New habitats for plants and animals were created as ecological replacement measures for the SBB Salgesch Leuk double-track line extension. The Pfyn-Finges Nature Park maintains these hedges, dry meadows and wetlands on behalf of the SBB
The Pfyn-Finges Nature Park took over maintenance of the four sub-areas in 2019. Prior to this, they were not professionally maintained for 10 years. Various tasks are carried out annually. Some of the sites are particularly fast growing, e.g. along the course of the stream. Interventions to prune the young trees and shrubs are necessary here every year. The species-rich hedges also require professional pruning in sections every year, especially as conflicts with the neighboring vineyard owners should be avoided. Unfortunately, black locust trees have become well established in one section. Controlling them means a lot of extra work. Why ecological replacement measures:
If a project for buildings and facilities involves unavoidable disturbance in habitats worthy of protection, the person responsible must ensure that they are restored or adequately replaced. The natural value after the intervention should be the same as before (FOEN requirement). Part of the railroad line here in Salgesch runs through the Pfyn emerald area. Emerald areas in Switzerland were designated to protect particularly rare and endangered habitats and species. Valuable dry grassland habitats were disturbed by the expansion of the double track
New natural areas:
In the otherwise uniform vineyard landscape, the newly created habitats are particularly valuable. They serve as retreats for a variety of plants and animals. The diversity of the natural areas created specifically promotes different species. The dry meadows provide food and shelter for typical warmth-loving species such as the well-known emerald lizard or praying mantis. Hedges planted with native species provide good nesting opportunities and food sources for birds, among others. The marshy areas along the small stream are a particular gem for wildlife in the otherwise dry surroundings. The artificially created small pond even attracts dragonflies to the otherwise rather monotonous vineyards.
Grazing Pfynwald (forest reserve) with farm animals, manual de-bushing work to reduce the ground cover and young trees in grazing areas, grazing as long-term land maintenance. Objective: Promotion of species in sparse forest habitats.
The Pfyn-Finges Nature Park manages the extensive grazing of the rocky steppe near Leuk with various animal species, coupled with manual shrub removal.
