Restoring the hydrological integrity of wetland habitats in Finland

The Hydrology LIFE project aims to:

* Improve the quality of peatland habitats listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive, by restoring peatlands and small water (headwater) systems in 103 Natura 2000 network sites;

* Improve water quality and flood control by filling in ditches and removing trees on peatlands, raising the water table on lakes, and restoring streams;

* Improve the quality of bird wetland habitats by increasing mosaic structure, with more open areas suitable for nesting and feeding; and

* Increase the awareness of wetlands and the Natura 2000 network by disseminating information through diverse media and by developing cooperation between restoration activities and forestry ditch network maintenance.

Expected results:

* Restoration plans (87) elaborated for 5 345 ha within 87 Natura 2000 network sites;

* Supplementary species inventories at 55 sites (500 ha), supplementary biotope inventories at 24 sites (2 214 ha), inventories for 13 streams, and cultural heritage inventories at five sites (5 ha);

* Five pilot sites and radar data used in ditch network maintenance for improving water quality in the catchment areas of Natura 2000 network sites;

* Preparatory training in bird wetland and stream restoration for nature conservation officers, and 10 training sessions for forestry planners and landowners on water management for improving Natura 2000 sites;

* 161 ha of new nature conservation areas at two sites;

* Peatland restored at 95 sites (5 239 ha), including in commercial forests (246 ha);

* Five volunteer camps organised;

* Trees removed from 1 321.5 ha to enable peatland restoration;

* Streams restored at 15 sites (34 km), water table on lakes raised at 14 sites (479 ha);

* Dredging done in four bird lakes increasing mosaic structure on 21 ha;

* Improved guidelines for peatland restoration and utilisation of new monitoring methods;

* Reports on water quality and vegetation 10-15 years after restoration, on effects of peatland restoration on protected bats, on bird lake restoration monitoring, and on socio-economic impacts and ecosystem functions after restoration;

* Training for journalists on wetland issues; and

* "Wetland venture learning" concept produced for nature centres.