Fruit blossom has begun in Saxony
Orchard meadows need care and protection. They are on the Red List of the most endangered biotope types in Europe.
News zu #Nature
Nature conservation associations in Saxony see their work at risk
Saxony has to make savings in almost all areas. Nature conservation projects are also affected. Associations are now mobilizing and pointing out the consequences.
Weather brings only a short break - pollen returns
In Saxony, the pollen season is hitting allergy sufferers particularly hard this year - sometimes with dangerous consequences. What can help now.
Fire department in Meißen district receives new vehicles
Better prepared for forest fires: Saxony reinforces its fire departments with new special vehicles.
Trekking season in Saxon Switzerland begins
The trekking huts have been renovated and the bivouac sites are ready. The season on the Elbe Sandstone Forest Trail has begun. There will soon be a sixth forest hut along the route.
Court overturns authorization to shoot wolves
30 dead sheep and goats - but a wolf in Upper Lusatia may not be killed for the time being. A court has stopped the planned cull and doubts the legality of the permit.
Beekeepers worried about colony losses - Is honey becoming scarce?
After the winter, the warm rays of sunshine lure the bees out of their homes again. Crocuses and willows provide the first food. But some beekeepers in Saxony are in for a rude awakening.
Large crowds for spring cleaning in Leipzig and Dresden
The people of Dresden love the Elbe meadows. No wonder that thousands of people volunteer to clean the meadows every year. Spring cleaning is also very popular in Leipzig.
Helpers since 1985: Volunteering protects unique nature
Protecting nature where others relax: more than 100 volunteers look after Saxony's only national park - some have been doing so for 40 years.
Weather influences pollen count - moderate impact so far
Stuffy noses and bulging eyes: the season of suffering has begun for allergy sufferers. In Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia, the first pollen is already flying, albeit still cautiously.
Herbal witch and influencer: "Survival Siglinde"
In shorts, with a brash appearance and dialect, she provides information about nature's treasures as "Survival Siglinde" on Insta and co - and recently also in a book.
First storks back - 2024 most successful stork year
The first storks are back - and are having to endure a few frosty nights. This is manageable for the animals, and they also seem to feel at home in Saxony.
Lynx migrates from the Ore Mountains to Thuringia
The lynx is to be reintroduced to Germany. In some federal states, the big cats are being released into the wild - and are going on the move.
Police catch wild garlic thieves in Leipzig and northern Saxony
The wild garlic season is still to come. But the police are already dealing with wild garlic theft again. A recurring problem in Saxony.
Saxony's forests well supplied with water at the beginning of the year
The extremely dry years since 2018 have been sheer stress for Saxony's forests. Things look much better at the start of 2025. But the situation can quickly change again.
Amphibians to be reintroduced to Kulkwitz ponds
The Kulkwitzer Lachen in the west of Leipzig are a legacy of lignite mining. Ground subsidence filled with rainwater and created new habitats for animals.
Saxony's companies spend more money on environmental protection
Companies in Bavaria invested more money in environmental protection in 2022. What priorities did they set - and which sector paid the most?
The toads will soon be on their way - but they need help
Some toads leave their winter quarters as early as the beginning of February. To help them survive the dangerous migration, helpers set up protective fences - in some places, more volunteers are needed.
Conservationists call for a winter bird count
The "Hour of Winter Birds" is probably Germany's largest scientific participatory campaign. Birds are counted and reported for one hour.
Günther takes stock of the state's riparian forest projects
The development of the Leipzig alluvial forest was enshrined in Saxony's coalition agreement in 2019. A lot has happened since then, but the future of the project depends on the future state government.
37 wolf packs live in Saxony
In contrast to the nationwide trend, the number of wolf packs living in Saxony is decreasing slightly.
First salmon returns to Saxony
The "king of fish" has returned to Saxony. However, the rise of the salmon has once again started late. Why?
Conservationists campaign for the preservation of the Elbe floodplains
Humans have severely altered the habitats along the Elbe. Alluvial forests and wet meadows are now only fragmentary. Biodiversity is dwindling. This should now come to an end.
Fewer and fewer hedgehogs in Saxony - endangerment on the rise
They are cute and adorable, despite their prickly shells. But for hedgehogs, habitats in Saxony are becoming smaller and smaller and there is less and less food - more and more injured and sick animals need help.
Fewer and fewer hedgehogs in Saxony - endangerment on the rise
They are cute and adorable, despite their prickly shells. But for hedgehogs, habitats in Saxony are becoming smaller and smaller and there is less and less food - more and more injured and sick animals need help.
Existence threatened: Saxon carp producers fight for survival
Many fish farms in Saxony are up to their necks in water. Rising costs, regulations from the authorities and an increase in fish predators are making life difficult for them. The state wants to give them more money.
Water withdrawal ban in Dresden lifted ahead of schedule
Rivers and streams in Dresden ran the risk of drying up in summer. It was therefore forbidden to draw water. The environmental agency has now lifted this ban ahead of schedule.
Mushroom season in full swing - mushrooms often confused
Mushroom pickers are currently making rich pickings in Saxony's forests. Porcini mushrooms in particular are shooting out of the ground. However, many baskets also contain species that are not without danger.
Climate change hits Central Germany particularly hard: average temperature rises significantly
Climate change has different consequences around the world. A climate report shows what is happening in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. One parameter is particularly striking in central Germany.
Dresden has to cut down around 150 trees due to drought stress
The copper beeches in the forest park in Dresden-Blasewitz have survived for up to 150 years. But the heat of recent years has been too much. Climate change is becoming more and more noticeable.
Saxony records fewer forest fires in 2024 so far
Prolonged dryness and drought increase the risk of fire in Saxony's forests every year. Most of the fires are caused by negligence - some also occur during harvesting and forestry work.
Tank too full: heating oil flows into Lichtenstein stream
Heating oil leaked into a stream in Lichtenstein, Saxony, because a tank was too full. Firefighters set up an oil barrier.
Heating oil spills into stream in Rödlitz
Heating oil leaked into a stream in Lichtenstein, Saxony, because a tank was too full. Firefighters set up an oil barrier.
Mushroom season in Saxony: Less yield due to insufficient rain
When sun follows rain, do mushrooms sprout from the ground? It's not that simple, say mushroom experts. They do not expect a good yield this year and also have a warning for beginners.
New Natural History Museum in Leipzig: construction begins on major underground project
From bowling alley to natural history museum - construction work has begun on the new museum location in Leipzig. Four years and a lot of money are planned for the conversion.
BUND Saxony welcomes rejection of the industrial area in Wiedemar
A huge industrial estate was to be built in the district of North Saxony. But nothing will come of it for the time being. The majority of the town voted against it.
Pillnitz Palace Park - Robot helps gardeners with watering
The State Palaces, Castles and Gardens of Saxony are relying on new technology in times of climate change. A watering robot fills itself and makes the gardeners' work easier.
Porphyry less in demand - quarry files for insolvency
Rochlitz porphyry is widely used as a building material and is recognized as a special natural stone. But now the porphyry quarries have become insolvent.
Nabu: Over 70 roost sponsors for bats in Saxony
They hunt silently and are important for ecosystems. But the habitats of bats are becoming narrower, insects are becoming fewer - this endangers many species, including in Saxony.
Christmas tree producers in Saxony expect prices to rise in 2024
Some Christmas tree producers in Saxony are expecting prices to rise in 2024. Nevertheless, the Christmas tree should remain affordable for everyone.
Environment Minister: species extinction in Saxony a threat
For Environment Minister Wolfram Günther, species conservation and climate protection go hand in hand. Over the past five years, a trend reversal has been initiated, but there is still a lot to do, says the Minister.
Robot to water plants in Pillnitz Palace Park
High-tech in a baroque landscape: the State Palaces, Castles and Gardens of Saxony are relying on the support of researchers in times of climate change. One fruitful result is now being put to use.
Blue-green algae in Pirk reservoir - health authority warns
If you want to refresh yourself on a summer's day, you will have to do without the cool water in the Pirk reservoir. The health authority warns of blue-green algae.
Saxony wants to preserve orchards in the long term
In Saxony, work is continuing on creating blooming landscapes. Among other things, the state wants to preserve its orchards and is now researching how this can best be achieved.
Anniversary exhibition to mark the 250th birthday of Caspar David Friedrich
The Elbe Sandstone Mountains not far from Dresden inspired the Romantic artist Caspar David Friedrich. He found motifs and moods of nature in the bizarre rocky world - they made his paintings world-famous.
Blue-green algae in the Quitzdorf reservoir - authority advises against swimming
Dangerous blue-green algae have been discovered in the Quitzdorf reservoir. Streaking and cloudy water indicate the presence of bacteria.
Number of forest fires in Saxony at a similar level to 2023
The 2024 forest fire season shows unusual developments in Saxony. Special measures and human behavior play a decisive role.
Kreuzchor sings for Saxony's forests in Dresden Heath
The Kruzians, whose domicile is churches and concert halls, were already drawn to Saxon Switzerland in 2023. Now the famous boys' choir is once again giving a charity concert - in nature and for nature.
Increased controls at Lake Bockwitz for nature conservation
Increased controls at Lake Bockwitz are intended to protect nature, as breaches of the rules endanger the ecosystem. The town of Borna reacts.
Many bird species endangered - ospreys on the rise
The osprey is once again more common in Saxony. In contrast, populations of other bird species are declining. A mammal that is not native to this country is causing problems.
River Kirnitzsch in Saxon Switzerland becomes more animal-friendly
A weir is being dismantled to make the river near Bad Schandau passable for fish and aquatic life.
1,000 hectares of Dauban forest to become wilderness
Nature conservation in the Dauban Forest is making progress. An area on the site of the former NVA military training area is to be left entirely to nature.
Danger for bees: Asian hornet soon in Saxony?
The Asian hornet is feared as a bee predator. While it is spreading in other federal states, it has not yet been sighted in Saxony. A question of time?
Forest fire danger increases in Saxony
The risk of forest fires has increased throughout Saxony compared to the weekend. There is a medium risk in large parts of the state, but two areas are in the high risk zone.
Forests well supplied with water before the start of midsummer
A series of drought years have taken their toll on Saxony's forests. Things are looking better this year. However, the height of summer is still to come.
Saxony's forests well supplied with water - average forest fire season so far
Saxony's forests are well supplied with water before the start of midsummer. The forest fire season has been average so far.
Tourism in Saxony: Nature, history and Christmas as top drivers
Nature and the countryside in combination with the cities are the strongest drivers for Saxony's tourism. Christmas, history and tradition also make the Free State an attractive destination.
Federal states see federal government as responsible for water supply
The coal phase-out is not only bringing about considerable changes in Lusatia. The consequences extend all the way to Berlin.
Saxony: Districts receive pre-emptive right for nature conservation areas
Saxony makes it easier for districts to acquire nature conservation areas through pre-emption rights and lowers the minimum age for voluntary work in nature conservation to 16.
Children and young people in Saxony involved as Young Nature Guards
Building mud huts, weaving wicker baskets, listening to birdsong: Children and young people from Saxony got involved as "Young Nature Guards" on Saturday.
Tension in Saxony's forests: Bark beetle situation remains critical
The bark beetle situation in Saxony's forests remains tense. The early swarming of the bark beetles due to the warm weather at the end of March was unfavorable.
Bark beetle situation in Saxony's forests remains tense
The bark beetle situation in Saxony's forests remains tense, with up to three generations this year and a slight increase in wood infestation.
Bark beetle situation in Saxony's forests remains tense
The bark beetle situation in Saxony's forests remains tense. Warm weather favors reproduction. Water supply to the trees has a positive effect.
BUND sees environmental protection jeopardized by the rise of populists
The environmental association BUND has warned of serious consequences for climate and nature conservation due to the rise of populist parties. Europe is at a crossroads with the elections on June 9. "Democracy, the existence of the EU and the possibility of effective environmental protection would b ..
Saxony: House sparrow, starling and great tit most frequently seen in bird census
Over 3300 birdwatchers took part in the bird count in Saxony at the beginning of May. House sparrows, starlings and great tits were the most frequently seen birds.
Saxony warns of poisonous spring ragwort: control urgently recommended
The poisonous spring ragwort is spreading in Saxony, state office recommends combating it. Plant contains harmful substances.
Plague of mosquitoes in Saxony: experts warn of increased incidence of mosquitoes
People in Saxony must be prepared for significantly more mosquitoes this year. Experts warn of a potential increase in the mosquito population and disease transmission.
Reinhardtsdorf-Schöna: New state-recognized resort in Saxony
Reinhardtsdorf-Schöna is now a state-recognized resort in Saxony, with a focus on nature and landscape. Tourism Minister Barbara Klepsch acknowledges the municipality's efforts.
Four illegal wolf killings registered in Saxony
In the current monitoring year, four illegally killed wolves have been found in Saxony. The LKA and LfULG warn of the number of unreported cases.
Bombastus-Werke in Freital wants to expand its site
Bombastus-Werke in Freital near Dresden plans to expand its site in the medium term and is investing in new machinery and technology.
Reforestation in Saxony: 700,000 new trees planted
Thanks to many volunteers, more than 700,000 new trees have been planted in Saxony since 2022. A good 5,000 people have taken part in the Forest Championship campaign so far, the initiators announced on Sunday. The initiative of the Forest for Saxony Foundation, the image campaign of the Free State ..
Street trees suffer from drought and temperatures
Climate change poses challenges for street trees. When planting new trees, many cities now have to rely on drought-tolerant tree species.
Bark beetle season in Saxony starts early
The bark beetle season has started early in Saxony, forest owners should act now.
More wolf kills expected at the start of the grazing season
The grazing season begins in Saxony. This also increases the risk of wolf attacks. How can livestock owners protect themselves?
Mobile stations to bring research work closer
The Senckenberg Natural History Collections Dresden want to arouse interest in their research with mobile research stations. From April to September, two research bikes will provide information on various topics at different locations in Dresden on five Saturdays, as a spokeswoman announced on Frida ..
Mobile stations to bring research work closer
The Senckenberg Natural History Collections Dresden want to arouse interest in their research with mobile research stations. From April to September, two research bikes will provide information on various topics at different locations in Dresden on five Saturdays, as a spokeswoman announced on Frida ..
New Mediterranean House in the Botanical Garden of Leipzig University
Visitors to the Botanical Garden can now experience the flora of Australia, South Africa and the Canary Islands. Students and schoolchildren will also benefit from the new beds in the orangery.
Heat and drought cause problems for street trees
Heat and drought are hard on street trees. Preserving them involves a great deal of effort - but it is worth it. They make an important contribution to the urban climate.
Saxony's Ministry of Agriculture supports environmentally and climate-friendly agriculture with 26 million euros
The Saxon Ministry of Agriculture is transferring 26 million euros to applicants for environmental and climate-friendly measures in agriculture.
Another lynx released into the wild: Trio in the Westerzgebirge
The RELynx Saxony project aims to reintroduce the extinct lynx to the state. The plan is to reintroduce up to 20 animals to the Ore Mountains over the next few years.
Environmental associations call for careful handling of Easter bonfires
Environmental organizations give tips for environmentally friendly Easter bonfires and warn of the negative effects on animals and the environment.
UN award for project to protect the freshwater pearl mussel
A project to breed and release the endangered freshwater pearl mussel into the wild receives a UN award.
Millions in funding for Saxon-Czech cooperation
Seven further projects are being funded with 9.25 million euros for cross-border cooperation between Saxony and the Czech Republic. These include the Silver Route project, which aims to develop sustainable tourism offers in order to better connect the 22 components of the UNESCO World Heritage Ore M ..
First lynxes released into the wild in the Ore Mountains
Around 20 lynx are to be released into the wild in Saxony by 2027. The first two animals have now made a start.
Deutsche Bahn relies on hybrid locomotives with electricity and chip fat
Deutsche Bahn wants to make its freight transport more environmentally friendly and is relying on hybrid locomotives powered by electricity and diesel from chip fat.
Deutsche Bahn presents new hybrid locomotives powered by chip fat and electricity
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is presenting new hybrid locomotives that run on chip fat and electricity to make freight transport more environmentally friendly.
Climate activists block road crossing in Dresden for fair climate protection
Climate activists protest against environmental destruction and demand fair climate protection in Dresden.
Perfect conditions for bark beetles after storm depression
After a storm at the end of last year left damage in the forests of the district of Saxon Switzerland-Eastern Ore Mountains, experts fear further negative effects from the bark beetle. The district announced in Pirna on Wednesday that the dead wood that had been felled served as a suitable breeding ..
Conservationists get in the mood for fire salamander season
Spring makes everything new: this message also applies to numerous animal species. With rising temperatures comes movement in the animal world. This applies not least to amphibians.
Record number of breeding storks in Saxony
More and more white storks are breeding in Saxony. Last year, more than 400 breeding pairs were counted, a record. However, experts are still concerned.
Hunters have no problems after the extensive rainfall
Flooded meadows, wet ground: wild boars are happy and so are the hunters. The rainy weather is not currently making hunting in Bavaria any more difficult.
Saxony's bees get the year off to a good start
The bees still have three weeks of calendar winter to get through. Then they will have overcome their biggest threat for the time being: the Varroa mite.
Citizens' initiative fails: energy projects south of Leipzig are implemented
A citizens' initiative has failed in its attempt to prevent two energy projects south of Leipzig. The referendum on the "Green Power Park" and "Kleinzössen Energy Park" projects in Neukieritzsch was negative.
Concern about the high number of amphibians and reptiles at the conservation center
Worrying number of amphibians and reptiles at Nabu's species conservation center in Leiferde.
Climate change threatens the ecosystem in the Wadden Sea Unesco World Heritage Site
The consequences of climate change on land and at sea are increasingly changing the ecosystem in the Wadden Sea. New study shows unprecedented changes.
Green Power Park planned on site of former briquette factory south of Leipzig
A green power park with a data center, green hydrogen production and battery storage is being built on the site of a former briquette factory.
Authorities search for adders and smooth snakes
Native snake species are increasingly dependent on the protection of their habitats. The Sächsische Schweiz-Osterzgebirge district office asked the public for support on Monday. Specifically, it is about the rare smooth snake and the adder - the "Reptile of the Year 2024" in Germany. Anyone who spot ..
Conservationists help local authorities to maintain bodies of water
The German Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND) wants to help municipalities in the lignite regions affected by structural change to maintain their watercourses. The association announced in Chemnitz on Thursday that the "Living Banks" project will support them in meeting EU ..
Saxon alliance for the protection of the fire salamander
An alliance for the protection of the fire salamander has been formed in Saxony. The aim is to set up a monitoring and early warning system to protect the fire salamander in Saxony, the Saxon Switzerland-Eastern Ore Mountains district office announced in Pirna on Wednesday. The Dresden University of ..
Conservationists call for more consideration for trees
"My friend, the tree": the song by singer Alexandra became a cult song at the end of the 1960s. Even decades later, trees are still dependent on human support - especially in the coming weeks.