Uckermark preserves apple treasures: old varieties for the future!

Uckermark preserves apple treasures: old varieties for the future!

Templin, Deutschland - The Uckermärkische Lakes nature park blooms - and not just on its meadows and forests. Old apple trees that shape the landscape and offer habitat for numerous animal species are the focus of the Naturwacht Brandenburg. This has been committed to maintaining and mapping of old apple varieties for over two decades, and in the past three years the natural guard has systematically recorded the high tribes in the park using the latest technology, such as GPS devices and scale. This project under the direction of Wibke Avenhaus allows important information about plant locations, vitality and the state of care of the trees. The inventory begins as soon as the first apples are ripe and become visible. Nordkurier reports that already in the 1990s and between 1995 and 1999 as part of a research project for mapping of orchards has.

In the course of this project, 109 -worthy apple varieties were selected for a recultivation project. Since then, the nature park administration has been awarding young high tribes of these old varieties to interested citizens every year. From 2003 to 2022, around 5,200 trees found a new place, and the natural guard is now trying to find out where the planted young trees stayed. Over 2,200 of these trees have already been recorded. All 109 recultivated varieties can be seen in the varietal show garden on the Naturtherme in Templin, and in November 2023 young apple high tribes will be spent again to interested garden owners. The busy offer ensures that old types of fruit not only live genetically, but also in the gardens of the region.

The diversity of the Obstalbots

Thanks to a research project that took place from 1995 to 1999, a total of 157 typical regional apple varieties could be identified in the Uckermark. Around 100 old Uckermark land varieties were carefully selected for another orchard project. The natural guard and the Uckermärkische Lakes nature park have recorded, marked and determined the origin of every tree. The extraction of fruit samples and travelers for propagation was also one of the measures. The high-stems used in the nature park tree school are not available in regular tree school trade, which underlines the importance of their preservation. The continued existence of this genetic diversity is secured by the initiative, so -called "apple high master partner" for planting and care within the nature park. Uckermärkische Seen Naturpark also carries out an annual nature park apple day that is intended to sensitize the population for regional products and projects.

But why are these old types of fruit still important? The NABU explains that orchard construction is an extensive economy with high -born fruit trees. These areas are not only important for the apples themselves, but also offer living space for numerous animal species and contribute to the preservation of a valuable cultural and natural heritage. In Germany there are around 6,000 regional types, with the old apples, pears and cherries play a central role. These varieties are irreplaceable for sustainable agriculture and promote biological diversity in the cultural landscapes. The NABU offers numerous information about the best varieties and their care to give your further upswing. NABU shows how everyone can benefit economically and ecologically during orchard construction.

The nature guard has set the commitment, creativity and the support of numerous voluntary standards. Around 330 volunteers currently work to promote sustainable education and nature and species protection. It is these actors who keep the motto of the nature park alive: together for diversity! And so it remains to be seen how many old apple varieties are added, but one thing is certain: in the Uckermärkische Naturpark, love for the apple trees remains alive - and that is very environmentally friendly.