Uckermark preserves apple treasures: old varieties for the future!

Uckermark preserves apple treasures: old varieties for the future!

The Uckermärkische Seen Nature Park is flourishing - and not just in its meadows and forests. Old apple trees, which shape the landscape and provide habitat for numerous animal species, are the focus of the Brandenburg Nature Watch. It has been committed to the preservation and mapping of old apple varieties for over two decades, and in the last three years the nature watch has systematically recorded the tall trees in the park using the latest technology, such as GPS devices and tape measures. This project, led by Wibke Avenhaus, allows important information to be collected about planting locations, vitality and condition of the trees. The inventory begins as soon as the first apples are ripe and become visible. Nordkurier reports on the commitment that began in the 1990s and led to the mapping of orchards between 1995 and 1999 as part of a research project.

As part of this project, 109 apple varieties worth preserving were selected for a recultivation project. Since then, the nature park administration has been awarding young standard stems of these old varieties to interested citizens every year. From 2003 to 2022, around 5,200 trees found a new place, and the nature watchdog is now trying to find out where the planted young trees have gone. Over 2,200 of these trees have already been recorded. All 109 recultivated varieties can be seen in the variety show garden at the NaturTherme in Templin, and in November 2023 young standard apple trees will again be distributed to interested garden owners. The lively selection ensures that old fruit varieties live on not only genetically, but also in the region's gardens.

The variety of fruit on offer

Thanks to a research project that took place from 1995 to 1999, a total of 157 regionally typical apple varieties were identified in the Uckermark. Around 100 old Uckermark local varieties were carefully selected for another orchard project. The Nature Watch and the Uckermärkische Seen Nature Park have recorded the origin of each tree, marked it and determined its variety. The measures also included obtaining fruit samples and scions for propagation. The standard tree trunks grown in the nature park tree nursery are not available in regular nursery stores, which underlines the importance of their preservation. The initiative to win so-called “apple tree partners” for planting and care within the nature park ensures the continued existence of this genetic diversity. [Uckermärkische Seen Nature Park](https://www.uckermaerkische-seen-naturpark.de/unser-vertrag/regionalentwicklung/genbedarfprojekt-alte-apfel Sorten/) also carries out an annual Nature Park Apple Day, which is intended to raise awareness among the population about regional products and projects.

But why are these ancient types of fruit still important? The NABU explains that orchard farming is an extensive farming method with tall fruit trees. These areas are not only important for the apples themselves, but also provide habitat for numerous animal species and contribute to the preservation of valuable cultural and natural heritage. There are around 6,000 regional types of fruit in Germany, with old apples, pears and cherries playing a central role. These varieties are irreplaceable for sustainable agriculture and promote biological diversity in cultivated landscapes. NABU offers a lot of information about the best varieties and their care in order to give it further boost. [NABU].

Naturwacht has set standards through commitment, creativity and the support of numerous volunteers. Around 330 volunteers are currently working to promote sustainable education and nature and species protection. It is these actors who keep the nature park's motto alive: Together for diversity! And so it remains to be seen how many old apple varieties will be added, but one thing is certain: the love for apple trees remains alive in the Uckermärkisches Nature Park - and in an environmentally friendly way.