English
A short information about the work of the nature supporting society „Ecological Station Borna-Birkenhain“
The nature supporting society „Ecological Station“ is an society which supports the protection of nature and landscape of the southern area of Leipzig . At the moment it provides seven employees with work, it is also a place of working for alternative community servers, young people in their voluntary ecological year and we are involved in ABM-projects. Our centre is located at the „Lerchenberg“ not far away from the town of Borna.
In the following our most important fields of work are presented.
Research and development
We work in a region that has been influenced by brown coal mining. We try hard to protect the remained cultivated countryside as well as we try to recultivate the mining areas close to nature. For example we are actively working together with mining administrator to protect the native landscapes after the mining. The landscape following the mining is an unique refuge to many protected species of plants and animals. Therefore we care for the preservation of important nature reserves.
The areas of the mine Bockwitz and the Lobstädter Lache which are protected within the flora – fauna- habitations policy are only two of them.
Environmental education and educating
 Experiencing, discovering and understanding nature – that’s the aim of our experience nature pedagogy which we offer to children, youth and adults. In our „Wood – Play- Group“ the youngest learn the processes of nature with the utmost ease. Corresponding to the aims of agenda 21 the participants of our working group „ Scenting Noses Nature“ are stimulated to think about an effective treatment of our environment.
On our terrain at the neighbouring open-cast mines as well as at other locations (schools, wood, meadowland) we arrange projects and activities for school classes.
During the yearly international youth camp youths from inland and abroad learn a lot about our country and it’s people and they are helping with the care of nature.
Furthermore we offer different education activities to friends of nature and persons interested in getting information. For example: Excursions to the mines, guided bird singing tours and slide shows.
Caring for landscape, the protection of nature and species
 Much time and strength is invested in the care of valuable meadowland which has a special status of protection. For instance we look after humid meadows where rare plant species like orchids grow. Our sheep herd is supporting us with that. Besides our colleagues are responsible for the care of willows and plantation of trees and hedges.
Old buildings are often places for rare species to build their nests for breeding. In these cases we check which species can be found, how they can be protected if compensation steps must be made before the pulling down or reconstruction of such a building.
Therefore we draw up certificates and watch over the reconstruction. One of our special task is the protection of bats.
In the southern area of Leipzig we are the only place to go for people who find injured or helpless wild-living animals. We look after these animals and finally release them to freedom.
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