Heathland in Harburg threatened: Beetles devour the flowers!

Heathland in Harburg threatened: Beetles devour the flowers!

The Wulmstorfer Heath is currently under pressure: the dreaded heather leaf beetle has defoliated large parts of the heather plants. On an area of ​​seven hectares, which accounts for almost a fifth of the total heath and sandy grassland, the pest is a worrying sight. In the worst case, damage of this kind could lead to the heather failing to bloom in purple tones. This reported T online.

However, Mirko Dannenfeld, chairman of the Harburg District Nature Conservation Foundation, sees no reason to panic. It is a natural pest that occurs particularly in older heath areas. The mild temperatures and the lack of frost favor the spread of the beetle. Damp, warm weather also supports the development of the moss under the heather, so that the beetle can overwinter ideally.

Preservation of the heathland

In order to counteract the impending danger, comprehensive care measures are planned for the cold season. In winter, trees should be removed and the areas “scoured” to remove the breeding ground for the beetle. The Wulmstorfer Heide extends over around 272 hectares and is home to numerous endangered species such as the sand lizard and the woodlark. This flora and fauna must be protected.

In a similar context, it becomes clear how care and protection measures in the heath and in the forest must go hand in hand. In Lower Saxony, the fire brigade set fire to areas in an exercise to prevent the heath areas from dying off and at the same time curb the spread of the heather leaf beetle. Operations manager Detlef Maushake coordinates the extinguishing work, while the firefighters are on duty with water backpacks and tools. Controlled fire pits are intended to burn the leaves of the dead plants, which damages the beetle and protects the roots of the heather plants so that new shoots can sprout. Such care measures have already proven their worth last year, reported Deutschlandfunk.

A look at climate impacts and biodiversity

The current challenges facing nature are not just a local problem: the effects of climate change are felt everywhere. In many regions of Germany, spruce forests are dying, which once again increases the need for protection and reforestation measures. Diversity in forests is increasing, which benefits many species, including field crickets and sand lizards. However, the pressure on moisture-dependent species, such as the yellow iris, is increasing. In Paderborn it has been observed that small bodies of water dry out more quickly in dry years - a circumstance that affects amphibians such as the common toad. Protective measures are therefore essential in view of this development, as shown Paderborn.de is to be read.

Whether in the Wulmstorfer Heide or elsewhere – the care and protection of our nature requires a good hand in order to sustainably preserve the local flora and fauna in the future. If people treat the natural cycle with the necessary respect, nature has a chance to regenerate and thrive.