Big, biodiverse and beautiful: can Romania's centuries-old giant haystacks survive modern farming?
Briefly

Golden haystacks in Romania have represented rural life for centuries. Standing three meters high, these stacks result from communal efforts involving entire families, from kids to grandparents, during the summer. Families cut and dry grass, then stack it to feed livestock during winter. This practice benefits numerous species and contributes to rich biodiversity, with studies revealing Romania's meadows often surpass nature reserves in wildlife. However, the rise of modern agriculture threatens this traditional way of life, which is deeply valued by locals like farmer Sarig Attila, who emphasizes the connection between culture and biodiversity.
Golden haystacks in Romania symbolize centuries of rural life, showcasing labor-intensive, communal efforts that enhance local biodiversity while facing the challenges of modern agriculture.
Traditional hay meadows in Romania, richer in wildlife compared to managed nature reserves, demonstrate how human activity has nurtured a diverse ecosystem, essential for rural heritage.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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