Rangers count rare orchids: hope for the Barnim Nature Park!

Rangers count rare orchids: hope for the Barnim Nature Park!

It's blooming like crazy again in the Barnim Nature Park! Because it is the season of wild orchids, and the Nature Watch rangers are in the middle of their annual count. From the end of April to the end of June, the rangers are tasked with observing and counting the rare wild plants at various locations. An important undertaking that is important not only for the beautiful flowers, but also for the protection and monitoring of orchid populations.

The orchids, also known as “cuckoo flowers”, are particularly in the spotlight. They have their name for a reason, as their flowering period coincides with the first call of the cuckoo. However, there is an interesting development in the Barnim Nature Park: a hybrid form of the broad-leaved and stiff-leaved orchid can be observed more and more frequently.But this year the rangers also discovered that many small plants or specimens without flowers were counted. This is possibly a result of lack of water and cold nights in May..

The magnificent variety of orchids

The broad-leaved orchid (Dactylorhiza majalis) is one of the outstanding species found in Brandenburg. This orchid is known not only for its spectacular flowers in light pink to bright purple, but also for its critically endangered position on the Red List of species in Germany.Once a year the plant is even named Orchid of the Year - an award that underlines its rarity and need for protection.

The structures in which these plants thrive have changed significantly. Once widespread in wet meadows, the broad-leaved orchid has now become rare. High demands on the soil and negative influences such as intensive fertilization and early mowing pose a lasting threat to the threatened plants..This makes it all the more important to properly care for the habitats; Targeted mowing after the flowering period not only helps the orchids, but also benefits local, ground-nesting birds.

Healthy stocks thanks to targeted counting

Despite the challenges, there is good news: at some locations even more orchids were counted this year than in previous years. A nice ray of hope! The annual count by the Nature Watch is by no means just a formality; it helps to monitor the condition of the stocks and to take necessary nature conservation measures.The Brandenburg Nature Watch, which has been active since 1991, carries out numerous nature and species protection measures and accompanies around 10,000 interested parties on guided tours through the landscape every year.

The enthusiasm for nature is also strengthened by the support of over 330 volunteers who work tirelessly to preserve this unique flora. So if you want to go on an expedition into nature, a trip to the Barnim Nature Park is highly recommended!