The fruit blossom in Saxony has begun, transforming the landscape in some places into a sea of white flowers. Just in time for the start of the season, the Landesstiftung Natur und Umwelt is making a plea for orchard meadows as legally protected biotopes. "They provide an important habitat for many protected species of bats, birds and insects. They are also home to fruit trees of old local and regional cultivars," it said.
The foundation owns and manages orchards in Saxony. The fruit trees are professionally pruned, the meadows are mowed and some are also grazed by sheep. However, due to a lack of use and care, such meadows in Saxony are also under threat, the foundation said. Mistletoe is also a problem for the trees. Infested trees are often so severely weakened that they die.
The foundation pointed out that orchards are on the Red List of the most endangered biotope types in Europe. A meadow orchard should contain at least ten fruit trees and cover an area of at least 1,500 square meters, then it is considered a protected biotope in Saxony. On the last weekend in April, the "Day of the Orchard Meadow" aims to draw attention to this natural asset worthy of protection with many events.
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