Save orchards: a tour of the green variety of Wetterau!

Save orchards: a tour of the green variety of Wetterau!
On May 7, 2025, an informative tour near Enzheim via the local orchards took place, which was organized by the Wetterau Nature Conservation Fund in cooperation with the Volkshochschule Wetterau. The speakers Selina Hochstein and Birte Pech led the participants through the species -rich habitats and addressed the importance and endangerment of these special areas. The event made it clear that the orchards not only have a high ecological value, but also represent a cultural imprint in the region for centuries
The Wetteraukreis is one of the most strict -coated counties in Hesse, with an estimated 230,000 fruit trees, which are distributed over 3,000 hectares. The distribution of the fruit varieties shows that apples (56%) and cherries (22%) are the most common varieties, while plums, plums, mirabelles, quinces and pears only make up 15%. These orchards are not only valuable habitats for numerous insects, amphibians, small mammals and birds, they also offer a wide range of recreational opportunities for the population.
The challenges for orchards
The endangerment of the orchards is a serious problem that is caused by the usage task as well as by lack of reproductions and nursing residues. The Hessian orchard strategy, which was published in the summer of 2022, aims to maintain the stocks throughout Hesse. This includes new support, advanced training and advisory services as well as increased public and networking work.
Special attention applies to the so-called "orchard hotspots". Four areas were identified in the Wetterau, which offer special habitats for domestic plant and animal species. These hotspots include the Ockstädter Kirschenberg, the orchards northwest of Rodheim, the orchards of Rosbach and the nature reserve "Leaning tires of Ober-Mörlen and Ostheim". These areas are not only rich in species, but also significant for the biotope network.
funding measures and local initiatives
The Nature Conservation Fund Wetterau e.V. has set itself the task of working with local actors to maintain these valuable hotspots. This project is supported under the promotion of the state of Hesse and within the guideline to promote landscape maintenance associations. As part of this initiative, citizens can access the brochure "Streuistwiesen in the Wetteraukreis" provided, which offers comprehensive information on the care and management of orchards.
The outstanding ecological diversity of the orchards in the Wetterau must be preserved in order to secure the valuable habitats for the flora and fauna in the long term. Therefore, both the commitment of experts and the interest of the public are of crucial importance.
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