Cultural heritage and biodiversity conservation – plant introduction and practical restoration on ancient burial mounds

A combination of seed sowing and transplanting greenhouse-grown plants proved most effective for reintroducing grassland species to ancient burial mounds, balancing cost-efficiency with higher establishment rates. Large-seeded species thrived when sown directly, while a broader range of species established better from transplants, though adult transplanting was more reliable but labor-intensive. Intensive management practices like heavy mowing or grazing should be avoided in the early years post-introduction to ensure successful establishment. This study demonstrates that integrating cultural heritage conservation with biodiversity restoration can revitalize traditional landscapes and restore cultural ecosystem services, offering a sustainable approach for preserving iconic steppe monuments.

Valkó, O., Tóth, K., Kelemen, A., Miglécz, T., Radócz, S., Sonkoly, J., Tóthmérész, B., Török, P., & Deák, B. (2018). Cultural heritage and biodiversity conservation – plant introduction and practical restoration on ancient burial mounds. Nature Conservation, 24, 65–80. https://doi.org/10.3897/natureconservation.24.20019