Ruderal area (dry site)

Ruderal areas are habitats with open, stony or sandy soil that have a mosaic of overgrown and open patches of ground. They are often colonized by pioneer plants and ground-nesting insects.

Material:

Free soil surface of at least 1 m²
Nutrient-poor substrate, e.g. wall gravel (unwashed, unbroken and round); sand and natural stones
Native seeds for ruderal areas
optional: stones and/or branches of various sizes

Structure:

depending on the conditions, the humus layer must be removed from the existing soil by up to 40 cm
Fill the area with nutrient-poor substrate
Sow with a native seed mixture in spring (March-May) or fall
Optionally, the area can also be enhanced with sand lenses, stone and branch piles or wooden berms

Function:

Provides food and habitat for wild bees and other insects, reptiles such as lizards, amphibians and birds

Location:

Sunny and dry locations all year round are ideal. Steep slopes are particularly popular with ground-nesting wild bees. Already existing, open and unvegetated sites are suitable and require no additional material.