Bavaria's new orchard project plants 65 fruit trees to revive biodiversity

A nature reserve in Bavaria has welcomed 65 new apple and pear trees as part of a wider conservation effort. The planting forms a key action under the region’s Streuobstpakt—a scheme backed by the Bavarian State Ministry for the Environment and Consumer Protection. These traditional orchards aim to boost biodiversity while preserving local heritage. The trees now stand in the Former Landshut Military Training Grounds, a protected area owned by the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU). Each sapling belongs to hardy, standard-stem varieties, chosen for their regional roots and resilience to local conditions.

Maintenance will be intensive. The reserve’s management team will oversee pruning, watering during dry spells, and shaping the young trees into stable, productive canopies. Once mature, the harvest will go to *Höhenberg Community*, who turn the fruit into organic-certified juice. Traditional orchards like this one are known for their rich biodiversity. They can support up to 5,000 species, including rare birds such as the wryneck—a threatened species that nests in old woodpecker holes. The initiative ties together conservation, social engagement, and a celebration of Bavaria’s rural traditions.

The project expands the region’s network of traditional orchards, blending ecological benefits with community involvement. Over time, the trees will provide fruit for local juice production and habitats for wildlife. The Streuobstpakt continues to fund similar efforts across Bavaria.