Bumps and Holes! How to turn the free-range into a biodiverse Walhalla?

In this article (and research report), attempts are made to obtain answers and describe findings regarding whether biodiversity in the free range can be increased. Literature describes that the wellbeing of the chickens is enhanced by a free range. Additionally, the design of a free range seems to have an impact on the number of chickens going outside and the distance they cover and move within the free range. Through discussions with various agricultural entrepreneurs, it was concluded that the continuous provision of grass, bushes, or other plant-based ground cover is a utopia. The disappearance of ground cover begins beyond the first meter past the free range openings and gradually expands during a laying cycle. Solutions such as stones or other non-natural materials only shift the problem. During my scholarship, I experimented with increasing biodiversity by seeding herbs across the entire free range. Furthermore, we will be planting trees (walnuts, sweet chestnuts, and hazelnut trees). These will be planted close to the hatches to encourage the chickens to venture further and faster into the free range. We are also experimenting with placing straw bales. These straw bales provide distraction but may also serve as ground cover. From the perspective of regenerative agriculture, we hope that the straw and trees will improve soil structure. We anticipate that this will make the soil more fertile, promote the growth of a variety of plants, and further increase biodiversity