The Gëllebierg is the continuation of the south-facing slope of the Pällembierg nature reserve along the Donvenerbaach. It is a recent reserve of the foundation

The valleys tributary to the Moselle often have very steep slopes, which were cultivated in the form of terraced vineyards with dry stone walls. This heritage is now buried under scrub and trees, a natural succession following the abandonment of the vineyards.

The Gëllebierg is the continuation of the south-facing slope of the Pällembierg nature reserve along the Donvenerbaach. It is a recent reserve of the foundation, which was expanded during the LIFE Orchis project for the restoration of calcareous grasslands.

Along the Moselle, the fragmentation of plots is very pronounced. A large number of owners, almost all from former winegrowing families, were contacted to buy the small plots. The majority were delighted at the idea of restoring the old terraces.

These terraces were still cultivated in the 1980s by the previous generation of winegrowers. At the time, they had refused to accept the consolidation of the vineyards, which in other parts of the Moselle has often been disastrous for biodiversity. This refusal sounded the death knell for the site, which was difficult to manage because it was susceptible to late frosts. In the autumn of 2020, a major clearing of the site took place, of particular importance for thermophilic species.

Like all the sites managed by the LIFE Orchis project, the clearing is accompanied by the conservation of a large number of structural elements, such as isolated trees or certain bushes.

Text: Fondation Hëllef fir d’Natur
COPYRIGHT: Nordliicht.lu

40 years "Fondation Hëllef fir d’Natur"