Grazing
České středohoří pastures were common in natural forest-free areas, steppes, river floodplains and open woodland. Together with meadows they created extremely species-rich areas. In the past, animals grazed around every little village in the České středohoří. Herdsmen were driving herds of sheep, goats, cows and horses onto pastures, meadows, orchards, and even forests. They carefully selected and alternated the places for grazing to suit the herd's taste and at the same time to give the previously grazed area a chance to recover.
Generally, horses prefer wetter meadows, species-rich and juicy, but otherwise they are not picky. Sheep and goats do not mind the drier grass of thermophilous hillsides, and therefore their herds are most sought after for project interventions in the České středohoří. Both species select their food, nibbling woody plants, helping reduce the sprouts. On the other hand, there is a risk of damage to fruit and other trees. Cattle are not picky at all. They can graze even the most neglected site. Its weight, however, can cause erosion.
Grazing leads to a reduction in competitively strong species and thus to strengthening of competitively weaker ones. In addition, animals are able to disturb the soil to varying degrees. Where grazing takes place, there is also a large variety of species. A mosaic-like landscape of differently grazed and non-grazed areas is created.
It should be noted that even grazing should be approached with caution. Today's problem is either complete attenuation of grazing or, conversely, its excessive intensity on specific sites. Excessive grazing of some sites can lead to the exchange of plant and animal species. Tramping cattle can harm nesting birds or destroy hiding places for reptiles and other small animals.
