Ecological Upgrading of the Strauss Vineyard

As part of the “Birds on the Rise” campaign, Birdlife Zurich is launching projects to improve the ecological quality of vineyards. The Strauss winery in Rickenbach is an organic business that strives to reconcile nature and agriculture. The Rickenbach Nature Conservation Association is the local contact for nature conservation and has been involved in the community for decades.

In this project, vineyards, orchards and other areas were provided with structures, sowing and planting in order to achieve added value for flora and fauna. Some of the measures are desired and eligible as part of the landscape quality project in the Zurich wine region.

In addition to a wild hedge planted by the nature conservation association between the rows of vines to protect the organic vines from spray drift from conventionally cultivated vines and as a bee pasture, the Northeastern Switzerland Nature Network has carried out further improvements. For example, a 13 m long dry stone wall made of sandstone was built as a habitat for heat-loving animal and plant species. Caves and passageways for small mammals were also integrated there. In addition to excavations and sowing of ruderal flora at the edge of the rows of vines, larger sand lenses were also created in conjunction with sandstone and rootstocks. In addition, the turf was removed from a south-facing slope and inoculated with meadow hay from a nearby lean meadow near the Mörsburg, so that meadow flowers and herbs from the surrounding area can establish themselves there.