The State Association for Bird Protection (LBV) and the Bavarian Species Protection Center are looking for bird-friendly gardens in Bavaria. According to the Ministry of the Environment, everyone can make an important contribution to biodiversity with gardens or balconies that are designed to be close to nature. Minister Thorsten Faithr (FW) is patron of the campaign. “Everyone can make their contribution to more species protection. We can start on our own doorstep,” said Glauber, according to a statement on Monday. “There are many ways to make your balcony or garden natural. Any garden can be transformed into a natural paradise.”
Birds are considered indicators of the condition of habitats, as Oliver Thaßler from the LBV explained. This means that where there are birds, there must also be many other plants and insects. People should be encouraged to design their gardens accordingly and allow for more “clutter” rather than lifeless rocky deserts. A natural design means, for example, planting with native flowering plants and berry trees. Further criteria are nesting places and material for birds and a “wild corner” in the garden where nature is left to itself.
Gardens designed accordingly may receive a plaque. Citizens then have to do without the use of pesticides in their garden, and robotic lawnmowers are also not allowed to be on the road. According to Thaßler, garden assessors were trained before the campaign. The project was tested in a pilot phase last year.
On Monday, Glauber and LBV boss Norbert Schäffer presented the first official plaque to the owners in a garden near Forchheim. 900 registrations have already been received this year. Schäffer emphasized: “What garden birds and Co. need in our gardens is a little wilderness, a little courage to mess up. In return, they make us a little happier. We need more nature around us – right now!”