Management of an old orchard

Old orchards, such as those found on the southern edge of the University of Würzburg's South Campus, are valuable habitats. They are home to an exceptionally high level of biodiversity. Numerous insects, birds, bats and small mammals find food and shelter among the old fruit trees, flowering meadow herbs and dead wood. The mosaic-like coexistence of trees and meadows creates diverse microhabitats that have become rare in intensively used landscapes.

To preserve these species-rich biotopes, they need regular maintenance. This includes cutting back old trees, keeping the meadows open through extensive mowing or grazing, and replanting young standard trees to rejuvenate overaged stands. Such reforestation and conservation measures not only ensure the ecological function of the orchard meadows, but also preserve a valuable cultural landscape element that has accompanied humans for centuries.

We have set ourselves the goal of preserving the existing orchard meadow next to the Biozentrum through maintenance measures and reforestation, thereby protecting the biodiversity it contains. To this end, we offer workshops in cooperation with Main-Streubost-Bienen eG (website) in which participants learn the theoretical and practical basics of fruit tree pruning and reforestation while helping to maintain the orchard meadow.