"Hard as a rock and rich in stones" – 60 years of the Nussloch bird sanctuary near Heidelberg

Founded in April 1961 in a community about 10 km south of Heidelberg, one of the first major projects of the Nussloch Bird Protection and Breeding Association (Vogelschutz- und Zuchtverein Nussloch e. V.) was the designation of a bird sanctuary. Heiner Schmidt was chosen as the "guardian" for the future bird sanctuary. He was striving to implement the project in the same year. However, despite his great commitment, the search for a suitable site proved difficult at first. His first efforts led him to the former mayor Hans Feil, who suggested the promising wetland "Schlauch" with the associated poplar forest in the northwest of the community. A suitable area in itself, but which, as later became known, was to turn into the Nussloch industrial area.

A happy coincidence...

Initial successes were celebrated when the Bird Protection and Breeding Society was transferred a lease for a vineyard at the south-western corner of the Nussloch quarry (Leopoldsberg/Ludwigsberg). Theophil Sing, the previous tenant, wanted to give up the contract due to a move and so this lucky coincidence happened. However, the leased area with a surface of 20 ares was not sufficient for a bird sanctuary - it had to be extended.

The search for a promising solution led Schmidt to the Leimen cement plant. However, the idea of nature conservation had yet to gain acceptance there. But in the end, the acting quarry master Michael Fröhner could be convinced and helped further. With a lease agreement for 6 hectares, the members of the association were finally able to begin with the implementation of the project, which first required making the quarry area accessible. In order to create an attractive natural area for the birds, water points were created and nesting boxes were installed. An observation stand was also set up.

Heiner Schmidt describes the strenuous work in retrospect as "rock-hard and stone-rich". Today, however, the positive results of years of commitment can clearly be seen.

Diversity is spreading...

Numerous cavity-nesting birds can be observed in the bird sanctuary today. An amazing variety of plants has also settled over the years, attracting butterflies, wild bees, and other insects. A special highlight is the orchid population, which has flourished there in great numbers for the first time after a decade of work. Interested visitors have the opportunity to take part in natural history excursions.

The successful project with its magnificent flora also attracted attention in professional circles and beyond the city limits. Thanks to the initiative of the Vogelschutz- und Zuchtverein Nussloch e. V., the "bird sanctuary" project continues to be a success. Throughout the entire period, the association also received support in its maintenance from the plant managers of the cement plant, Günther Schneider and Dr. Ulrich Schneider.

Many thanks go to Heiner Schmidt for the idea and collaboration on this report.