The guideline aims to preserve habitats for common redstarts and wild bees
The district of Groß-Gerau, together with the landscape conservation association of the district of Groß-Gerau and the Bergstraße-Odenwald Geo-Nature Park, has republished a brochure on orchards.
The publication is intended to help preserve and professionally maintain orchards in the Hessian Ried region in the long term.
Valuable habitats for animals and plants
Orchards are among the defining features of the Hessian cultural landscape. With their tall fruit trees, flower-rich meadows, and regional fruit varieties, they provide habitat for numerous animal species.
These include wild bees, butterflies, little owls, common redstarts, sand lizards and bats such as the greater noctule bat.
Climate change and lack of maintenance are taking their toll on stocks
Many traditional orchards have disappeared in recent decades. Reasons for this include development, conversion into arable land or plantations, and lack of maintenance.
Added to this are the consequences of climate change. Drought, heat, heavy rain, and late frosts are increasingly taking their toll on fruit trees. Diseases and mistletoe infestations are also affecting many orchards.
According to the district, new installations also frequently encounter problems due to unsuitable locations or lack of maintenance.
The brochure provides practical tips
The newly published brochure is based on Barbara Stowasser's many years of experience and compiles practical advice on the establishment and maintenance of orchards.
Topics covered include site selection, regional fruit varieties, planting, pruning measures and typical problems.
The brochure is aimed at property owners, associations, municipalities and all interested parties.
The digital version is available on the website of the Groß-Gerau district:
Brochure on orchards of the district of Groß-Gerau
(DISTRICT OF GROSS-GERAU – RED/PSKGG)
