Outlying haymaking lands at Soelendet, central Norway: effects of scything and grazing

Soelendet Nature Reserve, situated 700-800 m a.s.l., covers 306 ha. Soelendet mainly consists of calcareous fens and wooded grasslands that were mown for hay for several centuries; the hay was vital for keeping the livestock through the winter. A vegetational succession commenced as soon as haymaking ceased (c. 1950), the most obvious change being the formation of scrub and a heavy litter layer in the tall fen and swamp communities. Mowing recommenced in the nature reserve in 1974, and the vegetation and landscape is being restored. Permanent plot methods have been applied to follow the effects of scything and cattle grazing on the flora and vegetation, with emphasis on the rich fen vegetation.