News
2015-09-18
Start of a new sheep grazing area under power line in Couvin
On September 18th, it was the official start of a new grazing area under the power line in Couvin.
Meeting on site
Invited by Claudy Noiret, Deputy burgomaster of Environment and Nature conservation, various people involved in the project (other Deputy burgomaster, town councilors, Forest and Nature Department) joined Elia representatives, LIFE project team and the shepherd, Adriano Di Marzo.
Fig. 1 - Official presentation on site
Vegetation management...a real challenge!
The town of Couvin owns over 3.5 hectares of land located under a high voltage line between Frasnes and Couvin.
On these grounds, the Belgian Transmission System Operator, Elia, has to control vegetation to prevent trees from approaching the cables. This management is often done by rotary milling but this technique is not without impact on biodiversity. Sheep, consuming young shoots are significant allies in the management areas. Especially given that this area is very steep and rocky on some parts, which makes it very complicated for machines access.
The vegetation management done by sheep
The herd of Adriano Di Marzo encompasses rustic sheep (including Scottish Black Face and some Roux d'Ardennes) that can rely on poor diet and require limited care.
Fig. 2 - Sheep pasturing under overhead powerline
The implementation of this pasturage, with a defined number of animals on a fixed term, in addition to the reducing of the development of trees and shrubs should eventually help finding the typical vegetation of calcareous grasslands. This habitat has a high ecological value and is usually colonized by some species of orchids as well as many butterflies and reptiles.
A first management agreement was signed this September 18th for 5 years between the shepherd, the Municipality of Couvin and Elia. The local press has written two articles, and Elia has also promoted on its site (see attached). So these are 3.5 ha that will now contribute to nature conservation, while ensuring the safety of electrical transport and long-term preservation of natural heritage.
Fig.3 - Hazel defoliated over the entire height reachable by sheep
Fig.4 - Limit between the left having been grazed and non grazed right side