Successful grassland restoration at the Institute of Ecology
2026-05-11 Researchers from the Institute of Ecology demonstrate how successful grassland restoration can work.
Species-rich grasslands, such as meadows and extensively managed pastures, are among the most threatened habitats in Europe. A paper published in 2025 by the head of the institute, Vicky Temperton, and colleagues as part of the Grassworks-project shows: Successfully restoring grassland requires more than just ecological knowledge.
The research team investigated areas that had already been restored in three regions of Germany and compared them with species-rich and degraded reference areas. An important part of the process were the so-called real-world laboratories, in which practitioners, scientists and local communities jointly developed and implemented restoration measures. The key to success: A social-ecological approach in which all stakeholders jointly shape restoration measures from the beginning on. Successful restoration requires social networking, trust and shared goals.
To find out all the background details and read the research team’s reflections on the process, read the latest article on the blog of the Institute. You can find the article here: In need of a social-ecological approach – How to successfully restore grasslands – Ecologically speaking – Blog on Ecological Research at Leuphana University Lueneburg
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