For an Easter walk in the countryside: please be considerate!

Easter is just around the corner and many of us will no doubt be using this time to relax and unwind in the beautiful natural surroundings of our city - especially during the pandemic.

As you enter our meadows and forests, you will notice the familiar "owl sign" in many places - you are now entering a nature reserve. Nature reserves are designated to protect rare plants and animals in their habitats and preserve them for future generations. Everyone is asked to do their bit.

Dogs must be kept on a lead in nature reserves

Would you like to take your dog for an Easter walk? A great experience for your four-legged friend and no problem as long as you follow a few simple rules. Please remember: springtime also means "birthday" in nature. Life awakens everywhere. Birds nesting on the ground have begun to lay eggs and raise their young, fawns are now lying crouched in the meadows to avoid being discovered. They all need one thing above all: plenty of rest. Help to ensure that the wildlife in the protected areas, but also in the rest of nature, finds the retreat it needs - keep your dog on a lead. This will also protect your four-legged friend from unpleasant surprises: Fox tapeworm and mange mites do not stop at our pets. Wild boars are also true "lion parents" and will defend their offspring if you get too close.

Do not park vehicles on meadows

Perhaps you are planning to drive a little outside the city gates to start your walk directly in the countryside. If so, please use the designated parking spaces and do not park your vehicle on the meadow. What many people may not know is that most of the meadows in the nature reserves are leased to farmers, who play an important role in nature conservation by ensuring that the species-rich meadows are preserved through grazing or mowing. Please bear this in mind: Driving over the meadows with cars or trampling paths away from the designated areas and paths not only leaves ugly traces in the landscape - it can also cause serious economic damage to our farmers, including sanctions from the agricultural authorities!

Clear regulations apply to nature conservation areas

Incidentally, the respective conservation area regulations contain clear rules in all conservation areas: unleashed dogs, driving into conservation areas with vehicles, wild parking or trespassing off the paths are prohibited and can be punished as administrative offenses with fines. But always remember: these regulations were not issued to restrict citizens, but because they are necessary to protect and preserve our incomparably rich nature around our city of light.

Happy Easter!