Lake Durbe meadows

Total site surface area (ha): 596

NATURA 2000 Code: LV0533200

Site description

The site is located in south-western part of Latvia. It includes north-eastern end of Lake Durbe with adjacent grasslands as well as small forest cluster with breeding colony of Ardea cinerea. Lake Durbe is a shallow eutrophic lake with flat banks and its north-eastern end is surrounded by wet and moderately wet meadows and marshes that are regularly flooded in springs and autumns. Approximately 15% of the site is covered by shallow waters of Lake Durbe, 10% covered by reed beds and wet shrub land/forest, 25% are improved grasslands and remaining 50% are floodplain meadows. The latter were formerly drained but obviously unsuccessfully. In May, 2003, largest part of floodplain area was not managed, but probably small scale mowing is ongoing later in the season.

Nature values

The density of the calling Crex crex* is among the highest in south-western region of Latvia. One of the best sites for breeding Philomachus pygnax and migrating waterfowl (swans, geese and ducks) in the region. Site with remarkable diversity of breeding and migratory birds in relatively small area. Potential recovery site for Gallinago media in western Latvia, where it seems to be extinct.

Site is an IBA and it meets IBA criteria A1 for Crex crex* and criteria B1i for Cygnus cygnus, Anser fabalis and Anser albifrons. Altogether site hosts 8 bird species listed in Annex I of Birds Directive and 7 of them are targeted by the project including 2 priority species: Crex crex* and Aquila pomarina*. Site also qualifies as pSCI because 3 habitat types listed in Annex I of Habitats Directive are present and all of them are targeted by the project, including a priority habitat type 6270* Fennoscandian lowland species-rich dry to mesic grasslands.

Please visit photo gallery, to see more pictures about nature reserve "Lake Durbe meadows"

Nature management plan:

Works were leaded by Mr. Rolands Lebuss from Latvian Ornitological Society. Management plan in Latvian you can download here.

Publications:

Brouchure for stakeholders (in Latvian) available here

Booklet for visitors of Lake Durbe meadows  - download here

Online version of information boards  - 1