nature conservation in germany
And we’re just as active at home!
REGIONAL
Orchard fruit is good for the environment!
Orchard meadows are hot spots of biodiversity. Due to their good conditions for many species, they are among the most species-rich biotopes in Central Europe. As no fertilizer is used, there is no shortage of nutrients for plants in the soil. This means that many species can coexist on these areas. Around 5000 animal and plant species can be found in a meadow orchard. Animal species that make their homes in the individual trees include little owls, great spotted woodpeckers, bats and dormice. Hedgehogs, shrews and field mice live in the root area. The dead wood, rotten spots in the wood and the bark are a paradise for many insect species. The blossoming fruit trees are also a good source of food for bees. For this reason, bee colonies are often kept on or next to meadow orchards. In this way, honey can also be produced as an additional orchard product.
Fruit from meadow orchards is a regional alternative to standardized, cultivated fruit from the supermarket. Hardly any CO2 is emitted, as the transportation routes are also very short due to the regional nature of the products.
What are orchard meadows?
Orcharding is an environmentally friendly cultivation method. The fruit trees are scattered across a landscape, which is where the name comes from. Not only are the trees used for fruit growing, but the land below them is also cultivated. These are mostly meadows, pastures or mown meadows. In this way, agriculture is used twice. Fruit varieties such as apples, pears, cherries, plums and walnuts are typical representatives of meadow orchards. Old fruit varieties in particular are promoted.
Synthetic treatment agents such as pesticides or fertilizers are not used in this environmentally friendly form of cultivation.
Orchard meadows are a legally protected habitat type.
REGIONAL PROJECTS
A new generation
ENVIRONMENT
EDUCATION
It therefore makes sense for us to focus on ecological issues in our educational work. At the same time, however, we do not view these problems in isolation. We combine environmental protection with humanitarian and economic challenges. Here we are guided by the three-dimensional model, in which the three dimensions of ecology, economy and social aspects are mutually dependent and therefore cannot be changed or optimized independently of each other. The effects of decisions must therefore always be considered in relation to all dimensions.
We also want to refrain from using threat scenarios. Instead, we focus on developing new visions and design options. In our view, it is more important to enable pupils to act competently in terms of sustainable development rather than to point the moral finger. Because only through a joint exchange can we change the structures of our society in the long term and achieve the goal of sustainable development.
RECOVERY
STREUOBST
WIESEN
By supporting the orchards in Kottenheim (Rhineland-Palatinate), we are working locally to preserve flora and fauna. Orchard meadows are a biotope worth protecting and a habitat for numerous animal species and plants. In this way, we create a safe habitat and sufficient food, especially for bees, our most important pollinators.
The orchards in the village of Kottenheim take care of a of the largest stocks in Rhineland-Palatinate. In a long-term project, volunteers were recruited to revive the cultivation of the fruit trees. The cost of saving the trees and planting new ones is around 20,000 euros a year, which is largely covered by subsidies can.
Help us!
Project Wings stands for holistic environmental protection. We need your support to make our projects for people, nature and animals possible. In future, we want to expand our waste management system in Indonesia and our education campaign in Germany. Every contribution counts!