened plant 

and animal species. 

• The formerly abandoned, overgrown meadows along the Rudava River 

have been restored as well. Recently they have started being regularly 

mowed again, thus their species richness is maintained. 

• In the Sites of Community Importance, forest management has to a large 

extent been adapted to the needs of nature conservation. The most 

valuable natural forests and wetlands should not be deteriorated by 

logging operations anymore, most of them being left with “no management”. 

Moreover, more “nature friendly“ forest management methods 

have also been introduced outside these SCIs. 

MANAGEMENT PLANS 

Management Plans have been elaborated for all eight Sites of Community 

Importance targeted by the project. These plans represent 

the strategic documents for the long-term conservation management of 

these sites. Each plan is based on the outcomes of excessive site inventories 

carried during the project. It includes the status description for the 

site, identifies its future desirable status, and analyses the main conservation 

problems and their potential solutions. 

Botanical inventory in SCI Bahno

EDUCATION AND TRAINING 

OF PROJECT PERSONNEL 

Key project personnel have been trained in forest and wetland conservation and restoration 

topics. For that purpose we have organized four one-week excursions, 

two training seminars and several shorter study trips. The first excursion to Pomerania 

region, North-West Poland, was organized in June 2006, in cooperation with our Polish 

partners implementing the LIFE Nature project LIFE04/NAT/PL/000208 “Conservation 

of Baltic raised bogs in Pomerania, Poland”. It was focused on sharing their experience 

from the implementation of this LIFE project, as well as their experience with forest 

and wetland conservation, restoration and management in this part of Poland. The second 

excursion was organized to Šumava National Park (Czech Republic) and Bavarian 

Forest National Park (Germany) in October 2006. Its main focus was to learn more 

about the restoration of degraded peat lands, as well as to get first-hand experience from 

“no management” zones in the spruce forests, disrupted by the bark-beetle. The third 

excursion was organized to North-East Poland, in June 2007 in cooperation with the 

LIFE Nature project LIFE06/NAT/PL/000105 “Bison Land” - European Bison Conservation 

in Bialowieza Forest, Poland. The fourth excursion was organized to East Slovakia 

in October 2007, focusing on forest and wetland management in FSC certified forests, 

Natura 2000 sites and military training areas. 

Besides the project partners, the key stakeholders such as foresters and representatives 

of relevant public authorities were also invited to take part in the excursions and training. 

This was found to be very useful for the further implementation of the project. During the 

excursions they got first-hand experience on nature conservation issues directly related 

to the project. For example, they could see that restoration of drained wetlands is not 

something specifically exclusive to Záhorie region, but it is just the opposite, a common 

approach that is widely used also in other regions. Thanks to the establishment of informal 

contacts between project participants, foresters and other stakeholders, their 

mutual acceptance and communication has improved, which was one of the key factors 

for the projects’ success. 

Non-intervention zone in Šumava (Bohemian Forest) National Park .... inspiration for Záhorie 

Restoration of rare peatlands in Poland .... 

Peat-bog in Šumava 

National Park 

and in our homeland in Záhorie region. 

.... in Šumava (Bohemian Forest) 

National Park ....

Flower Beetle 

(Cetonischema aeruginosa) 

Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus) 

Great Capricorn Beetle 

(Cerambyx cerdo) 

AMENDMENTS TO FOREST 

MANAGEMENT PLANS 

The Forest management plan represents the basic 

document in forestry planning that specifies in 

detail the forest management measures to be implemented 

by the responsible forest manager in the 

forests concerned within a ten-year period. It is an 

obligatory document, required by national legislation, 

which has to be elaborated for all forests, including 

those in the Sites of Community Importance and protected 

areas. Former Forest management plans did 

not sufficiently respect nature conservation interests 

and needs. Therefore, specific detailed nature conservation 

requirements have been formulated for all forest 

stands targeted by the project. Following successful 

negotiations with foresters, these requirements 

(amend ments) were incorporated into the respective 

Forest management plans. 

Thus in all Sites of Community Importance within the 

project area, forest management has to a large extent 

been adapted to the needs of nature conservation. The 

most valuable natural forests and wetlands should not 

be deteriorated by log ging operations anymore, most 

of them being left with “no management”. Occasionally 

softer forest management methods have been applied: 

the previously prevailing logging method “large scale 

clear-fell” was replaced by “selective log ging”. The 

nesting sites of black storks, as well as of the other 

rare species are excluded from logging operations and 

the most valuable old and hollow trees are being left 

in the worked-out forest stands. Moreover, these softer 

forest management methods have been also at least 

partly introduced outside the SCIs.

600 

1700 

2004 2008 

Fen Orchid 

(Liparis loeselii) 

number of flowering individuals 

RESTORATION OF WETLANDS 

At eight Sites of Community Importance within the project area we 

have restored the wetlands to a total area more than 600 hectares 

and on a further 1200 hectares the water conditions of the forest soils 

have been substantially improved. Thus the favourable conservation status 

of the habitats and species targeted has been reached at a total area 

over 1800 ha. Altogether more than 3 kilometres of drainage ditches of 

various sizes were filled with sand and soil. Following the completion of restoration 

measures, the gradual increase of abundance of typical wetland 

species, including those of Community importance, was observed. Especially 

in spring and summer time these sites are now virtually overflowing 

with a huge diversity of life forms. Hundreds of dragonflies are flying above 

the restored wetlands, often reaching far from their edges into the surroundings, 

and the voices of frogs and birds can be heard from a distance. 

The black storks, herons, wild geese, ducks and other waterfowl have also 

re-appeared, searching for food and quiet nesting places. 

120 

1300 

400 

2800 

1600 

4000 

2004 2008 

Round-leaved Sundew 

(Drosera rotundifolia) 

number of flowering individuals 

2004 2008 

Large White-faced Darter Dragonfly 

(Leucorrhinia pectoralis) 

number of adults 

2004 2008 

Moor Frog 

(Rana arvalis) 

number of adults 

Increase in abundance of threatened fauna and flora species within 

the project area due to implementation of restoration measures 

2004 - status before the project 2008 - status at the end of the project 

HOW TO RESTORE THE WETLAND 

When restoring wetlands, we usually do it in exactly the opposite way to when 

they were drained. The unnaturally fast water outflow through the drainage ditches 

has to be slowed down or, preferably, completely stopped and the water table in 

the ditches should be impounded (increased). For this purpose various types of 

constructions, e.g. small earth, wooden or rock-fill dams, sluice-gates, etc. can be 

used. However, in the case of smaller ditches, the best solution is their complete 

backfilling. Before starting with the restoration works, one has to get the approval 

of the landowners and/or land users concerned, as well as all other necessary 

permissions. Backfilling of smaller ditches can be done just with simple hand tools 

(shovels, spades, picks, wheel-barrows), while for the larger ones usually some 

construction machines have to be used, such as excavators or earth-movers. 

Following the backfilling of drainage ditches the hydrological regime and the entire 

ecosystem gradually return to their natural state prior to drainage. In the case of 

smaller wetlands the raising of the water table can be observed within few days, in 

larger ones it can take several months or even years. After many years of absence 

the water suddenly appears even in the near-by springs and streams that have been 

dried-up for decades. Sometimes it even springs from places where nobody would 

expect it. Suddenly the air is cooler, the land (vegetation) greener. It is almost unbelievable, 

how fast life returns back to the recently restored wetlands. Some species, 

such as dragonflies or amphibians, can find a restored wetland within a few hours 

or days, while others take much longer. Yet, sooner or later, most of the original 

inhabitants reappear and wetland life returns back to its own peaceful way. 

9 

14 

2004 2008 

Black Stork 


number of nesting pairs 

60 

120 

2004 2008 

European Beaver 

(Castor fiber) 

number of individuals

Construction of a fish 

by-pass on the Rudava River 

Water intake at the fish by-pass 

CONSTRUCTION OF THE FISH 

BY-PASS ON THE RUDAVA RIVER 

As part of the regulation scheme that was carried 

on the lower section of the Rudava River in 

the last century, a weir was built near the community 

of Veľké Leváre. For more than half century this 

construction formed an obstacle to free fish migration 

between the lower and middle sections of the 

Rudava River. Several fish species, including those 

of Community interest, therefore could not reach 

their traditional spawning habitats located upstream 

of the barrier. One of the project actions was therefore 

focused on the construction of a fish by-pass on 

the Rudava River near Veľké Leváre to restore this 

important fish migration route. 

The whole construction site was located in the territory 

of Záhorie military district, therefore obtaining 

construction permission and other necessary documents 

required intensive communication with the 

Slovak Ministry of Defence and its subsidiary institution 

Military Forests and Estates of the Slovak Republic 

(Vojenské lesy a majetky SR). Thanks to good 

cooperation with the responsible military and forestry 

authorities and their understanding of the project objectives, 

we succeeded step by step to overcome all 

administrative obstacles and in 2008 the fish by-pass 

was finally built. 

By construction of a fish by-pass the problem of a migration 

barrier has been solved resulting in free fish 

migration in both directions. Unobstructed migration 

will have a significant effect on several endangered 

fish species e.g. Nase Carp (Chondrostoma nassus), 

Burbot (Lota lota) and Vimba (Vimba vimba), whose 

traditional spawning sites are located in the upper 

parts of the Rudava River watershed. Since the Rudava 

is the best preserved tributary of the Morava 

River, once the barrier is removed it has a potential 

to enable fish reproduction for other fish species as 

well and to enhance the fish species diversity in the 

Morava River too. 

Early monitoring has confirmed that the construction 

has fulfilled our expectations and that it is functioning 

well and actually used by fish for their migrations. 

Thirteen fish species, from a total of 40 living in the 

Rudava River, have been found using the by-pass, including 

several species of Community interest, such 

as Spirlin (Alburnoides bipunctatus), Stone loach 

(Barbatula barbatula), Spined loach (Cobitis taenia), 

Weather Loach (Misgurnus fossilis) and Bitterling 

(Rhodeus amarus). We can just hope that the fish 

by-pass (by the way, the first one in Záhorie region 

and one of the few in Slovakia) will in the long time 

serve its purpose, as well as a model solution to be 

repeated at other localities, wherever it is needed. 

RESTORATION OF LOWLAND 

MEADOWS ALONG THE RUDAVA 

RIVER 

Species-rich lowland meadows within the project 

site Rudava represent important semi-natural 

habitat for many plant and animal species, such as 

orchids or rare butterflies. For centuries they have 

been traditionally used for mowing and grazing. 

However the absence of regular mowing during last 

two decades has caused gradual overgrowing of the 

meadows with weeds and shrubs, resulting in the 

loss of their formerly rich biodiversity. To cope with 

this problem we have restored the meadows to a total 

area over 165 hectares. At first the most overgrown 

parts were cleared of woody biomass (shrubs) and 

weeds, and then they were mulched. In some areas 

the procedure had to be repeated several times. 

Finally it was possible to start mowing. For this purpose 

a new mowing-machine with mulcher was 

purchased from the project budget. Following the 

completion of the project, the restored meadows are 

being mowed by local farmers, thus their species 

richness is further maintained. 

The weir built on the Rudava 

River in the last century 

hindered natural fish migration 

for more than 70 years 

Mowing the meadows along the Rudava River helps 

to sustain their rich biodiversity 

Completed upper 

section of the fish by-pass

SCI Rudava 

RAISING PUBLIC AWARENESS 

The knowledge of natural values as well as understanding 

the importance of their conservation by 

the local people in the region where they live is the best 

way for gaining public support for conservation actions. 

With public support it is much easier to ensure the implementation 

of project activities as well as long-term 

sustainability of project achievements. 

For this aim several information materials were produced 

that were distributed mostly in Záhorie region 

– small calendars presenting some typical wetland 

species, booklet “Wetlands of the European Importance 

in Záhorie Military District” and a documentary 

film (DVD) on the project “Oases of Life“. At six project 

sites information sign posts for visitors were installed. 

The topics of wetland conservation and restoration 

have been widely promoted in local, regional and 

national media. A special LIFE project web-site 

www.wetrest.broz.sk was launched that will continue 

after completion of the project. 

WORKSHOPS AND PUBLIC 

MEETINGS FOR STAKEHOLDERS 

Several presentation workshops were organised 

that were aimed mainly at the nature conservation 

and scientific community. The main purpose of 

the workshops was the presentation and information 

dissemination of the project objectives, activities and 

achievements. The participants were mainly external 

experts and scientists involved in project implementation, 

nature conservationists and members of nature 

conservation NGOs. Another purpose of the workshops 

was to provide the floor for the exchange of knowledge, 

experience, opinions and views among participants. 

Part of the workshops were also excursions to the project 

sites. 

Besides the seminars for experts, public meetings were 

organised in the region on which the project objectives 

were communicated to local stakeholders and public. 

Representatives of local communities, including foresters, 

hunters, fishermen, farmers and nature guards 

took part in the meetings. With some of them future 

cooperation was agreed, sometimes even exceeding 

beyond the scope of the project. Hence, nature conservation 

actions have gained public support in many 

villages of Záhorie region, making good prospects for 

the future. 

SCI Mešterova lúka 

SCI Červený rybník 

Jablonové

It is not only nature that benefits from project implementation, 

but it is the people of the whole Záhorie 

region as well. The wetlands are not just swamps full 

of mosquitoes, as many people think, but they can also 

bring many profits. Thus the restoration of wetlands is 

beneficial not only to preserve these unique habitats 

with their rare species, but also for agriculture, forestry, 

hunting and fishery. One of the most important functions 

of wetlands is the retention of water coming from 

rain and snow. This water is naturally released slowly 

from wetlands by out-flow and evaporation. In this way 

the undisturbed, well functioning wetlands contribute 

to the reduction of extreme climate like droughts, floods 

or storms. The restoration of their water regime 

increases retention capacity of wetlands (i.e. their ability 

to retain water), thus reducing the risk of floods in 

the whole watershed concerned. Restored wetlands 

represent important water supplies during dry seasons 

and efficiently prevent the start and spread of forest 

fires. This is especially important in the conditions of 

dry pine forests of Záhorie, in which such fires are still 

fairly common. On hot days, wetland water evaporates 

intensively and cools the surroundings, thus improving 

the local climate. The increase of air humidity and horizontal 

precipitation can be observed even up to several 

hundred metres from the edge of the wetland. This 

phenomenon positively affects the overall vitality and 

health status of the near-by forest stands that would 

otherwise frequently suffer from drought. The spending 

made on wetlands restoration thus represents one of 

the best investments in the future of the landscape. 

The wetlands also provide an important spawning 

habitat for some fish species. Thanks to their low 

accessibility and sufficient water supply they are also 

frequently used by game species as a refuge and 

resting place, especially in hot weather. Wetland 

restoration also increases the recreational potential of 

the area. Most of the locals who are keen mushrooms 

pickers are well aware of the fact that during the dry 

season it only makes sense to search for mushrooms 

close to the wetlands as they cannot grow elsewhere 

due to lack of humidity. Thanks to the milder climate 

in the wetlands’ surroundings, these have become 

a mush room-pickers’ paradise. 

At the beginning of our efforts to start with wetland 

restoration we often had to overcome some distrust, 

scepticism and suspicion, especially from the side of 

local foresters and hunters. However, project achievements 

have convinced most of them that the water 

belongs to the forest, and that it was a right decision. 

Nowadays, in some hunting districts the hunters themselves 

are approaching us, conservationists, to cooperate 

further on wetlands restoration to increase their 

attraction for game. Thus the LIFE project “Restoration 

of the Wetlands of Záhorie Lowland“ has proved that 

the conservationists, foresters and hunters can have 

common interests that can be implemented together. 

Furthermore, the lessons learned from the project can 

be applied elsewhere in Slovakia, as well as in the 

other European countries, particularly for the benefit 

of wetlands as they represent an important part of our 

common European natural heritage. 

SCI Jasenácke 

Black Stork 


King Bolete 

(Boletus edulis)

The LIFE project “Restoration of the Wetlands of Záhorie Lowland“ has established a partner dialogue 

and cooperation between nature conservationists, foresters, hunters, water management and 

military personnel. However, in Záhorie region and in the whole of Slovakia, there are tens, perhaps 

hundreds of wetlands still to be saved or restored. Wetlands and water belong to the landscape, just 

like a meadow full of flowers and butterflies, healthy forests overflowing with life, and of course, 

also the people who can appreciate and respect it. The role of each generation is the protection of 

their heritage from their ancestors, but also retrieval of mistakes made in the past. Restoration of 

wetlands, meadows and pastures, introduction of sustainable management in forests, protection of 

our most distinguished cultural and natural heritage – these are also the tasks for our generation. 

This challenge is our long-term vision for Záhorie and for the whole of Slovakia. In our project we 

have demonstrated that it is possible. You are welcome to join us if you wish. 

State Nature Conservancy of the Slovak Republic – ŠOP SR (Štátna ochrana prírody SR) 

is a public agency for nature and landscape protection. Supervised by the Slovak Ministry of Environment, 

it was established in June 2000. The SNC is the principal agency with a national scope entrusted with 

coordination and implementation of the NATURA 2000 network in Slovakia. SNC as a project beneficiary 

is legally and financially responsible to the European Commission for its proper implementation. 

ŠOP SR - Administration of Protected Landscape Area Záhorie 

is one of the administration units of ŠOP SR, located in the district city of Malacky. It is responsible for the 

practical implementation of nature conservation policies, strategies, programmes and projects within the 

Záhorie region (West Slovakia), as well as for the implementation of practical conservation and management 

measures to protect natural assets across the whole territory of its competence. Within the project it 

was responsible for management plans for SCIs, forest management plans and restoration of meadows. 

Slovak Water Management Enterprise (Slovenský vodohospodársky podnik, š.p.,) 

is a state organisation supervised by the Slovak Ministry of Environment, founded to serve public interest 

in the area of water management. As a project partner it was responsible for the construction of the fish 

by-pass on the Rudava River. 


(Bratislavské regionálne ochranárske združenie) 

was established as a civic association (non-profit, non-governmental organisation) in Bratislava in 1997. 

Most of its activities have been focused on nature conservation and restoration of degraded natural ecosystems 

in the western part of Slovakia - Danube and Záhorie Lowlands, Danube, Morava and Rudava 

Rivers and Malé Karpaty Mts. As a project partner it was responsible for the entire project management, 

restoration of wetlands and for the other project actions. 

Project LIFE05NAT/SK/000112 

“Restoration of the Wetlands 

of Záhorie Lowland“ was implemented 

with the financial contribution 

of the LIFE financial instrument 

of the European Community. 

Contacts: 

State Nature Conservancy of SR 

Administration of PLA Záhorie 

Vajanského 17 

901 01 Malacky 

Tel./Fax: (034) 772 2735 

www.sopsr.sk/natura 


Šancová 96 

831 04 Bratislava 

Tel./fax: (02) 5556 2693 

e-mail: broz@broz.sk 

www.broz.sk, www.wetrest.broz.sk 

Photos on cover: SCI Zelienka, Four-spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata) Photos: Bohuš Číčel, Rudolf Jureček, Tomáš Olšovský, Ján Svetlík, Jaromír Šíbl, 

Ladislav Štrupl, Jozef Tomeček, Dušan Valachovič, archives of ŠOP SR and BROZ Text: Jaromír Šíbl Proof reading: Mark Sixsmith – www.envenglish.com 

Graphic design: Mgr. Ján Svetlík – DUDOK Published: Štátna ochrana prírody SR & BROZ, Banská Bystrica - Bratislava 2008 

ISBN: 978-80-89310-53-1

RESTORATION OF WETLANDS At - wise-rtd.info

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