Ances Nature Reserve: Reviving Biodiversity

Challenge 

The Nature Reserve “Ances Marshes and Forests” in Latvia with its unique ecosystems suffers from habitat degradation. Dry grasslands, which are vital for a variety of species, have been shrinking. These threats reduce biodiversity and ecosystem services. This project brought new life into the reserve, transforming overgrown dunes and restoring the vibrant mosaic of dry grasslands, including valuable old growth trees. It not only safeguarded biodiversity but also improved ecological connectivity within the reserve and beyond. 

Objective

The project aimed to revitalise the reserve by improving degraded habitats, involving land owners to enable a significant enlargement of the valuable habitat areas. Namely, restoring the habitat of the Natterjack Toad by recreating open dunes by removing vegetation of overgrown areas and initiating long-term preservation of old trees home to great insect diversity were concrete objectives.

Approach

This project used a multi-pronged approach that combines: 

• Ecological restoration: Active management of habitats to improve their condition for target species. 
• Landscape connectivity: Improving the movement of species within and beyond the reserve. 
• Community-based conservation: Involving local stakeholders, especially youth, in conservation efforts to promote long-term sustainability. 

Achieved Results

This integrated approach delivered ecological and social benefits. Key achievements include restoring 2 hectares of grey dune and 14.23 hectares of semi-natural dry grasslands, providing refuges for the endangered Natterjack toad. To maintain structural diversity, 10 marked trees were preserved. Expert arborist assessments and pruning mitigated safety hazards and extended the trees' lifespan, securing a vital two-kilometer ecological dispersal corridor for the priority Hermit beetle. Through adaptive management and community action, the Ances Marshes and Forests Nature Reserve has secured a larger ecological network for future generations.