Flowering hems in Burscheid: biodiversity protects our nature!

Flowering hems in Burscheid: biodiversity protects our nature!

In Burscheid, at the rain retention basin in Repinghofen, a successful project to promote biodiversity is being celebrated. The final project course of the “Lines of Life – Blooming Edges for Biodiversity” initiative shows the strategic importance of blooming edges for nature. Project coordinator Manuela Thomas from the Oberberg Biological Station worked together with other actors to successfully create and document thriving habitats.

Started in 2023, the project has now reached a successful conclusion. According to rga.de, around 65 different hems were created in the region during the term mapped, which make up a total of 12.5 kilometers in Burscheid. Particularly noteworthy are the approximately 200 plant species discovered, which provide a source of food for many insects and serve as retreats for animals.

Protective measures and challenges

The importance of this measure is undisputed, but the organizers still face challenges. In particular, mowing too early and mulching the roadsides seriously damage biodiversity. Therefore, special measures were carried out to raise awareness among the population. Informative notice boards with QR codes that provide further information were set up at 15 locations.

This initiative is supported by the Rhineland Regional Association (LVR), which has provided around 100,000 euros for the biological station. This support is an essential part of the project, which will be continued in the future through collaboration with farmers and local actors.

Goals and future

The main goal of the project is to preserve species-rich areas as refuges for meadow plants and as a food source for insects. This requires the development of a conservation-optimized care concept. This concept stipulates that the maintenance of the seams is carried out either by the municipalities themselves or by agriculture, accompanied by the Biological Station as well as the NABU Rhein-Berg-Kreis e.V. and the Bergischen Nature Conservation Association e.V.

In addition, people are called upon to report species-rich areas in Wipperfürth, Hückeswagen or Burscheid, ideally with a photo and GPS coordinates. This initiative not only promotes awareness but also active participation of citizens in preserving their natural environment. The basis for this call is also the success of the project, which now once again points to the diversity of the flowering hems. This includes the meadow scabious and the common thistle, both of which represent an important part of the ecosystem. In addition, the bluebell sawhorn bee, which specializes in bluebells, is another example of the region's special biodiversity.

The Oberberg Biological Station will continue to work closely with everyone involved in the future to secure and improve the habitats in the region so that both animals and plants can find a safe place to retreat. More information can be found on the Biological Station's website: biostationoberberg.de.