The aim of this multi-year project is to establish regional seed production for native meadow plants. To this end, particularly valuable and species-rich meadows are being identified in all regions of Styria. Seeds of native flowers, herbs, and grasses are harvested from these so-called donor areas, propagated, and prepared for the creation of new wildflower meadows.
The HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein plays a key role in this project. Scientific support for the project is provided by Raumberg-Gumpenstein Research & Development. This close link between research and practice lays the foundation for the sustainable restoration and long-term preservation of species-rich meadows.
“For the successful restoration of species-rich meadows, regionally adapted seed is needed. The project combines research and practice, thus creating the basis for stable meadow habitats in the long term,” emphasizes research director Andreas Steinwidder.
Wilhelm Graiss from the Vegetation and Biodiversity Management department also emphasizes the importance of the project: "Local seed helps to preserve and permanently secure the natural diversity of our meadows."
Together with the seven Styrian nature parks, farmers, municipalities, and other partners, regional seed production will be established in the coming years. This will create an important foundation for nature conservation measures, the restoration of biodiverse green spaces, and future revegetation projects.
The HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein makes a significant contribution through its research to promoting biodiversity in Styria and developing regional solutions for the protection of valuable meadow habitats. The harvested seeds will be used in the future for both nature conservation projects and municipal and infrastructure greening measures, thus helping to bring greater flowering diversity back to the Styrian landscape.
The project “Regional Meadow Seed Styria” is being implemented by the Styrian Nature Parks together with Raumberg-Gumpenstein Research & Development and is supported by the EU, the federal government and the state of Styria within the framework of the CAP Strategic Plan Austria 2023–2027 (EAFRD nature conservation funding).
