Restoring dry heathland with prescribed burns in central Italy

The LIFE Project GrAnATHa restores mountain heathland (habitat 4030) in Italy’s Pratomagno Special Protection Area to conserve protected bird species, combat land abandonment, and support sustainable broom production. Mechanical treatments and prescribed burns across 172 hectares—30% privately owned—have revived 99% of Erica scoparia stumps, increased breeding bird pairs, and reduced fire risk. A local cooperative manages a 74-hectare concession. Prescribed fire enhances ecological resilience and trains personnel in fire response, supporting long-term conservation and ecosystem services in central Italy.