With currently 50 members - including 32 municipalities, eleven clubs and associations and six private individuals - the LEV has successfully implemented numerous projects. In the area of orchards, activities range from the collection of prunings to orchard education for more than 6,000 schoolchildren and the revitalization care of around 1,450 trees; in addition, around 7,000 liters of cider were produced as part of the "Landkreis-Cidre" project.
In the area of open land and species protection, a wide range of measures were implemented for partridges, brown hares and other species, including the creation of perennial fallow land, the provision of seeds and the establishment of light fields on an area of over 70 hectares. Another focus was on the dry stone vineyards, where dry stone walls were renovated, workshops were offered for winegrowers and contributions were made to the ILEK Enz and Neckar loop concept. In addition, 13 plans have already been completed in 17 municipalities as part of the biotope network, while four further plans are currently being implemented in seven additional municipalities.
Every year, around 465,000 euros flow into contractual nature conservation measures on 335 hectares, with an additional 400,000 euros going into one-year maintenance and nature conservation measures. The LEV provides technical and organizational advice to farmers, associations, municipalities and authorities.
Strong network as a success factor
In the area of networking and cooperation, the LEV works closely with local authorities, nature conservation associations, universities and state authorities. It develops specialist concepts and is also involved in nationwide specialist concepts for biodiversity-friendly mowing technology.
"We rely on expert advice, networking and innovative projects to ensure maximum effectiveness for our project partners despite limited resources," says LEV Managing Director Andreas Fallert.
Outlook: Future projects despite limited funds
Looking to the future, the LEV plans to promote the extensive cultivation of dry stone walls via the nature conservation fund - a funding volume of 200,000 euros is planned for this, with a funding rate of 90 percent. In view of the tight financial situation, the LEV is increasingly relying on state funding, co-financing from project partners and foundation funding in order to multiply the overall project volume.
Contact: Landschaftserhaltungsverband Landkreis Ludwigsburg e.V., Hindenburgstraße 40, 71638 Ludwigsburg, Tel.: 07141 144 43165, Mail: andreas.fallert[at]lev-ludwigsburg.de,www.lev-ludwigsburg.de
