Sandarium for wild bees: Get involved in nature conservation in the region!

Sandarium for wild bees: Get involved in nature conservation in the region!

The threatened world of wild bees now has a new ally: the sandarium. These special dry habitats are on the rise and offer much-needed refuge for ground-nesting wild bees and other insects. More and more people in Cologne and the surrounding area have recognized the relevance of these insects and want to take action. SHZ reports that a sandarium is a sandy, dry area that attracts various species of wild bees that rely on loose soil for their brood tubes.

The problem is clear: wild bees' natural habitats are increasingly disappearing due to intensive agriculture and sealed areas. There are around 560 species of wild bees in Germany, of which around 420 nest in the ground and often fall by the wayside in the modern environment. The sandarium offers a solution here: it is created under the guidance of experienced landscape gardeners, which gives participants deeper insights into the meaning and design of natural areas.

Participation campaign for more biodiversity

On November 15, 2025, a hands-on activity will take place in the Aukrug Nature Park that is specifically dedicated to this topic. Participants can actively participate in creating a sandarium. This free event is sponsored by the Schleswig-Holstein Ministry of the Environment. Registration is required by November 10, 2025 and spaces are limited to 15-18 registrants. So if you are interested in biodiversity, you should be quick and express your interest by sending an email to info@naturpark-aukrug.com.

Participants should bring gardening gloves, weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes and a good mood. After registering, those interested will receive further information, including the exact location of the event. The fact that wild bees are crucial for pollinating plants and therefore securing our harvests will be clearly the focus of this event, as will the findings of ECO TEST show.

Protecting biodiversity through nature reserves

In addition, nature reserves play a crucial role in maintaining wild bee populations. A study from Baden-Württemberg shows that more wild bee species occur in these protected areas than in other areas. This highlights the need for action in the expansion and maintenance of such areas, as in Nature & landscape is reported.

So if you want to do good for the environment and biodiversity, think about how you can create a sandarium. All you need is a sunny spot and a few simple steps: dig an area of ​​at least 40 x 40 cm, add sandy soil and ensure good drainage. Essential plants are drought-tolerant species that provide additional habitat for wild bees. Joint actions not only help support bees, but also strengthen the sense of community that we need in our cities.

Take the opportunity to become part of this important initiative and bring a breath of fresh air into your garden - the wild bees will thank you!