Summary
Agricultural exploitation of land is continuing to reduce plant biodiversity in many parts of Europe as former species-rich grasslands are exploited intensively, or abandoned after earlier farming activity. However, in some areas of Europe attempts are being made to restore the original biodiversity by creating nature reserves. This Network has been established to gain a greater understanding of the mechanisms by which biodiversity can be restored on land that has previously been heavily cultivated or abandoned, with a view to developing successful restoration projects. An equally important objective will be to investigate how biodiversity is maintained within unchanged semi-natural landscapes, for this will contribute significantly to our overall understanding of the issues involved. More
Duration
Four years, from 1998 to 2001.
