A new podcast, “Natur vor Ort” (Nature on Site), is set to immerse listeners in the natural beauty of the Tullnerfeld region. The podcast is a product of the LEADER project “Natur erleben, verstehen und fördern im Tullnerfeld” (Experience, Understand, and Promote Nature in Tullnerfeld), an initiative dedicated to bolstering biodiversity awareness and conservation efforts in the area.
The Tullnerfeld, historically an agricultural area, is undergoing a transformation into a suburban commuter region, leading to concerns about the loss of natural habitats. This podcast aims to counteract that trend by bringing the region’s natural treasures directly to the public. The project builds on previous LEADER initiatives, including “Netzwerk Natur Tullnerfeld” which began in 2020, and “Biodiversität im Tullnerfeld erhalten und fördern” (Preserving and Promoting Biodiversity in Tullnerfeld), demonstrating a sustained commitment to environmental stewardship.
A Multi-Phase Approach to Conservation
The Naturschutzbund NÖ (Lower Austrian Nature Conservation Association) initiated the “Netzwerk Natur Tullnerfeld” project in 2020 to raise awareness about nature and its protection among residents. This initial phase successfully established a network of nature enthusiasts and laid the groundwork for practical conservation measures. A subsequent project focused on initiating a biotopverbund – a network of interconnected habitats – within the region. Now, with “Natur erleben, verstehen und fördern im Tullnerfeld,” the focus shifts to strengthening natural awareness and further supporting biodiversity.
Recent successes include the completion of the “Netzwerk Natur Tullnerfeld II” project on March 3, 2025. This project saw the creation of wildflower meadows and flowering areas in Kirchberg am Wagram, Michelhausen, Tulbing, and Zwentendorf. Some areas are still undergoing seeding due to high water levels in 2024, but the initiative is well underway. Eight previously intensively managed green spaces at the BOKU Tulln university were converted to a twice-yearly mowing schedule, contributing to a larger biotopverbund in the Tullnerfeld.
Community Engagement and Local Partnerships
The project also benefited from a partnership with local farmer Alfred Grand, who established a large wildflower meadow on a two-hectare former field near Absdorf. This demonstrates a collaborative approach to conservation, involving landowners and the wider community. Educational workshops, lectures, and excursions, led by Margit Gross and DI Karoline Kárpáti of the Naturschutzbund, further engaged the local population and disseminated knowledge about the region’s natural heritage. The project also drew on the expertise of Dr. Gertraud Grabherr and Mag. Helmut Grabherr.
The podcast is the latest step in this ongoing effort. Details about the podcast and the broader “Natur erleben, verstehen und fördern im Tullnerfeld” project can be found on the project website: https://natur-tullnerfeld.at/natur-erleben-verstehen-und-foerdern-im-tullnerfeld/.
Looking Ahead
The Naturschutzbund NÖ intends to continue investing in the region’s natural environment, with plans for further projects in the current funding period. The success of these initiatives highlights the growing recognition of the importance of biodiversity and the power of community-led conservation efforts. The podcast promises to be a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the natural world of the Tullnerfeld and how to contribute to its preservation.
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