Earlier this year, the City of Trollhättan tested prescribed burning as a method to manage grasslands and support local biodiversity. In March, a training day on ecological fire management was held for municipal maintenance staff, team leaders, and the local EXPBIO project group.
The goal is to build confidence and competence in using this method so that it can be applied more broadly in the future. By testing different approaches to grassland management on municipal land, the project aims to boost biodiversity—especially flowering plants and pollinators.
“We want more people in the organization to feel confident using prescribed fire so that we can incorporate it into our future management practices,” says Emelie Andersson, municipal ecologist in Trollhättan.
Hands-on training in the nature reserve Slättbergen
The course took place in the nature reserve Slättbergen, where participants received both theoretical background and practical experience. Under the guidance of an external expert, participants learned the essentials of prescribed fire: fire breaks, water, and headwind—three principles that make the process safe and controlled.
Around 15 participants from various departments within the city took part in the training, which was met with positive feedback.
“It was a valuable day, and we hope that this is something that we can continue to work on. Prescribed burning is not only ecologically effective but also offers a cost-efficient alternative to mechanical mowing,” says Emelie Andersson.
Ecological benefits for plants, insects, and soil
Prescribed fire mimics natural disturbances that many species are adapted to. Burning removes old plant matter and creates bare patches of soil where sunlight can reach the ground, increasing warmth and allowing seeds to germinate more easily. Insects also benefit from the warmer microclimate.
In addition, fire releases nitrogen into the atmosphere, which reduces soil fertility and favors flowering herbs over grasses. The burn also slightly raises the soil's pH level, further supporting seed germination.
From a management perspective, fire allows for the upkeep of large areas with relatively small effort. Areas that are managed with traditional mowing for several years can burned preferably every 4 or 5 years.
A tool for future biodiversity efforts
Prescribed burning is one of several methods being tested by Trollhättan in the EXPBIO project. The city also plans to implement different grassland management techniques in the Lextorpsparken area during 2025–2026.
The ambition is also to expand the use of prescribed fire to other municipal sites as staff confidence and competence grow throughout the project.
Photo: Emelie Andersson