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With Deutsche Verband für Landschaftspflege (DVL)
The meadow bird breeding area Labertal bei Langquaid (Störche im Labertal), a nature reserve considered one of the priority areas for supporting meadow birds such as the northern lapwing and the Eurasian curlew of Bavaria;
The lower course of the Laber, in the districts of Kelheim and Regensburg, protected as an FFH area 7138 372 Tal der Großen Laber zwischen Sandsbach und Unterdeggenbach” (valley of the Große Laber between Sandsbach and Unterdeggenbach).
This area hosts important wetlands and peatlands now under stress due to climate change, as well as species that are highly threatened in Bavaria. These include the Eurasian curlew, northern lapwing, meadow pipit, common snipe, white stork, creeping marshwort, weatherfish (Misgurnus fossilis), and freshwater pearl mussel.
The initiative's main developments in Bavaria, from 2025 to today. Use the arrows or the bar below to navigate.
In Straubing-Bogen, communication with local contacts, site visits, preparation of monitoring activities and an aerial survey of the Große Laber begin, with support from the state fisheries association. In Landshut, the project is presented at the LPV assembly, suitable areas for amphibian ponds are identified through aerial surveys, and activities for the reintroduction of the tree frog are prepared.
In Bregarten, mowing of reedbeds in a wetland depression is commissioned and carried out to make the habitat more suitable for amphibians, migratory birds and nesting birds. At the same time, the start of amphibian monitoring in Kelheim is confirmed for spring 2026.
In the first quarter of 2026, the project was extended to the districts of Landshut and Straubing-Bogen, expanding the reach of the Danube Biodiversity Corridor in Bavaria. The extension strengthens the territorial continuity of the initiative and opens a new phase of local cooperation, monitoring and preparation of interventions.
Summer dragonfly monitoring provides an important ecological baseline. 17 species are recorded, including more sensitive species associated with high quality watercourses. The recommendations suggest greater river dynamics, selective reedbed management and the creation of still or temporary waters as future habitat improvements.
The ornithological study confirms the presence of valuable species for wet meadows and open areas, including meadow pipit, quail, skylark and yellow wagtail. The results support the expansion of grazing in Niederleierndorf and the option of grazing in Leitenhausen, setting clearer criteria for intensity, duration and species protection.
Planning for the reintroduction of the tree frog enters a more technical phase. Suitable areas in Kelheim will be improved based on planned monitoring, and discussions begin with conservation authorities and LPV Landshut, which contributes experience in controlled breeding and reintroduction.
Based on preliminary ornithological results, discussions between LPV, grazing specialists and authorities define three directions. These include expanding grazing in Niederleierndorf, assessing horse grazing in Bregarten and establishing a new extensive cattle grazing system in Leitenhausen. Grazing becomes a practical tool for improving habitats and supporting meadow nesting birds.
By the third quarter, the main river enhancement measures are completed. Two gravel areas for reproduction, boulders, stumps and wooden structures are added to improve flow dynamics and habitat diversity. Overall, around five kilometres of the Große Laber have been improved.
In September, the planned shallow trench is excavated to bring water from the existing ditch towards the peatland in the nature reserve. This enables the start of rewetting, with water visibly directed towards the wetland area and greater infiltration into the peat soil.
From mid-May, works begin on the Große Laber. Gravel, stones, stumps and wooden structures are placed to improve flow dynamics and create new breeding sites for fish such as nase, grayling and barbel. The first large section is completed in early June.
The rewetting concept is turned into an operational proposal. Water is diverted from the existing ditch towards the peatland to increase infiltration and water retention. The proposal is shared with the conservation authority and the farmer, becoming the first pilot intervention addressing the water balance of the lowland peatland.
The boundary of the area to be rewetted and the possible diversion zones for surface water are clarified. The specifications for hydraulic and hydrological investigations are prepared, and the assignment is entrusted to H&S, which begins developing the technical intervention proposal.
In the first quarter, the project entered its operational phase in Niederleierndorf. An area overgrown by alder succession is prepared through pruning and forestry mulching operations, in preparation for sowing with native seed material from the nature reserve. It is one of the first concrete interventions to increase the ecological quality of meadow areas along the Große Laber.
Nel primo trimestre 2025, a seguito della firma dell'accordo di cooperazione, viene avviata la rete di biotopi della Grosse Laber nei primi due distretti pilota di Kelheim e Regensburg. L'intervento apre una fase operativa dedicata al recupero e alla connessione ecologica delle zone umide, con prime attività di pianificazione, analisi dei siti e definizione delle misure per il ripristino di torbiere, prati umidi, habitat per anfibi e corsi d'acqua.
