The Grinden Landscape
Overview In the 14th century, animal rearing in the valleys could not support the growing population and cattle and goats were moved to flat areas further up the mountainside where there was an abundance of trees. The upland areas were burned to prevent tree growth and to encourage grass growth instead. This intensive creation of pastureland eliminated nutrients from the soil and compacted the earth, which intensified the build up of moisture and the development of moorland. What emerged was damp heathland known as the “Grinden”, a local word meaning “bald” or “shorn” and used here to refer to the lack of woodland, interspersed only here and there with dwarf pines.
In the 19th century, keeping livestock in pens was introduced and the 500-year old tradition of creating pastureland came to an end. The deergrass, whose curative effects on cattle the local farmers swore by, was then used as hay. Areas of land for haymaking were divided up and distributed by lots. As cattle rearing declined in the middle of the 20th century, so did haymaking, until it finally disappeared altogether. Since then, the forest has started to recolonise the upland areas.
Every year, the nature conservancy and forestry administration clear pockets of woodland so small, isolated areas of the Grinden can be joined together.
But the most effective way of tending the Grinden is by creating pastureland. In the summer months, Hinterwald cattle are put out to pasture on the Schliffkopf. This helps halt woodland growth and provides valuable by-products in the form of meat and sausage.
If you appreciate the Grinden landscape and are keen to see its unique features preserved, come and celebrate with us and all those involved in its preservation at the traditional Grinden Festival on 19 & 20 August 2006 up on the Schliffkopf.
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