An unusual sight has emerged at Kogl in St. Margarethen, located in the Eisenstadt-Umgebung district of Austria, where cattle have begun grazing among world-renowned sculptures. The Austrian Environmental Umbrella Organization (Umweltdachverband) and PANNATURA launched this innovative conservation project this week, using cattle to graze the dry grassland areas surrounding the famous artworks.
The grazing initiative aims to restore and preserve the dry grasslands where sculptures by renowned artists have stood since the late 1950s. Over the decades, these historically significant areas have experienced increasing encroachment by shrubs and bushes, threatening the delicate ecosystem that once thrived there. The deteriorating condition of these grasslands has prompted conservationists to take immediate action to prevent further environmental degradation.
Stefan Fleischmann, the project leader at the Austrian Environmental Umbrella Organization, emphasized the critical nature of this conservation effort. He warned that dry grasslands are now among Europe's most endangered habitats, and without targeted maintenance and care, they face the threat of complete disappearance. This alarming trend has made the preservation of these unique ecosystems a top priority for environmental organizations across the continent.
The conservation project employs twelve cattle that serve a dual role as both nature conservators and landscape maintenance specialists. These bovine workers methodically graze the overgrown areas, naturally controlling vegetation growth while helping to restore the original grassland ecosystem. Their grazing patterns help maintain the delicate balance needed to preserve both the artistic heritage of the sculpture park and the environmental integrity of the surrounding landscape.
This innovative approach represents a growing trend in Europe toward using traditional farming methods for modern conservation purposes. The project demonstrates how livestock can be effectively utilized as natural landscaping tools, providing an environmentally sustainable solution to habitat preservation challenges while maintaining the cultural and artistic significance of the historic sculpture site.
