DAMP GRASSLANDS

These are areas of grassy meadow where a mix of wild flowers and grasses thrive but shrubs and bushes are discouraged from becoming established by either mowing or grazing by a nomadic flock of sheep and goats that can be seen regularly during the summer in this area.

Farming began in this part of the Lobau in 1917 during a time of severe food shortage at the end of the first World War. Since the creation of the National Park, two thirds of the fields have been allowed to remain fallow and 'return to nature' and are in various stages of reverting. Although some are still kept free of scrub to encourage the growth of meadow flowers and perennial herbs, some are being allowed to return to a woodland state.