Changes in species composition following field and tree layer restoration and management in a wooded hay meadow

Abstract

A hillside with abandoned, wooded hay meadows in Leikanger in Sogn og Fjordane county, Western Norway, was investigated in 1992–1995. A management regime combining restoration (topping) of old pollarded trees, scything and removal of hay was reintroduced in the area. The availability of light, hydrological conditions and the nutrient content of the soil were the most important factors determining development of hay meadow vegetation to forest vegetation. Indicators of shaded conditions included Valeriana sambucifolia and Oxalis acetosella, while Anthriscus sylvestris was indicator of light conditions. Species such as Campanula rotundifolia, Pimpinella saxifraga, Plantago lanceolata, Lychnis viscaria and Hieracium pilosella, which were recorded mostly on dry ridges, were regarded as “relict” species, more common formerly when the area was managed in a traditional way. The cover of tall grasses and herbs, such as Dactylis glomerata, Poa trivialis and Anthriscus sylvestris, increased the first two years after restoration. This indicates an increase in available nutrients, probably a “pioneer clearing fertilization” due to the introduced pollarding. Restoration and management resulted in drier, more homogenous ecological conditions and reduced the differences in local climate between formerly open meadows and more wooded areas in the restored area. However, most of the vegetation seemed to be quite stable during the study period. One class, however, comprised releves from several unstable plots of the experimental site. The frequency of some light‐demanding species increased in the experimental site, while the frequency of Oxalis acetosella and Epilobium montanum increased in the control site.