Horses grazing by thebrook at Waldeck

Electrical horses prevent power disruptions at Waldeck - Horses grazing by thebrook at Waldeck

Headline: Endangered Horses and Ponies Grazing Waldeck Power Line Route for Ecological Conservation

The Waldeck power line route is now home to an innovative ecological and conservation initiative, involving the grazing of Exmoor ponies and Sorraia horses. This project, located within the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, is a strategic combination of species conservation and habitat management.

Key Aspects of the Project

1. Heathland Preservation
2. The unique and valuable heathlands in the area require active management to prevent overgrowth by trees and shrubs.
3. Traditional grazing helps maintain open landscapes, controls invasive species, and supports biodiversity by creating habitats for various plants and animals.
4. By mimicking natural grazing patterns, this initiative aims to preserve the heathlands over the long term.
5. Species Used
6. The hardy Exmoor ponies, native to the British Isles, are well-suited to grazing rugged heathland habitats.
7. The Sorraia horses, a rare Portuguese breed critically endangered, are known for their ability to survive in tough environments.
8. Using these breeds helps conserve genetic diversity and supports endangered livestock populations.
9. Location
10. Power line corridors often create linear open spaces unsuitable for forest growth, making them potential valuable areas for heathland habitat management.
11. Grazing along these corridors keeps vegetation in check, reducing fire risk and maintaining the habitat structure relevant for heathland species.
12. Long-term Impact
13. This project ensures sustainable ecosystem management by integrating endangered livestock breeds into landscape conservation.
14. It promotes biodiversity by preserving habitat for native flora and fauna dependent on open heathlands.
15. The project raises awareness about the importance of traditional grazing in modern conservation strategies.

Summary

This project, which began in winter 2023/24, involves three Exmoor ponies and one Sorraia mare maintaining a power line route in Waldeck, Germany. The Sorraia horses' grazing contributes to the preservation of this rare breed, with approximately 200 Sorraia horses worldwide. The network operator Avacon and the national park authority have found a nature-friendly and long-term solution using horses for maintaining the line route. Compensation for the resulting nature damage is required based on the Federal Nature Conservation Act. The existing heathland and grassland areas beneath the power line should be grazed in the long term as a solution for maintenance.

1. The endangered Sorraia horses, a part of the outdoor-living species in the Waldeck power line route, are contributing to their own conservation through grazing.
2. To further aid the development of the local ecosystem and biodiversity, this project also involves community aid for the conservation of Exmoor ponies and the management of heathland habitats.

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