Conservation and restoration of petrifying spring habitats (code *7220) in Estonia

LIFE12 NAT/EE/000860 LIFE Springday

Petrifying springs with tufa formation (a habitat type listed in Annex I of the EU habitats Directive - *7220) are one of the most valuable and ecologically interesting European ecosystems, and also one of the most difficult to protect. Protection of springs is not only a question of protection the physical entity defined as the spring. In Estonia they can form complexes with transition mires, fens, calcareous grasslands etc. In order to preserve this habitat of very limited expanse in the field, it is essential to preserve its surroundings and the whole hydrological system concerned not only in topographical catchment area but also in hydrological one.

The project did focus on the conservation arrangement aspects of petrifying spring habitats in 3 Natura 2000 sites in Estonia. The general objective is to prevent degradation of petrifying spring habitats and to achieve or maintain “favourable” conservation status. This will have the consequence of improving the conservation prospects for the many associated rare and endangered species and habitats they support.

Project duration: 01.07.2013 - 31.05.2018

Budget: 835 224.- EUR, European Commission contribution 75%