Photo: FES e. V.

The Eberstadt orchard meadows in southern Darmstadt form one of the most significant contiguous orchard areas in Hesse. Countless bird species, insects, and wild plants find a habitat here, which is also a popular local recreation area. However, drought, heat waves, and rising average temperatures are taking a noticeable toll on the standard fruit trees: They are losing vitality and becoming more susceptible to disease. Since 2022, the Friends of the Eberstadt Orchard Meadows (FES e. V.) have therefore been working on a plan to make this traditional cultural landscape in the immediate vicinity of the Software AG Foundation climate-resilient in the long term.

Planting, tending, experimenting

To ensure the ecosystem endures even under changing conditions, the association is planting alternative, better-adapted fruit varieties and testing new planting methods. At the same time, the care of existing trees is being systematically expanded—primarily using the so-called Öschberg pruning method, a specialized technique for revitalizing standard trees. Additionally, the association is testing the cultivation of climate-resilient seedlings. “This approach strengthens the orchard meadows that have characterized our region for decades, so that they can continue to thrive even under changing climate conditions,” explains SAGST project manager Christian Wüst. “Nature conservation requires both: practical, hands-on knowledge and the courage to break new ground.” As early as 2022/23, SAGST had supported the association’s efforts with funds for nature conservation as part of the “Echo hilft!” fundraising campaign. Now, the foundation is providing further targeted support for the project—so that the species-rich local recreation area right on its doorstep can be preserved for future generations.