dry stone walls of Prättigau

Along the path from Küblis up to Pany, numerous old retaining walls, which were traditionally built without concrete, characterize the cultural landscape. Due to the rapid growth of numerous tree species above the walls (especially hazel and ash) and the lack of maintenance of the walls, their condition is no longer intact. In addition, the falling of several boulders along the path threatens the safety of hikers and spoils the landscape.

In July 2023, a Naturnetz civil service team led by a professional operations manager set about renovating the first part of the wall in the Fliess area. In three weeks, the civil service workers rebuilt around 40 m2 of wall, using mainly manual labor and an excavator for the heaviest stones (foundation and cover). The construction of the wall also included a nesting box for the hoopoe, an endangered bird that has been sighted in the area several times.

The wall in question is located in a mountain agricultural area under a Pro Specie Rara high-stem orchard with old tree species and is surrounded by structured and low-intensity cultivated meadows. This linear wall serves as a biological connection between the meadows. Various animal and plant species can benefit from the rehabilitation of the wall thanks to the improvement of their ecological habitat, in particular arachnids, insects, reptiles, snails, martens, weasels and mosses and lichens.

The importance of this wall for the landscape is very great. First and foremost, it is a testimony to the past of a masonry technique that is in harmony with the natural environment and based on local resources. Today, this technique is part of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage as it is becoming increasingly rare and valuable. In addition, this wall represents an aesthetic element of particular importance as it structures and connects the landscape and the various surrounding ecosystems. In order to preserve this feature, the wall is built in imitation of the enemy walls in this area. Last but not least, this wall marks a historical transport route of regional importance that still has a strong influence on the life experience of hikers. A rehabilitated wall is a cultural asset of enormous importance both for tourism and for residents, increasing the local value of the area and its experience.