Burbach and its biodiverse neighbourhood

The Biological Station Siegen-Wittgenstein, one of 40 similar stations in North Rhine-Westphalia, was founded in 1990 by the “Verein zur Förderung der Zusammenarbeit zwischen Umweltschutz und Landwirtschaft im Kreis Siegen-Wittgenstein e. V.“, a regional association dedicated to promoting environmental protection issues in relation to agriculture. The purpose of the association is to preserve valuable habitats for rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, and to care for the diverse cultural landscape. The remit includes species protection, supervision of contractual conservation agreements and conservation areas, scientific and advisory activities and environment-related public relations and education.

The Biological Station acts as a link between farmers, environmental protection volunteers and the conservation authorities. The sponsoring organisation consists of representatives from various conservation groups, farming associations and the District Administration Siegen-Wittgenstein.

Nowadays, urban biodiversity makes an important contribution to the preservation of global biodiversity. Animal and plant species that require special biotopes, and whose existence is threatened by increasing land use, are of particular significance here. Urban areas provide a wide variety of habitats in a small space and can accommodate numerous species. The purpose of the “Modellprojekt Burbachs artenreiche Nachbarschaft“ is to create a transparent concept for the promotion of urban biodiversity. Educational institutions such as nursery schools, as well as the owners of gardens and industrial green spaces will be involved in the cross-disciplinary approach. One focal point will be the recording of various species groups and the implementation of measures adjusted to suit their requirements. In this way, “Citizen Science” will give ordinary citizens the chance to play an active role. A win-win situation for humans and nature!