Didn’t Handschuhfabrikant Hempel have great taste when, in 1913, he built his hunting lodge here? It’s in the Swiss Sennhaus style. Welcome to the NABU Naturschutzstation Herrenhaide. This station is more than just a pretty building. It’s a hub for nature enthusiasts.
The house survived two world wars. It also endured various uses. Even after a fire in June 2013 threatened its existence, it was restored. Since September 2014, it has been the home of the NABU-Naturschutzstation Herrenhaide.
The NABU-Naturschutzstation Herrenhaide offers so much. It provides many events throughout the year. These events focus on local animals, plants, and fungi. They also highlight their habitats, protection, and endangerment. Healthy food and eco-friendly gardening are also part of the program.
School classes can experience outdoor lessons here. The 3.5-hectare site features a nature trail. It invites visitors to explore different habitats. You can discover toads at the pond. You can identify birds by their songs. You can even taste herbs. Children enjoy creating crafts with natural materials.
The NABU Naturschutzstation Herrenhaide plays a vital role. It helps to preserve its diverse landscape. This includes mixed forests, a small floodplain forest, and the Black Pond. There are also two small pools, hedgerows, and open areas.
The station also conducts ongoing monitoring. This includes monitoring nesting boxes, butterflies, bats, and beavers. This gathers reliable data about their populations. The first butterfly meadow was created here. It was part of the project “Puppenstuben gesucht”. This aimed to help increase butterfly diversity.
In 2018, the two small ponds were restored. They had become heavily silted. The amphibian population had decreased significantly. Now, the ponds serve again as spawning waters. They are perfect for species like spring frogs and great crested newts. Like all natural areas of the NABU-Naturschutzstation Herrenhaide.
Over 800 species of fungi, animals, and plants have been identified here. This includes nine bat species. It also has the rare marsh fritillary. Over 200,000 individual devil’s-bit scabious plants grow here. They bloom in great splendour in late summer.
The NABU Naturschutzstation Herrenhaide offers ways to get involved. You can actively participate in nature conservation. You can take responsibility for new projects. You can share your ideas. The NABU Burgstädt e.V. elects a new board in February 2025. They welcome support and participation. You could be a chairperson, deputy chairperson, or treasurer.
Being a board member requires different time commitments. It also requires different skills. All roles need social engagement and good communication skills. They also need empathy and social competence. An interest in nature and environmental protection is beneficial.
The station is looking for a new head. This is a parental leave replacement position. If you love nature, consider joining their team. Contact Luise Schenk or Sylvia Malz to learn more. They are eager to welcome new members. They want to share their passion for nature with you.