A cross‐disciplinary forum promoting efficient biodiversity conservation in "new" grasslands in Sweden. Issue 1 (27th May 2021) - Gylje Blank, Sofia
Abstract: Due mainly to changes in land use, high nature value grasslands are becoming increasingly rare in agricultural areas. As a consequence, biodiversity is decreasing and many species are facing the risk of extinction. At the same time, the present‐day landscape contains many "new" grassland habitats, for example golf courses, roadside verges, power line corridors, and railway banks. These habitats are well distributed over the landscape with a potential to connect remnant patches of valuable grasslands. As all kinds of grasslands, they need appropriate management to preserve biodiversity. To achieve this, innovative solutions are needed. In order to exchange knowledge and experiences in this field, we established a cross‐disciplinary working group, with members from a large number of National authorities, Universities, power grid companies, and various other stakeholders such as the Swedish Golf Federation. This group has become an invaluable forum for project cooperation and discussions about practical management issues, monitoring, and research. After 10 years we are now approaching a common understanding on how infrastructure habitats can play an important role in nature conservation. At present, this has led to adaptive management of a large number of high value grasslands, for example in power line corridors, along roadside verges, and on golf courses. In addition, three landscape‐scale projects have been initiated with the long‐term aim to establish a green infrastructure. Core Ideas: Of Sweden's 300 species of bees and bumblebees, a third is currently on the national Red List. Present day landscapes contain many "new" types of grasslands, such as golf courses. A working group to promote conservation in "new" grasslands was established in 2009. Establishing common goals and co‐operations takes time and requires a long‐term perspective. Appropriate management of golf courses will make a significant difference for biodiversity.