Highland cattle saves endangered species – new project started near Coburg!

Highland cattle saves endangered species – new project started near Coburg!

In an exciting initiative to promote biodiversity, a new nature conservation project was launched on the Glender meadows near Coburg on July 9, 2025. These valuable meadow breeding areas, known for their diverse flora and fauna, are pleased with the arrival of the first Scottish Highland cattle, who will now graze all year round. The goal is clear: to secure habitats for rare species such as lapwings, meadow pipits, corncrakes, whinchats and snipes and thus promote the preservation of biodiversity. According to Wiesentbote, extensive preparations have been made in recent months to meet this goal.

As project sponsors, the Upper Franconian Ecological Education Center (ÖBO) and the Coburg district group of the State Association for Bird and Nature Conservation (LBV) are responsible for this ambitious project, which is scheduled to run until the end of 2027. A total of 8 km of fence was erected, a buffalo barrier and a corral with a trapping stand were built. The city of Coburg not only supports logistically by securing the power supply for the electric fence, but also shows commitment to nature conservation.

Comprehensive funding

Thanks to funding from the Bavarian Nature Conservation Fund, the Oberfrankenstiftung and the Sparkasse Coburg – Lichtenfels, the project can be well financed. The SÜC Coburg has also sponsored two water buffaloes, which are also part of the project. The planned animal stocking density of 0.4 livestock units per hectare - which corresponds to around two animals per 5 hectares - will help to preserve the species-rich open landscapes.

The Glender meadows are categorized as one of the most important meadow breeding areas in northern Bavaria, where - as the figures show - the efforts to promote biodiversity are already paying off. Not only do the above-mentioned bird species live here, but the landscape is also enhanced by key animals such as highland cattle and water buffalo, which create ideal conditions for the preservation and development of habitats.

A model for other projects

The goals are similar: The focus is on preserving open land and creating new habitats for plants and animals. In other projects, such as the “Hirschgrund” landscape protection area near Oberlungwitz, Scottish highland cattle are also used to support colorful biodiversity. Interactive nature trails are currently being created there and native plants are being planted. The connection between agriculture, nature conservation and education is clearly evident in these projects and gives hope for a positive future.

The project on the Glender meadows will ultimately benefit not only nature, but also the people who are interested in this region. There is an opportunity to experience new images and perspectives through natural farming. “With such a good hand for nature, we might be able to inspire the next generation to protect nature,” says a member of the LBV Coburg – and there’s certainly something to that!

Those interested are invited to visit the project themselves and be inspired by the flora and fauna of the Glender meadows, while at the same time making a significant contribution to species conservation.