Natural further development of the Feihlerhöhe (2021)

Improving biodiversity through insect-friendly management

The Feihlerhöhe is a recreational oasis right next to Purkersdorf's city centre. With a beautiful view over the Wiental to the nature park opposite, it invites visitors to relax and have a picnic. 

The municipality of Purkersdorf and the Nature Park jointly submitted the "Aufblühen auf der Feihlerhöhe" project to the "15 Jahre-15 Projekte" competition organised by the Vienna Woods Biosphere Reserve and received approval. 

In this project we have improved biodiversity and beauty of the important habitat. Beneficial insects were encouraged by installing an insect hotel and several deadwood areas. The species richness was increased by using gentle mowing methods (including a sheep pasture) so that there would be even more buzzing, humming and bleating in future.

In summer, we offered scythe mowing days, and in late autumn, schoolchildren planted shrubs and hedges. This was intended to increase the interest of volunteers in maintaining the area. New rest and relaxation areas are being created in the peripheral zones for visitors to observe and enjoy the diversity of the meadow.

The project was funded by "Biospärenpark Wienerwald" management and the "Verein Niederösterreich-Wien - Gemeinsame Entwicklungsräume".