The natural heritage forest in Blankenburg (Middle Harz region)
About this good practice
In 2011, the Environment, Nature and Climate Protection Foundation of Saxony-Anhalt (SUNK) received more than 2,000 hectares of valuable forest area from the federal government. In addition to silvicultural conversion measures, process protection has priority in the natural heritage forest, i.e. the forest is to be left to develop naturally. The natural heritage forest is already a refuge for many protected species such as the black stork or the lynx. Since 2020, the foundation has been actively working to make the natural heritage forest more visible and experienceable for various target groups through gentle tourism and guided visitor flow.
Through the cooperation with a well-known regional beekeeper, whose bees produce honey from the nectar of plants in the foundation forest, a new regional product is created - the natural heritage forest honey. On the one hand the honey serves to generate regional attention and to make the natural heritage forest of the foundation more visible. On the other hand it also offers the option for further activities in the field of environmental education. Through the cooperation with the beekeeper guided tours with school classes and educational institutions as well as general events can be organized together.
In order to further develop general knowledge about the forest and also attract interest of young people in nature or active outdoors, the forest was given its own digital theme day on the foundation's social media channels.
Resources needed
Two project coordinators take care of the development of the forest. To set up marketing projects you would need their experience and knowledge as well as their network and organisation (8 h per week) plus the help of a communication or social media manager (6-8 h per week).
Evidence of success
The practice is considered to be good, because this project combines many different aspects like getting a bigger audience and target group to explain what’s a natural heritage forest about and raising awareness for species conservation as well as to draw attention to the importance of bees for our ecosystem and give people information on how to protect them and our ecosystem.
Through our digital hikes we offer people who don’t know our forestan impression of a biodiversity refuge.
Potential for learning or transfer
The practise is potentially interesting for other regions to learn from, because it helps to attract visitors and people who haven’t heard of your projects yet. Through working together with a regional well known partner you can share the capacity which is needed to make the practise successful. In this way you also receive new ideas and other opinions which can be helpful and a great addition to your own project.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
SUNK - Environment, Nature and Climate Protection Foundation Saxony-Anhalt