5 Calcareous spring fen Belianske lúky Meadows; the largest spring fen in North Western Europe

The calcareous spring fen Belianske luky Meadows is the largest and best preserved spring-fed fen in Slovakia. The presence of many rare plant species, and plant communities, makes the area high in ecological value. The Belianske luky Meadows have already been protected as a nature area since 1983. The Belianske luky Meadows reserve belongs to the Tatra Mountain system. The core of the High Tatra Mountains is formed by crystalline rock (granites, granodiorites and biotitic tonalites). This chapter discusses a conceptual model of the peat development and possible changes in groundwater flow which occurred as a consequence of peat degradation over 10,000 years. The long-term strategic goal of nature conservation here is to improve the conditions and maintain the habitat of fen and wet grasslands. The future of the remnants of the Slovak calcareous fens lies in mowing.Keywords: Belianske Luky meadows; calcareous spring fen; groundwater flow; mowing; North Western Europe; peat development; Slovakia; Tatra mountain system