The environmental officer of the market town of Helmstadt, Holger Linke, recently invited visitors to explore Helmstadt’s natural treasures. Nature showed itself from its most attractive side when the group with Christiane Brandt (area manager shell limestone from the landscape conservation association Würzburg) set out to discover the special features around the Klettenberg. Small wet biotopes, beautifully developed hedges with herbaceous borders, nutrient-poor grassland, a quarry with its history of origin and light forest structures – special plant species such as comfrey, Germander speedwell, Karthauser pink or horseshoe clover with the associated animal world were found everywhere.
In her remarks, Brandt pointed out the important role of the hedges in the corridor. It serves as a habitat for many animal species. Our ancestors found vitamin-rich fruits such as rose hips, elder and hawthorn in the hedges. Even today, the fruits are often used in naturopathy and as a source of vitamins and minerals.
For arable land, especially in organic farming, hedges are being rediscovered as a natural protection against wind, evaporation and erosion and are deliberately installed. Brandt drew the 40 participants’ attention to the historical significance of the meadow orchards in the vicinity. In the past, the orchards were laid out like belts around the villages in order to provide the villagers with fruit even in the winter months. Today, people have once again recognized the orchards as an important habitat for insects.
The cultivation of old apple varieties is experiencing a renaissance, as these often cope better with the dry years and can be stored better. Many varieties are also better tolerated and do not cause as many allergies as the new apple varieties. Nature has evolved over centuries and millennia and shaped our cultural landscape. The ecosystem is strong as long as it can flourish. If it is only disturbed in one place, it sometimes collapses like a house of cards.
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A good example is the near-natural grazing by sheep, goats and horses. The areas are kept open and protected from bush encroachment. A good breeding ground for various orchids such as the helmeted orchid found there. After a very informative walk, the conclusion took place at the Milchhäusle with coffee and cake, organized by Petra Schuck from the fruit and horticultural association Helmstadt.
Protecting and expanding valuable structures in our landscape – that’s exactly what Holger Linke does as environmental officer in Holzkirchhausen and Helmstadt. All interested parties are invited to lend a hand on site! Anyone who wants to get involved in nature and environmental protection in a meaningful way is cordially invited.
By: Christiane Brandt (area manager shell limestone from the landscape conservation association Würzburg)
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