Description

Mountain hay meadows are found on dry to moderately moist soils that are fairly poor in nutrients (oligo-mesotrophic). They are found at altitudes of over 550 m in Haute-Ardenne, mainly on plateaus and slopes. These meadows of high biological value are mainly managed by late mowing. Although grazing is not ruled out, it often has a negative impact on the plant communities. In the past, the technique of abîssage (traditional irrigation) was used in particular to warm the soil of these meadows in spring and improve their production, particularly in Haute-Ardenne.

As part of the project

These grasslands are characterised by a high level of plant diversity.
The aim of the LIFE ArdennEislek project is to restore 40 hectares of montane hay meadows in the Walloon Region. In the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, these meadows are not present (or not classified as such), so no restoration of this habitat is planned there.

A few characteristic species

The "high" altitude hay meadows (> 550 m) have a plant life quite similar to that of the lowland hay meadows (300 to 550m). Species with mountain affinities enrich these meadows such as Baldmoney (Meum athamanticum), Wood Cranesbill (Geranium sylvaticum), Forest Knautia (Knautia dipsacifolia),Dark Rampion  (Phyteuma nigrum) and Great Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis).