Clearing shrubs in the southern valleys of Graubünden

Untouched natural areas would seem like there’s not much work involved because nature takes care of itself. But that’s not quite true. Meadows and forests can become bushy or too dense, endangering existing habitats. In order for healthy plants to grow, these areas must be regularly cleared or thinned.

The Calanca Valley in Graubünden is home to many valuable dry meadows and pastures which has seen a loss of biodiversity due to shrubs taking over. Around the municipality of Rossa – the farthest village in the valley – there are various areas that have been unused and have become increasingly overgrown in recent years. As part of our Flora Futura social initiative, an existing project was expanded in this region: Plots were cleared and prepared for subsequent cultivation.

Projects in Graubünden

La Psciüdella: Clear out areas (6500 m²)

Background:

• Fallow former spring alpine pasture, heavily forested and bushy with spruce

Measures:

• Logging of the entire area as part of the civil service mission to maintain habitat by the environmental foundation Umwelteinsatz
• Harvesting forest residue as part of a working vacation week
• Removing small spruce and shrubs, creating piles of branches

Goal Achievement:

• Total of 6500 m² of the spring alpine pasture reclaimed and prepared for subsequent mowing use
• Work completed, possibly further thinning in the western part

Calvary: Restored terraced landscape (2908 m²)

Background:

• Restored terraced landscape consisting of dry stone walls with species species-rich areas in between
• Heavily interspersed with stones and bushes

Measures:

• Removal of larger stones and cuttings
• Removal of birch saplings and other emerging saplings and shrubs

Goal Achievement:

• Due to bad weather, only the upper partial area has been realized so far
• In the next step, the improvement of the lower area will be tackled

Carnalta: Shrub removal (18,500 m²)

Background:

• Part of dry pastures grazed very extensively with goats
• Extremely bushy with emerging spruce and willow shrubs
• Spent, unused hay meadow

Measures:

• Removing brush from the meadow as part of a working vacation week
• Mowing and raking the meadow
• Help with raking the hay meadow

Goal Achievement:

• 1530 m² pasture cleared and 320 m² meadow mowed (minimum use)
• Shrub removal in pasture not yet completed (especially in the upper part)
• Areas prepared for subsequent use

Ravé: Shrub removal (3,800 m²)

Background:

• Fallow meadow between several dry meadows and pastures. Grazed in 2022 for the first time, but still overgrown with shrubs

Measures:

• Removing shrubs from dry pastures as part of a working vacation week

Goal Achievement:

• 3,800 m² connecting area cleared of bushes
• Area prepared for subsequent grazing with goats