The idea came to Bernd-Josef Wenning, a farmer from Rhede, at a theme day on regional environmental protection in summer 2019. As an industrial company and green machine manufacturer, we were able to report on our trainee planting campaign and the renaturation of 800 m² of land. His takeaway: “If an industrial company like SPALECK can do something like this, then each and every one of us can actively do something to protect the environment and species.”
And so it was born: the idea for the natural meadow55.
After numerous discussions, including with the Borken NABU district association, the Borken district beekeepers’ association and the Zwillbrock Biological Station e. V., on how to create a project with high ecological benefits, the project took shape – and not insignificant ones at that: A total of fifty-five thousand square meters (5.5 ha = 55,000 m² !) of previously conventional, i.e. intensively used agricultural land is to be converted into a natural meadow.
No sooner said than done. Bernd-Josef Wenning looked for a suitable area, agreed with conservationists on the sowing of regional plants and grasses, and got started. The maize was harvested, the field prepared and sown before winter. All with the aim of creating a new habitat for plants, animals and insects on the new grassland.
Bernd-Josef Wenning is looking for supporters and conveyors of the regional project to ensure that this is successful in the long term. He has already been able to win over Volksbank Rhede eG, Landhandel Rhede, the NABU Borken district association and SPALECK. “We think the project is very good and important,” says Stefanie Bleker, a member of the SPALECK team. “That’s why we were immediately enthusiastic and wanted to get involved.” Concrete support was provided, for example, by the design of the landing page www.spaleck.de/naturwiese55, which introduces the project. Here, interested parties can find all the important information about Naturwiese55.
Anyone who is now interested in participating in Naturwiese55 can sponsor 1 m² per year for a small donation of 80 cents per m². The donation covers the direct costs of the project. If there are any surpluses, these will be used entirely for the expansion of Naturwiese55 and for other regional nature conservation projects.
Our SPALECK team wishes Naturwiese55 a very good start and we assure you of our active support!
P.S.: Many thanks to all supporters and helpers!
