Volunteers Save Traditional Orchards in UNESCO Rhön Biosphere Reserve
Volunteers from across state borders gathered in the UNESCO Rhön Biosphere Reserve for the cross-regional Pflegezonentag (Orchard Care Day). Their goal? To preserve traditional orchards and combat the spread of mistletoe.
The event saw participants from both Hessian and Thuringian regions coming together to maintain fruit trees and meadow orchards. In Friedelshausen, volunteers joined the Landscape Conservation Association of the Thuringian Rhön to clear mistletoe and learn about pruning techniques. Meanwhile, in the Hessian Rhön, introductory workshops on professional, nature-friendly pruning were led by experienced orchard wardens Manuela Plescher and Martin Trabert.
Orchard meadows, vital habitats for various species and home to rare wild herbs and heritage fruit varieties, require regular care for their preservation. Mistletoe, a hemiparasite, is spreading rapidly and placing additional strain on weakened fruit trees in the region. Sophie Walch of the Thuringian administrative office warns that mistletoe can severely damage fruit trees if not tackled early. The Orchard Care Day volunteers trimmed old fruit trees and removed parasitic mistletoe to protect the orchards. Martin Kremer of the Hessian administrative office of the Biosphere Reserve stressed that conservation begins when people take responsibility for their local environment.
The Orchard Care Day demonstrated the importance of community involvement in environmental conservation. Both Hessian events focused on fruit tree maintenance were fully booked, indicating high interest in traditional orchards. Through sustainable use and conservation, as shown in the UNESCO Rhön Biosphere Reserve's care zones, orchards can thrive, supporting biodiversity and local heritage.
