What are semi-natural grasslands?

It is a grassland ecosystem which, in terms of biodiversity, is rich in plant and insect species and is home to birds and other animals. The diversity of plants found in semi-natural grasslands is equivalent to that found in tropical forests - you can find more than 50 plant species in one square metre! This impressive wealth of species is a legacy of the ancient grasslands that once covered Europe along with vast broadleaf forests.

  Latvia's semi-natural grasslands - meadows and pastures - have developed over centuries, sustained by traditional farming practices such as grazing, hay collection and haulage. This has created unique and diverse ecosystems which are home to many species of plants, animals and amphibians, as well as countless soil microorganisms. Today, the existence of semi-natural grasslands is threatened by changes in farming practices. As technology has advanced and the demand for food has increased, large areas of semi-natural grassland have been converted to arable land to increase yields. This situation is exacerbated by increasing urbanisation, when rural areas are abandoned and grasslands become overgrown.