Drought despite rain: water balance not balanced
Many people will remember the summer of 2025 as rather rainy. But over the year as a whole, it was too dry in Saxony. The Free State lacks the classic "country rain".
News about #Conservation
Wolf pup is under special observation
It had become entangled in a fence in northern Saxony. The young wolf has been roaming the Annaburger Heide ever since. After an incident, the authorities are keeping a close eye on it.
Saxony's wolves provide data for research
Four wolves roam Saxony's forests in the service of science. They are equipped with a transmitter and provide experts with important data for wolf monitoring.
Counting birds in Saxony - Nabu calls for participation
More than 150,000 birds were sighted in Saxony last year. This year there could be even more due to the winter temperatures.
Saxony extends rules for overnight stays in the national park
Less disturbance for peregrine falcons and co.: the ban on overnight stays in the national park during the breeding season will continue to apply in future. Saxony's environment minister sees this as a benefit for nature.
No all-clear for Saxony's forests
Every year, a report on the state of Saxony's forests is presented shortly before Christmas. The date resembles Groundhog Day: because the findings are almost always similar.
Greens demand better protection for urban forests
There has recently been a lot of discussion in Germany about the cityscape. One thing is certain: a beautiful cityscape also includes a "green lung". The Greens are concerned about protecting them in Saxony.
Scarlet beetle detected in the national park for the first time
The scarlet chafer has been found in the Saxon Switzerland National Park. What makes the find so special - and how to recognize the beetle.
Beaver families allowed to stay in Upper Lusatia
A pond owner was annoyed by the damage and wanted to get rid of the animals. Permission to relocate the animals had been granted. However, the administrative court found that the requirements for this had not been met.
Saxony trains fruit tree keepers
Orchard meadows are also a refuge for protected animal species. But without care, the old fruit trees collapse. A training course teaches how to do it properly.
Problem bear: More and more raccoons in Saxony too
Almost 27,000 raccoons were shot in Saxony in the current hunting year. The animals are spreading rapidly - with consequences for the local wildlife.
More salmon return - population remains endangered
After decades, more salmon are returning to Saxony. But the return remains fragile: construction work, heat and low water levels are making life difficult for the fish.
Wolf population in Saxony remains constant
Saxony is one of the federal states with the highest number of wolves. The wolves are "counted" during monitoring. Now there are new figures.
Second copper beech in Pillnitz Palace Park has to be felled
After a tree survey, it is clear that the second old copper beech tree in Pillnitz Castle Park will also be felled. What this means for visitors and the park.
Moss paradise Saxon Switzerland in the focus of research
Around 500 species of moss in a very small area: nowhere else in Germany are there as many mosses as in Saxon Switzerland. But they react sensitively to changes.
Rare species, old trees: Wechselburg Park in a changing climate
In Wechselburg Castle Park, nature meets monument protection. This poses challenges. Now the park is to be made fit for climate change with a maintenance concept.
Care service in nature: Park seminar in Wechselburg
Wechselburg Castle Park is involved in a program to adapt to climate change. A piece of the future is also to be planted at the third Saxon Parks Seminar.
Nine conservationists honored for their commitment
1,200 people in Saxony are involved in nature conservation on a voluntary basis. Without them, many projects would not be possible, emphasizes the Environment Minister.
Annual meeting of conservationists - focus on field hamsters
Without volunteers, not much would happen in nature conservation in Saxony. At their annual meeting this weekend, the focus will be on an animal species that is currently being successfully reintroduced in Saxony.
Annual meeting of conservationists - focus on field hamsters
Without volunteers, not much would happen in nature conservation in Saxony. At their annual meeting this weekend, the focus will be on an animal species that is currently being successfully reintroduced in Saxony.
State directorate allows beavers to be shot
The beaver has long been a source of annoyance for pond owners in Upper Lusatia. Now the regional authorities have approved a drastic measure.
EU millions for field hamsters in Saxony
More hamsters on arable land in Saxony: That is the aim of a new EU-funded project. This is how to get the rodent offspring to thrive.
Satellite data shows: 900,000 hectares of forest lost
Drought, heat and pests are taking their toll on forests. Why mixed forests are considered more resilient and how new data should help with protection.
Forest loss higher than assumed according to satellites
More than 900,000 hectares of forest have been lost in Germany since 2017. Drought, storms and pests also affect popular hiking regions. Which regions are affected in Saxony?
Fewer forests in Saxony - expansion target missed so far
Saxony's forests are set to play an even greater role in the future as a source of timber, a habitat for endangered animals and plants and a recreational area for people. But the area is shrinking.
Sachsenforst to focus on less stringent forest standards in future
Sachsenforst largely renounces FSC certification. Environmental associations and the Greens criticize: The decision is a step backwards for sustainable forest management.
Sachsenforst sees no major forest damage after storm gusts
Despite strong gusts of wind, Saxony's forest remained largely unscathed. Why visitors should still be careful in windy conditions - and how foresters deal with fallen trees.
50Hertz releases more than 40,000 environmental data on the south-east link
From birds to hamsters: the new data on the south-east link documents around 330 protected species along the planned power line.
Female lynx Freya released into the wild in the Westerzgebirge
In Saxony, there should soon be pregnant proof of the success of the lynx program. Female Freya is now roaming the forests of the Westerzgebirge.
European wildcat returns to the Vogtland
For decades it was thought to have disappeared - now the European wildcat is back in the Vogtland. Its reappearance could help decide what our forests will look like in the future.
Experts expect an increase in wolf kills
Most attacks by wolves on grazing animals occur in late summer and fall. Before that, the predators are busy rearing their pups. Experts urgently recommend taking precautions.
Upswing for the nature conservation association's swallow campaign
Swallows are dependent on human assistance. The German Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union in Saxony has therefore launched a participatory campaign. Since then, swallows have been welcome in many homes.
Biodiversity in the garden - BUND gives tips for animal lovers
Gardens can be a refuge for biodiversity, says the German Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation. Even amphibians can become garden dwellers with a little human assistance.
Lime treatment from the air for Saxon forests
The consequences of the acid rain at the end of the last century are still measurable in the forest soils in Saxony. Lime is now being spread again to improve the situation.
Truck route through protected area? Environmentalists sue
Environmentalists and local residents are fighting against a planned road construction through a protected area. They believe that endangered species and biotopes in the Spree valley are at risk.
Chemnitz bans water extraction from streams and rivers
Low water levels and persistent drought are an increasing threat to the flora and fauna in water bodies. Unfortunately, thunderstorms and sporadic rainfall have hardly brought any relief.
Greens: No more sacrificing forests for solar plants
Forest areas are to be used for the expansion of wind power and photovoltaic systems - a classic conflict of interest. Because nature is also being destroyed in the process.
More and more animals and plants are settling in former open-cast mines
Coal was once dredged from what is now Lake Werbelin near Delitzsch. Now conservationists are observing the settlement of ever new animal and plant species.
Field hamster population in Saxony to grow
"Hamsters" in Saxon: with the support of the EU, the population of field hamsters in the Free State is to be strengthened. Their last refuge is here in northern Saxony.
BUND criticizes Saxony's stance on the EU nature conservation plan
While Brussels is making the renaturation of natural areas mandatory, the state government is expressing doubts about implementation. The environmental association BUND is not prepared to accept this.
4.3 million euros for pond management in Saxony
The Free State of Saxony is supporting 88 pond farms with around 4.3 million euros. The funds are intended to counteract the increasing drought and enable sustainable pond maintenance.
A new nature trail has been created at Lake Bockwitz
More than three decades ago, lignite was still being mined in the Borna-Ost/Bockwitz open-cast mine. Today, water buffalo, cattle and Boer goats graze there. An educational trail now provides information about grazing.
Research on insect species at the former inner-German border
Once the "death strip", today the former German-German border is considered a biotope. Insects are now to be recorded along the Green Belt - this should also help with an application.
One third of animal and plant species in Saxony under threat
The message for International Biodiversity Day sounds depressing. According to estimates, 150 species become extinct every day. Species extinction does not stop at Saxony either.
Saxony criticizes EU recovery regulation
Even the name is a word monster: European Regulation on the Restoration of Nature - in short: Restoration Regulation. Saxony does not consider it feasible in its current form.
Nabu: Fewer birds sighted and counted in gardens
Populations of bird species such as sparrows, tits and blackbirds are declining - even though they are still the most frequently spotted in gardens. This also says something about the state of the ecosystem.
Dresden continues to rely on sheep to maintain the Elbe meadows
Lawn mowers with four legs: Sheep graze on the Elbe meadows in Dresden, caring for a piece of nature. The long-time shepherd has now found a successor.
Robot mowers prohibited at night: Up to €50,000 fine and imprisonment possible!
Leipzig takes measures to protect hedgehogs: night-time operation of mowing robots is restricted to protect the animals from injury.
March snowflake chosen as riparian forest species 2025 in Leipzig
The marsh fritillary was selected as the 2025 riparian forest species in Leipzig. This rare plant is an early bloomer and is specially protected in the riparian forest.
Fruit blossom has begun in Saxony
Orchard meadows need care and protection. They are on the Red List of the most endangered biotope types in Europe.
Nature conservation associations in Saxony see their work at risk
Saxony has to make savings in almost all areas. Nature conservation projects are also affected. Associations are now mobilizing and pointing out the consequences.
Saxon Energy Days in Leipzig: excursions and lectures in April
Leipzig invites you to the Saxon Energy Days 2025 - Experience lectures, guided tours and more about the energy transition free of charge from April 5 to 26.
Large crowds for spring cleaning in Leipzig and Dresden
The people of Dresden love the Elbe meadows. No wonder that thousands of people volunteer to clean the meadows every year. Spring cleaning is also very popular in Leipzig.
Helpers since 1985: Volunteering protects unique nature
Protecting nature where others relax: more than 100 volunteers look after Saxony's only national park - some have been doing so for 40 years.
Lynx migrates from the Ore Mountains to Thuringia
The lynx is to be reintroduced to Germany. In some federal states, the big cats are being released into the wild - and are going on the move.
Amphibians to be reintroduced to Kulkwitz ponds
The Kulkwitzer Lachen in the west of Leipzig are a legacy of lignite mining. Ground subsidence filled with rainwater and created new habitats for animals.
Saxony's companies spend more money on environmental protection
Companies in Bavaria invested more money in environmental protection in 2022. What priorities did they set - and which sector paid the most?
The toads will soon be on their way - but they need help
Some toads leave their winter quarters as early as the beginning of February. To help them survive the dangerous migration, helpers set up protective fences - in some places, more volunteers are needed.
Conservationists call for a winter bird count
The "Hour of Winter Birds" is probably Germany's largest scientific participatory campaign. Birds are counted and reported for one hour.
Günther takes stock of the state's riparian forest projects
The development of the Leipzig alluvial forest was enshrined in Saxony's coalition agreement in 2019. A lot has happened since then, but the future of the project depends on the future state government.
First salmon returns to Saxony
The "king of fish" has returned to Saxony. However, the rise of the salmon has once again started late. Why?
Conservationists campaign for the preservation of the Elbe floodplains
Humans have severely altered the habitats along the Elbe. Alluvial forests and wet meadows are now only fragmentary. Biodiversity is dwindling. This should now come to an end.
Fewer and fewer hedgehogs in Saxony - endangerment on the rise
They are cute and adorable, despite their prickly shells. But for hedgehogs, habitats in Saxony are becoming smaller and smaller and there is less and less food - more and more injured and sick animals need help.
Fewer and fewer hedgehogs in Saxony - endangerment on the rise
They are cute and adorable, despite their prickly shells. But for hedgehogs, habitats in Saxony are becoming smaller and smaller and there is less and less food - more and more injured and sick animals need help.
Wolf expert recommends targeted protective hunting of problematic wolves
What to do with the wolf: The wild animal is to be less strictly protected in future due to attacks on sheep, cattle and horses. There are a number of things to consider when moving forward.
Existence threatened: Saxon carp producers fight for survival
Many fish farms in Saxony are up to their necks in water. Rising costs, regulations from the authorities and an increase in fish predators are making life difficult for them. The state wants to give them more money.
Dresden has to cut down around 150 trees due to drought stress
The copper beeches in the forest park in Dresden-Blasewitz have survived for up to 150 years. But the heat of recent years has been too much. Climate change is becoming more and more noticeable.
BUND Saxony welcomes rejection of the industrial area in Wiedemar
A huge industrial estate was to be built in the district of North Saxony. But nothing will come of it for the time being. The majority of the town voted against it.
Nabu: Over 70 roost sponsors for bats in Saxony
They hunt silently and are important for ecosystems. But the habitats of bats are becoming narrower, insects are becoming fewer - this endangers many species, including in Saxony.
Environment Minister: species extinction in Saxony a threat
For Environment Minister Wolfram Günther, species conservation and climate protection go hand in hand. Over the past five years, a trend reversal has been initiated, but there is still a lot to do, says the Minister.
Saxony wants to preserve orchards in the long term
In Saxony, work is continuing on creating blooming landscapes. Among other things, the state wants to preserve its orchards and is now researching how this can best be achieved.
Kreuzchor sings for Saxony's forests in Dresden Heath
The Kruzians, whose domicile is churches and concert halls, were already drawn to Saxon Switzerland in 2023. Now the famous boys' choir is once again giving a charity concert - in nature and for nature.
Increased controls at Lake Bockwitz for nature conservation
Increased controls at Lake Bockwitz are intended to protect nature, as breaches of the rules endanger the ecosystem. The town of Borna reacts.
Many bird species endangered - ospreys on the rise
The osprey is once again more common in Saxony. In contrast, populations of other bird species are declining. A mammal that is not native to this country is causing problems.
The arrest of Paul Watson in Greenland: an appeal for marine protection
Paul Watson, founder of Sea Shepherd, was arrested in Greenland for whaling protests. Environmental organizations are calling for his immediate release.
River Kirnitzsch in Saxon Switzerland becomes more animal-friendly
A weir is being dismantled to make the river near Bad Schandau passable for fish and aquatic life.
1,000 hectares of Dauban forest to become wilderness
Nature conservation in the Dauban Forest is making progress. An area on the site of the former NVA military training area is to be left entirely to nature.
Federal states see federal government as responsible for water supply
The coal phase-out is not only bringing about considerable changes in Lusatia. The consequences extend all the way to Berlin.
Saxony: Districts receive pre-emptive right for nature conservation areas
Saxony makes it easier for districts to acquire nature conservation areas through pre-emption rights and lowers the minimum age for voluntary work in nature conservation to 16.
Children and young people in Saxony involved as Young Nature Guards
Building mud huts, weaving wicker baskets, listening to birdsong: Children and young people from Saxony got involved as "Young Nature Guards" on Saturday.
BUND sees environmental protection jeopardized by the rise of populists
The environmental association BUND has warned of serious consequences for climate and nature conservation due to the rise of populist parties. Europe is at a crossroads with the elections on June 9. "Democracy, the existence of the EU and the possibility of effective environmental protection would b ..
Saxony: House sparrow, starling and great tit most frequently seen in bird census
Over 3300 birdwatchers took part in the bird count in Saxony at the beginning of May. House sparrows, starlings and great tits were the most frequently seen birds.
Four illegal wolf killings registered in Saxony
In the current monitoring year, four illegally killed wolves have been found in Saxony. The LKA and LfULG warn of the number of unreported cases.
More wolf kills expected at the start of the grazing season
The grazing season begins in Saxony. This also increases the risk of wolf attacks. How can livestock owners protect themselves?
Mobile stations to bring research work closer
The Senckenberg Natural History Collections Dresden want to arouse interest in their research with mobile research stations. From April to September, two research bikes will provide information on various topics at different locations in Dresden on five Saturdays, as a spokeswoman announced on Frida ..
Mobile stations to bring research work closer
The Senckenberg Natural History Collections Dresden want to arouse interest in their research with mobile research stations. From April to September, two research bikes will provide information on various topics at different locations in Dresden on five Saturdays, as a spokeswoman announced on Frida ..
Saxony's Ministry of Agriculture supports environmentally and climate-friendly agriculture with 26 million euros
The Saxon Ministry of Agriculture is transferring 26 million euros to applicants for environmental and climate-friendly measures in agriculture.
Environmental associations call for careful handling of Easter bonfires
Environmental organizations give tips for environmentally friendly Easter bonfires and warn of the negative effects on animals and the environment.
UN award for project to protect the freshwater pearl mussel
A project to breed and release the endangered freshwater pearl mussel into the wild receives a UN award.
Millions in funding for Saxon-Czech cooperation
Seven further projects are being funded with 9.25 million euros for cross-border cooperation between Saxony and the Czech Republic. These include the Silver Route project, which aims to develop sustainable tourism offers in order to better connect the 22 components of the UNESCO World Heritage Ore M ..
First lynxes released into the wild in the Ore Mountains
Around 20 lynx are to be released into the wild in Saxony by 2027. The first two animals have now made a start.
Deutsche Bahn presents new hybrid locomotives powered by chip fat and electricity
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is presenting new hybrid locomotives that run on chip fat and electricity to make freight transport more environmentally friendly.
Deutsche Bahn relies on hybrid locomotives with electricity and chip fat
Deutsche Bahn wants to make its freight transport more environmentally friendly and is relying on hybrid locomotives powered by electricity and diesel from chip fat.
Climate activists block road crossing in Dresden for fair climate protection
Climate activists protest against environmental destruction and demand fair climate protection in Dresden.
Perfect conditions for bark beetles after storm depression
After a storm at the end of last year left damage in the forests of the district of Saxon Switzerland-Eastern Ore Mountains, experts fear further negative effects from the bark beetle. The district announced in Pirna on Wednesday that the dead wood that had been felled served as a suitable breeding ..
Conservationists get in the mood for fire salamander season
Spring makes everything new: this message also applies to numerous animal species. With rising temperatures comes movement in the animal world. This applies not least to amphibians.
Citizens' initiative fails: energy projects south of Leipzig are implemented
A citizens' initiative has failed in its attempt to prevent two energy projects south of Leipzig. The referendum on the "Green Power Park" and "Kleinzössen Energy Park" projects in Neukieritzsch was negative.
Concern about the high number of amphibians and reptiles at the conservation center
Worrying number of amphibians and reptiles at Nabu's species conservation center in Leiferde.
Climate change threatens the ecosystem in the Wadden Sea Unesco World Heritage Site
The consequences of climate change on land and at sea are increasingly changing the ecosystem in the Wadden Sea. New study shows unprecedented changes.
Green Power Park planned on site of former briquette factory south of Leipzig
A green power park with a data center, green hydrogen production and battery storage is being built on the site of a former briquette factory.