Safeguarding against insects in burial grounds. - Coexisting with order obsession and unruly islands
In the discussion of maintaining insect-friendly cemeteries in Thuringia, opinions are diverse. While some administrations receive complaints about slightly higher grass on meadows, others aim for more natural surroundings. According to Juliane Dubiel-Schwanz, that's the norm in places like Eisenach, Erfurt, Weimar, and Suhl, who seek to balance ecology with orderliness.
People seem to favor an ecologically friendly cemetery, especially in rural areas. Annett Scholz from the community of Dorna explained how her advocacy for a natural section in their cemetery, which is managed by NABU Gera-Greiz, was successful. The church and nature association valued this effort and it was given the "Wild Island" plaque by NABU Thuringia, a prize given to 178 projects in total.
In Eisenach, meadow planting on vacant grave fields started years ago, paired with insect hotels, perennials, and no pesticides. Dead wood and habitat trees are preserved to provide insects with secure areas. While it's important to educate visitors, some aren't comfortable with wild plant growth or higher grass on tree graves. The "Nature Rest Concept," featuring graves with perennial beds and insect hotels, may rise in popularity.
Suhl's city spokesperson Steven Bickel highlighted their ongoing insect protection measures, including more perennials and the planting of insect-friendly trees. Areas are only mowed once or twice a year, but active areas still need regular upkeep. Mandy Plickert of Weimar pointed out that they're trying to find a balance between native meadows blooming in June and other areas that need regular mowing to avoid complaints.
Scholz speaks for those who wish for more wildness in cemeteries, worrying that the pursuit of orderliness often leaves little room for insects and other animals. "I would advocate for a bit more courage for wildness."
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The plan to maintain wild insect-friendly cemeteries in Thuringia is a controversial topic, with varying opinions. While some administration bodies prompt complaints when grass meadows are slightly taller, others strive for natural environments. The cities of Eisenach, Erfurt, Weimar, and Suhl all share the mission to integrate ecology and organization.
Annett Scholz, who's part of Dorna's church community and the Nature Conservation Association (NABU), contributed to creating a wild space on the little cemetery of Dorna that wouldn't be mowed or tended to. The initiative has been successful because it appeals to many and although disordered grass can create issues, they've managed to satisfy different concerns.
The Eisenach main cemetery has been labeled insect-friendly for some time. They've introduced meadows on vacant plots, installed bug hotels, and switched from annuals to perennials. This approach has led to the preservation of dead wood, trees, and leaf piles for insect retreats. Leaving leaves in the fall sometimes causes issues as people question the unkempt look of the meadows. A new kind of grave, the "Nature Rest Concept," is even being considered, which would plant flowers near the graves while they're surrounded by perennials, bug hotels, and natural rock piles. It's anticipated that there will be increased demands for these graves in the future.
Suhl's delegates are proactive in insect protection. More work goes into planting perennials and switching species to insect-friendly ones. There are certain areas that receive mowing less often. Although unkempt stretches would be hard for visitors to handle, they're leaving some wilder areas.
In Weimar, 18 cemeteries are experiencing a shift. Mowed non-used area planting is postponed until after June when flowers start flowering to offer more security for insects. These grasslands are excellent for insect protection, lasting through dry spells. However, this isn't feasible for other areas because many folks don't enjoy the look of tall-grass landscapes. The controversial long grass meadows on their historical cemetery have stirred critique from some locals.
"The balance between desiring order and nature is often challenging and rarely leaves room for insects," says Dorna Nature Conservation's Scholz. She wishes for more embracement of wildness.
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In the city of Gera, the Nature Conservation Association Germany is actively promoting insect protection measures in cemeteries, similar to the efforts in Erfurt and Weimar. These measures include planting insect-friendly flowers and trees, reducing pesticide use, and preserving dead wood and habitats for insects.
Despite the insect protection efforts, some animal lovers in Gera are advocating for the establishment of designated areas in cemeteries for the protection of various wildlife, not just insects. They believe that these areas could serve as sanctuaries for a diverse range of animals, contributing to the overall biodiversity of Thuringia.
Concurrently, Nabu Thuringia is engaging in nature conservation activities in the city of Suhl, focusing on the preservation of natural habitats for insects and other animals. Their initiatives include the planting of native flowers and trees, as well as the creation of insect hotels and wildlife corridors.
Recently, Nabu Thuringia organized a campaign in the city of Weimar to promote the importance of insect protection in cemeteries. The campaign aimed to increase public awareness and encourage local administrations to adopt more environmentally friendly practices in the management of cemeteries.
In response to the campaign, the Weimar city council announced plans to establish an insect conservation area in one of their largest cemeteries. The area will feature native flowers, insect hotels, and minimal grass mowing, allowing insects and other wildlife to thrive without disturbance.
In the Nabu Thuringia Nature Conservation Association's annual report, their efforts in insect protection in cemeteries were highlighted as a significant achievement. The report noted the positive impact these initiatives have had on the local ecosystem and the increasing interest from the public and local administrations in embracing more environmentally friendly practices in cemeteries.
With the continued support of local administrations and the dedication of Nabu Thuringia and other nature conservation organizations, the insect protection movement in Thuringia shows no signs of slowing down. The future looks bright for the wildlife inhabiting the cemeteries of this picturesque German region.
