Save wild bees: How to create insect-friendly gardens!

Save wild bees: How to create insect-friendly gardens!

The beautiful nature in view: The Association for Nature Conservation invited people to an exciting tour through Poppenroth last weekend. Around 30 interested citizens laced up their hiking boots and set out to explore the wild bee and insect-friendly oases in the region's gardens. The focus was on the research project “Humming Villages – Wild Bees in Villages”, which was led by Dr. Fabienne Maihoff from the University of Würzburg and Dr. Marina Wolz from the Rhön Biodiversity Center was presented.

As part of this project, a remarkable 1,200 flowering plant species and 247 different wild bee species were recorded in 40 villages in the first part. But the conditions for wild bees in the region are not yet ideal. That's why the University of Würzburg is now seeking the support of garden owners in the Rhön and Main Franconia in order to further improve the habitats for these important insects. The team around Dr. Maihoff is hoping for numerous committed participants who would like to transform their garden into a thriving bee world and receive practical instructions and plant tips.

A small garden renovation with a big impact

Small changes can make a big difference - this is shown by the list of recommended plants for home gardens. Wild apples and wild pears are included, while thyme and oregano are also useful in local cuisine. However, anyone who brings exotic plants into their garden could get into trouble because they often do not meet the needs of native insects. In order to register and take part in this important project, those interested should check whether they live in one of the 20 project villages. The deadline for garden owners to register was March 31, 2025, but the garden conversion can be completed until December. This means that perennials can be planted and other measures implemented until winter.

The reward for the most committed village is also not entirely insignificant: a beautiful festival awaits those who put in the extra effort. Participants will also be encouraged to take before and after photos of their garden makeovers, which can be submitted for an award. So everyone who lends a hand not only becomes an environmental hero, but can also expect to be honored.

Insects in focus

Recently, Professor Steffen Pauls from the Senckenberg Society for Natural Research emphasized the importance of insects for our ecosystem. The dramatic declines in populations, which have increased over the last few decades, are partly due to land sealing and climate change. According to that Nature Conservation Association Up to 50% of wild bee species in Germany are threatened. This makes it even more important to do something for biodiversity in every garden and also to create untidy garden corners that offer insects a habitat.

At a time when insect populations and even bird populations are in alarming decline - such as the average of 8 birds per garden over the last 20 years - it is time to take action. A mix of forests and meadows can significantly improve the situation. Every green space, be it in a city park or in a small home garden, counts and can make a valuable contribution to preserving our biodiversity.

Get involved and become part of this initiative for a prosperous future! Take a look at the associated websites and see how your garden can become a retreat for wild bees and numerous other insects.