The beginning - The wild bees
We all probably know butterflies in our stomachs, but will they still be seen on the hay flower meadow in the future? In addition to butterflies and many other flower-seeking insects, wild bees are also at risk. The meadows and pastures of our dairy farmers' grassland are important habitats for insects and many other animals.
In 2017 we initiated a research project together with some farming families and experts from the University of Salzburg. Since then we have been working to develop basic knowledge about the bee fauna in the grassland area - with the aim of understanding what bees need in the grassland. In the meantime, around 90 different bee species have been discovered in the agricultural project areas of our farmers, which corresponds to a quarter of the species found in Upper Austria and a third of the species found in Salzburg. Especially the edge structures of the meadows, abandoned piles of wood, rarely mowed embankments and forgotten corners have proven to be indispensable habitats for wild bees because they offer a variety of nesting opportunities and species-rich food sources.
"It's amazing how much biodiversity can develop here with little effort! You often don't even notice it yourself," says one of the farmers' wives happily, and another farmer notes: "The corner has always been difficult to mow. Now a bee meadow can blossom there and I have a lot less work to do. With the results of the project, I finally have something in my hands to leave the steep roadsides neatly sloppy and can talk to critical neighbors and passers-by about the usefulness of wild bees.” The Woerle dairy farmers proudly state: The project will be continued with great commitment in the future. They want to continue to help shape our regional nature, create awareness and pass on their knowledge to each other.
