District of Coesfeld: New Wall hedges promote biodiversity and landscape protection

District of Coesfeld: New Wall hedges promote biodiversity and landscape protection

In the district of Coesfeld, special attention is paid to the planting of wall hedges to promote biodiversity and to protect the landscape. These rows of bushes and smaller trees, which consist of bird berry and hornbeam, offer not only a natural alternative to barbed wire fences, but also valuable habitats for many animal species.

The Lower Nature Conservation Authority of the Coesfeld district actively supports the system and maintenance of these wall hedges. Especially in times of increasing environmental changes, it is important that these structures are preserved or newly created because they take on diverse ecological functions. These include wind protection, protection against soil erosion and the improvement of the small climate and the water balance, which not only benefits birds, insects and amphibians, but also serves as a corridors for bats. This makes it clear why the district policy is planning to expand the Wallhecken in Münsterland again this year, as WDR reported.

long -term initiative for hedge advice

For three years, the Coesfeld district has been working to plant new hedges together with interested citizens. Over 25 people have participated since then, and during this time 32 hedges have already been created with a total length of more than three kilometers. A farmer from Gimbte had already raved about the positive aspects of the wall hedges in 1934, and the project did not lose relevance.

For 2025, a registration phase was set up, which runs from February 1 to March 31. Interested parties have the opportunity to contact the lower nature conservation authority by email or to find out more in the district's service portal. It is important that land must be available in the open landscape in order to be able to participate in the project. The Coesfeld district supports not only in planning, but also in the first two to three years in care, although this funding only applies to hedges outdoors.

care and sustainability

An important aspect in planting and maintaining the hedges is regular maintenance, as explained on forest knowledge . In order to ensure the stability of the hedges and to maintain a rich biodiversity, certain cutting times should be observed. These are important to avoid disturbing interventions during the breeding season and to promote the growth of the plants. It is advisable to cut slowly growing ways less often, while rapidly growing increases more attention.

Another important point is the promotion of a dense layer of shrub and a diverse herb base that serves as a retreat for different animal species. The later mowing of the herb base also gives the animals the opportunity to flee to other areas. The creation of so -called bays along the hedges can also increase the nesting place offers for birds and thus increase the ecological value of these structures.