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Description
The aim of the project is to support a specially protected, highly endangered species of woody plant - yew (taxus baccata) - by planting yew seedlings, mapping the condition of yew, completing the database, preparing an expert study and raising public awareness.
Summary of project results
We have focused our project on the comprehensive conservation and long-term support of the English yew, a specially protected species in the Liberec region. This native and valuable species has almost disappeared from the local landscape and is currently found only in a few isolated locations. Its population is so endangered that without targeted interventions, there is little chance of its natural spread and growth.
Our goal is not only to restore and strengthen existing populations of the English yew through practical measures, such as planting new specimens, protecting them from wildlife, and revitalizing natural habitats, but also to ensure its sustainable survival in the future. This includes conceptual steps such as creating conservation programs, collaborating with experts in ecology and botany, and educational activities aimed at raising awareness about the importance of this species for our natural environment.
The project also involves long-term monitoring of yew populations and their habitats, analyzing threats, and proposing measures to ensure not only the stabilization but also the gradual growth of the English yew population in this region. In this way, we aim to contribute to the restoration of biodiversity in the Liberec region and ensure that the English yew remains a part of our natural heritage for future generations.
As part of the practical measures, we mapped the existing population and planted saplings in new locations, both in forests and open landscapes. In terms of conceptual measures, we identified suitable sites for future planting, engaged in discussions with nature conservation authorities and landowners about future collaboration, organized a specialized seminar on this species, and developed a study focused on its long-term support.
The project mapped a total of 686 original yew trees and, based on this mapping, proposed specific measures for each location. We planted 1,025 saplings, which were protected against wildlife browsing, across 32 forest sites and 5 open landscape locations. We organized a seminar on the yew for 38 experts from across the Czech Republic, resulting in a 100-page collection of contributions. Throughout the project, we raised awareness of yew-related issues through social media, with over 50 posts, articles, and reports published.
For the future support of this species, we secured 100 locations for planting and published a study on its conservation in the region. The project increased awareness of this species, provided detailed information about the existing population, and proposed further steps that will contribute to the conservation of the English yew and its preservation for the residents of the Liberec region. The conceptual steps shared with experts will also support this species not only in our region but throughout the Czech Republic.
Thanks to this project, the long-lost prospect has emerged that, after many centuries, this species will no longer face the threat of disappearing from our landscape. On the contrary, yew trees are now poised to increase in numbers, with the potential to naturally spread to new locations. This initiative marks a turning point, offering hope that the yew will not only survive but thrive, reestablishing itself as a vital component of our natural heritage and contributing to the biodiversity of our region for generations to come.