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Green MP visits threatened natural area: Focus on Kirschgraben!
Laura Weber of the Green Party visited the Kirschgraben limestone quarry in Neustadt an der Waldnaab to provide information about its ecological care.
Green MP visits threatened natural area: Focus on Kirschgraben!
On August 13, 2025, the Green Party member of parliament, Laura Weber, obtained information in the former “Kirschgraben” limestone quarry. This 7-hectare area, which was acquired by BUND Nature Conservation (BN) in 2020, has developed into an ecological gem. Limestone mining in the region stopped decades ago, and the site has been maintained by the BN Kirchenthumbach local group ever since.
During her visit, Weber was accompanied by Reinhold Wilterius, the chairman of the local group, as well as the mayor Ewald Plößner and other interested parties. Wilterius explained the lengthy and complex maintenance concept for the valuable areas. These must be mowed or grazed regularly to prevent bush encroachment, which in turn could threaten the habitats of endangered plants and animals. At a time when concerns are increasing about possible federal and state cost cuts, Wilterius emphasized the high priority of preserving this natural gem.
Financial challenges
The maintenance costs for the Kirschgraben amount to around 5,000 euros per year, a sum that seems small compared to the millions in funding from the State Ministry for the Environment and Consumer Protection (StMUV) for landscape maintenance measures. These funds are crucial in order to preserve the valuable biotopes and to financially secure the necessary measures. The Kirchenthumbach local group, now under the leadership of Rainer Knoll, plans to continue the care in close cooperation with a shepherd.
- Jährliche Pflegekosten: 5.000 Euro
- Fläche des Steinbruchs: ca. 7,4 Hektar
- Lebensraum für bedrohte Arten
In addition to the care costs, the BN local group purchased goats and financed various equipment to maintain the area. Maintenance of this equipment is also something to consider. Information on further care of the quarry will be announced in May 2025, an important moment to determine future steps in conservation.
Support through funding
The Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) plays a central role in promoting projects in the areas of nature conservation and landscape conservation. These projects can be supported by the Federal Environment Ministry, although there are various funding programs and titles. Those interested have the opportunity to receive advice and get an overview of further support options via a funding database. Such initiatives are essential to strengthen nature conservation in Germany.
In summary, the event in Kirschgraben shows how important community and the committed care of natural areas are. Preserving such areas requires both financial resources and the passion of many people who are committed to protecting our natural resources.
The current situation therefore urgently requires a solution in order to continue to protect the valuable habitats and to optimally implement the projects. The Cherry Ditch could serve as an example of how significant progress in conservation can be achieved through community engagement and support.
For more information on the topics discussed, visit the articles from oberpfalz24.de, neustadt-weiden.bund-naturschutz.de as well as the website of the BfN.