Volume 27 (2021) Article 12

On the hydrological relationship between Petrifying-springs, Alkaline-fens, and Calcareous-spring-mires in the lowlands of North-West and Central Europe; consequences for restoration

by A.P. Grootjans, L. Wolejko, H. de Mars, A.J.P. Smolders, G. van Dijk

Published online: 12.05.2021

Summary

Petrifying-springs and Calcareous-spring-mires are threatened ecosystems in Europe and are protected under the Natura 2000 Habitats Directive. In European and national legislations Petrifying-springs and associated tufa cascades, small streams and flushes (7220) are treated as separate entities from Alkaline-fens and Calcareous-spring-mires (7230), each with their own protection and restoration measures. This may, however, create conflicts if the two habitats are physically connected or adjacent to one another: restoration measures aimed at one of the two may have negative effects on the other. The present study focuses on the spatial and temporal relationships between Petrifying-springs and Alkaline-fens with tufa deposition, and discusses consequences of this relationship for restoration of degraded sites. When a Petrifying-spring co-occurs with an Alkaline-fen or Calcareous-spring-mire, restoration measures should take account of the needs of both habitat types.

Citation

Grootjans, A.P., Wolejko, L., de Mars, H., Smolders, A.J.P., van Dijk, G. (2021) On the hydrological relationship between Petrifying-springs, Alkaline-fens, and Calcareous-spring-mires in the lowlands of North-West and Central Europe; consequences for restoration. Mires and Peat, 27, 12, 18pp. (Online: http://www.mires-and-peat.net/pages/volumes/map27/map2712.php); doi: 10.19189/MaP.2020.OMB.StA.2134

Reviewers

IMCG and IPS acknowledge the work of the reviewers.