Petra Poxleitner

Petra Poxleitner maintains diversity in nature through diversity in cultivation. There are 54 fields on the 30 hectares of grassland on her farm - the coexistence of many different types of cultivation ensures a diverse habitat. The grassland includes a number of steep areas that are extensively farmed. Some of these slopes are mown with scythes. Where mowing is too arduous due to the natural conditions, woodland sheep, an endangered breed of domestic animal, are used for grazing. The sometimes labour-intensive management is gladly accepted in order to preserve and enjoy the blue flowering splendour of the gentian meadows and other valuable grassland habitats.