This article first gives a short description of the situation of agriculture in Germany, with special reference to the development of land use. During the last decade an increase in the intensity of agricultural land use took place in some areas, while in other areas, especially in marginal areas, the amount of land used for agriculture has decreased steadily. As a consequence, formerly extensively utilized marginal areas became fallow. Red Data Books in Germany show that a great number of plant and animal species that are endangered or threatened with extinction are concentrated in extensively utilized agricultural landscapes. Therefore the development outlined above creates special problems for species and habitat conservation.

Secondly, the article describes the idea of “semi-open pasture landscapes” as an alternative to common concepts of cultivation or management of marginal areas (e. g. poor quality grasslands). In many respects the establishment of semi-open pasture landscapes can be based on existing agricultural practices that are traditional or specific to particular areas. In contrast to traditional forms of agricultural practice, the object of “semi-open pasture landscapes” is to combine both economic and ecological requirements. This would enable the continuation of the extensive use of many marginal areas in Germany as well as the preservation of landscapes valuable for nature conservation and species protection. As an example, the trial and development project “Semi-open Pasture Landscape Höltigbaum” is presented and first results of the research project are reported.