What echoes do the hooves of history leave? Here at Nutztierökologie, within the Hobrechtswald, we uncover those echoes. Nutztierökologie translates to Livestock Ecology. This place isn’t just about modern farming. It’s a living link to a past shaped by the relationship between humans and animals. Since 2011, the Hobrechtswald has hosted Germany’s largest woodland pasture project. This area, once a wastewater treatment plant, transformed into semi-open woodland in the late 1980s. Now, it’s a haven for hardy breeds of cattle and horses, grazing within large, accessible meadows. Nutztierökologie shows us how these animals, like Scottish Highland cattle, Galloways, Koniks, and Norwegian Fjord horses, shape the landscape. They graze freely year-round, feeding on grasses, herbs, and even tree twigs, much like their ancestors. Their presence helps maintain the unique semi-open landscape of the Hobrechtswald. This isn’t just about pretty scenery. This ecological balance supports a diverse range of species, some rare and protected. Nutztierökologie, in the heart of the Hobrechtswald, offers a glimpse into the past and a path towards a sustainable future. It reminds us of the vital role livestock play, not just in agriculture, but in shaping the very environment we inhabit.
Genossenschaft PA58
From 1981 the Genossenschaft PA58 stands tall. It’s a self-managed house project. This is its story. This impressive building in