Meadow care Scata-Calvari

Problem : The terraced meadows of Scata-Calvari, of great historical, natural, and scenic value, were recently restored. If they are not maintained, the forest area will increase again, negating the restoration work.

Measure : The farmer who cultivates the land mows the flat areas with a cutter bar. The natural network mows and cleans the channels and edges, cuts the shrub shoots, and rakes all the debris.

Method : Mowing with a brush cutter. Cutting with shears. The collected material was transported away on tarpaulins and stacked.

Result : cultivated area and healthy meadows

Ecological added value : The dry stone walls supporting the terrace serve as a habitat for reptiles and small mammals and can accommodate a variety of specialized plants. An asp viper was recently observed for the first time. The meadows are an important habitat for insects and birds. We observed, for example, a rock thrush. In 2024, we found several hazel dormouse nests and spotted one moving among the thorn bushes. Since then, we have carried out a mosaic mowing in this area. This was the first sighting of a hazel dormouse in the Calanca Valley since 2013.

What next ? Maintenance is carried out annually and will also be carried out in 2026.