Arguments against the implementation of alternative restoration methods include: uncertainties, lack of experience and knowledge, high costs, complex success control and the general unavailability of seed and plant material of local origin.

The aim of the information system InB is to promote nature-oriented restoration measures and impart knowledge. The InB is part of the internet website www.spenderflaechenkataster.de. It presents scientific knowledge and practical experiences.

The InB is designed as a transnational information system being extended and updated at regular intervals. Great emphasis is placed on user-friendliness allowing quick searches and ensuring reliable data. The information system presents an overview of different near-natural restoration methods and gives advice for their planning and implementation, as well as for costs and matters concerning the legal framework. Further information is given by a comprehensive list of links to institutions and practitioners as well as an up-to-date bibliography.

Disseminating practical knowledge, e.g. via demonstration workshops for public authorities, planner, communities and contractors aim to reduce reservations against near-natural restoration measures, avoiding mistakes in planning and implementation, thus enhancing restoration success in the future.

Here you can find our pamphlets to topics on natural greening methods (only available in German).

1/5 background and planning steps

2/5 transfer of meadow theshing

3/5 transfer of mowed material

4/5 sowing with regional produced seeds and  methods of sowing

5/5 natural greening methods in communal space

The selection of donor sites is based on ecological and economical aspects. Cost-effectiveness is evaluated, e.g. by determination of shrub encroachment, inclination, relief and accessibility. Only sites that are potentially suitable for seed harvest are included in the web-based database. Most sites in the database are protected by nature conservation law and situated in Natura2000 and/or nature protection areas. The listing of an area as a donor site in the database exclicitly does not imply permission for seed collection or harvesting of any other kind. Any kind of harvesting requires a formal authorization by the responsible nature conservation authority and the land user. Most probably, any loss in harvest must be compensated.

Between 2006 and 2014, 406 potential donor sites were integrated in the database. Since then, a consecutively reassessment of these sites is necessary because management deficits can lead to an encroachment of grasses and woody species and therefore to a steady decline of target species. In 2014, for example, 50 sites that were included in the database in 2006 were revaluated, showing that nine sites did not fulfill the requirements for donor sites any more. The reassessment of the sites listed in the database as well as the new inclusion of areas continues. In the past project period, 102 sites have already been revaluated from which 61 optimal donor sites, which are ideally suited for greening measures in terms of their species composition, have been determined. New sites that are potentially suitable donor sites can also be reported online by any user.

The donor site database has multiple search functions. Donor sites can be selected from a map or a list or via a search module. Available ecological and economic data are shown in fact sheets. If interested stakeholders want to see the exact geographical position of the donor sites, they have to register as a user.

Demonstration workshops are important instruments for knowledge transfer into practice, discussion and networking. We want to break down prejudices against the use of autochthonous seed and plant material in restoration and re-vegetation. Based on specific examples, participants can discuss typical problems and questions and will be presented with possible solutions. Each year, the Anhalt University of Applied Sciences organizes workshops and field trips on different topics in restoration. More information see: www.spenderflaechenkataster.de or Conferences & Workshops.

Since 2017 experiments have been carried out to observe the germination of seeds won through meadow threshing depending on the duration and sort of storage. To accomplish that, the seed matieral from three different site in Bernburg, Wulfen and the south of Harz mountains have each been stored in for different ways:

(a) cooling chamber, non-vacuumized

(b) cooling chamber, vacuumized

(c) barn, non-vacuumized

(d) barn, vacuumized

The germination tests are done twice a year in spring and autumn and will be finished in autumn 2022. At the time of the final experiment the meadow thresh will have been stored for 5 years.