From the day-to-day work of area management

The day starts early. The morning light breaks through the trees and the scent of the forest fills the air. It is quiet, except for the soft rustling of the undergrowth and the chirping of the first birds - a sign that we are not alone. Here, in the heart of the Natura 2000 protected area, animals that need these special habitats as retreats live here. Our everyday life as site managers in the Natura 2000 "Verwall" and "Klostertaler Bergwälder"  is as varied as the landscape itself - sometimes challenging, sometimes fascinating, but never boring.

The dormouse is one of the animals that requires our special attention. It is tiny, agile and lives hidden in the dense deciduous and forests of "Klostertaler Bergwälder". Here it finds shelter and food in the undergrowth - ideal for such a small rodent. Some time ago, we put up nesting aids in the forests to help us find out where the dormouse can be found in the Klostertal.

And indeed: last year we found two confirmed evidence of dormice. Every time we check the nesting aids, we are excited - will there be a dormouse there again? What seems like a small success at first glance has great significance. It shows us that the habitat is intact and we learn more about the distribution of this secretive species in Vorarlberg.

In the Brazer Allmein, we are committed to preserving the habitat of the red-backed shrike. This rare bird, which is only at home in Klostertal with a few breeding pairs on the Brazer Allmein, is dependent on a very specific landscape: Sunny and species-rich rough pastures and meadows with shrubs and bushes, in which the red-backed shrike can protect its clutch of eggs from predators and "hide hunt" for insects . In order to preserve this delicate balance between open rough pastures and shrubs, we support the Allma farmers in maintaining the woodland and removing unwanted plants from the pasture area, such as bracken and dwarf elder. We receive active help from numerous volunteers who want to help preserve this special cultural landscape. This work may sound unspectacular, but with every action we take, we make a small contribution to the survival of this unique species.

The Days of Natural Diversity are a highlight for us every year. On these days, people who love nature and are willing to lend a hand come together. We tidy up, cut, plant - and at the end of the day you can see what we have achieved. On the last days in the "Verwall" Natura 2000 protected area , we focused on the habitats of capercaillie and hazel grouse. Using spades and shovels, we planted rowan berries, cleared bogs and thinned out spruce regeneration. This work is laborious, but it also makes us proud because it makes a direct and visible contribution to improving habitats. The days offer much more than just physical work; in addition to the practical hands-on experience, the participants also gain valuable insights. Above all, it is about making a difference together, sharing experiences and learning more about the protected species and the importance of our measures.

On sunny summer days, you will often find us in the middle of the nature reserve, always with a watchful eye on nature and an open ear for visitors. We make sure that everything is in balance and that paths and habitats are respected. We often get into conversation, share knowledge about the special protected areas or provide information about the applicable regulations.

Mountain bikers, especially those on (e-)mountain bikes, are increasingly posing challenges when they venture off marked trails or overlook important quiet periods for wildlife in spring and autumn. Drone flights and unleashed dogs are also issues we keep an eye on to ensure the best possible protection of nature.

We are aware that many visitors are not always aware of the rules - this is not usually done with malicious intent. We therefore rely on patience and education to create a better understanding of the sensitive areas of nature. It is often only small interventions that disturb the delicate structure of nature. We use informational talks to explain what needs to be done.

When the snow covers the valley in a blanket of white, our work is far from over. We are also out and about in the protected areas in winter. On sunny days, we stand at popular access points to the area and inform winter sports enthusiasts about the importance of the protected areas. Especially in winter, the animals need their peace and quiet, and only if visitors keep to the prescribed corridors - such as on the "Glattingrat" in the Verwall - can we preserve the important retreats for ptarmigan, black grouse and co. It is a balancing act between the joy of winter sports and respect for nature, and our aim is to reconcile the two.