Sailing boxes designed for colonies
In the picturesque town of Plön, Germany, an innovative conservation project is underway. The initiative, spearheaded by environmental officer Ludwig Askemper, aims to support local swift populations by installing nesting boxes on public buildings.
This project is more than just a bird-saving effort; it serves as a role model for citizens, encouraging participation in environmental projects and fostering a sense of community engagement. The swift boxes have been installed on various structures, including the Kreishaus, grammar school, Aula am Schiffsthal, Rodomstorschule, and buildings of the marine non-commissioned officers' school.
The success of this project is evident in the birth of a young generation of swifts in 2025, a testament to the boxes' effectiveness in providing safe nesting habitats. Swifts, insectivorous birds, play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling insect populations.
The positive impact on biodiversity is not the only benefit of this project. By attracting swifts and the subsequent interest of wildlife enthusiasts, Plön's eco-tourism appeal is enhanced. Visitors drawn to the area for birdwatching and nature conservation can raise awareness about urban wildlife protection and promote sustainable tourism practices.
Ludwig Askemper's vision extends beyond the swift boxes. He aims to motivate people to participate in environmental projects and involve companies in supporting these efforts where possible. To this end, he has established the non-profit association Artenreich Plön, which has financed the installation of over 60 swift boxes and bat boxes on public buildings in Plön.
Askemper also plans to create an information board with a QR code to provide instructions for private households on how to create their own swift boxes. He believes that nature experiences can provide opportunities for action for various entities, including companies and researchers, and that Plön's biodiversity and natural experiences can motivate people to visit, helping the city stand out touristically.
Sharpening Plön's profile of landscape, animals, and nature in the context of sustainability can help the city distinguish itself from neighbouring towns. Askemper emphasizes the need for expert support for his voluntary position and sees potential for intertwining nature experiences with economically relevant processes, such as optics, lenses, smart hearing aids, and university degree programs.
In conclusion, the swift box installation in Plön represents a conservation strategy that enhances urban biodiversity while indirectly supporting eco-tourism and raising environmental awareness. This project combines biodiversity preservation with community engagement and tourism benefits, reflecting common objectives and observed impacts of similar swift conservation initiatives across Europe.
- Ludwig Askemper's vision includes motivating people to actively participate in environmental projects, such as creating their own swift boxes at home, as part of a sustainable living lifestyle.
- The non-profit association Artenreich Plön, established by Ludwig Askemper, has funded the installation of over 60 swift boxes and bat boxes in home-and-garden settings across the town of Plön.
- The success of this environmental science project in Plön, Germany, emphasizes the importance of science and sustainable living in creating urban landscapes that foster biodiversity, community engagement, and eco-tourism.
