Lively Fields and Colorful Forests – Nature Conservation Project in East Westphalia-Lippe

The nature conservation project "Living Fields and Colorful Forests" in East Westphalia-Lippe promotes the ecological enhancement of agriculturally used land and simultaneously supports forest transformation. The goal is to strengthen biodiversity through the creation of flowering strips, planting of fruit trees, as well as hedge and forest edge maintenance. Targeted wildlife management measures, such as hunting corridors and wildlife fields, protect young forest trees from wildlife damage and reduce wildlife concentrations. Experts accompany the implementation with individual advice and training to qualify multipliers and promote sustainable networking between farmers, forestry operations, hunters, and volunteers. The Westphalian Cultural Landscape Foundation relies on a holistic approach that brings agriculture and forestry into harmony with conservation requirements.

Eligible for funding are private individuals, public institutions, and non-profit organizations with agricultural use or forest ownership within the designated project area. A prerequisite for funding is the completion of the landscape information sheet as well as the willingness to implement conservation measures. Applications can be submitted continuously; there is no application deadline. Eligible expenses include, in addition to habitat design measures, consulting, training, and maintenance activities on forest edge structures. The continuously provided grants enable flexible planning and help preserve fields and forests as attractive habitats for farmland birds, insects, and small mammals. Committed actors make an important contribution to climate protection, landscape development, and the preservation of characteristic cultural landscapes in North Rhine-Westphalia through their engagement.