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.
News zu #nature
Queen of the night blooms in Leipzig
A rare spectacle at Leipzig Botanical Garden: the flowers of a very special plant can be seen for one night only.
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.
Drought: Dresden issues water withdrawal ban
It has been too dry in Saxony for a long time. Streams and rivers have low water levels. That is why the city of Dresden is now responding.
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.
New wolf pack detected in the district of Saxony
A stray wolf pup has provided proof: There is a new pack of wolves in the district of Leipzig.
American swamp crayfish detected in Leipzig
The invasive species transmits crayfish plague, which is fatal to native animals. The Natural History Museum warns of far-reaching consequences.
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.
Sachsenforst warns of high risk of forest fires at the weekend
Little rain, high temperatures and wind have dried out the soil in Saxony's forests. Special care is required when visiting.
More and more Saxon rivers are heading for low water
Little rain and high temperatures in spring: many rivers in Saxony already have little water.
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.
Dangerous oak processionary moth is being combated again
Walkers and cyclists beware: The hairs of the oak processionary moth can cause skin rashes. In many places, the pest is controlled with tiny threadworms.
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.
Fewer bee colonies in Saxony for the first time in years
Beekeepers in Saxony have their hands full: it's swarming season. And the honey chambers in the beehives are also filling up. But the number of bee colonies has fallen. What are the reasons?
Pillnitz camellia topless and ennobled again
It is a magnet for visitors to the historic Pillnitz Palace Park in Dresden. The 250-year-old, meter-high camellia even has its own house - and now has a special title.
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.
Nature market in Lusatia showcases craftsmanship and ideas
Preserving tradition, shaping the future: In the district of Bautzen, traders and a Unesco project show how structural change can succeed. Saxony's environment minister sees this as a model for success.
Agency renaturalizes areas and sells eco-points
A state agency in Saxony unseals old industrial ruins, renaturalizes streams or creates habitats for animals. Municipal or private developers can buy the eco-points gained in this way.
190,000 trees planted in the Saxon Switzerland National Park
The national park is one of the most popular excursion and tourist regions in Bavaria. Over 9,000 hectares of flora and fauna are protected. Details of the work can be found in the new annual report.
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.
Weather brings only a short break - pollen returns
In Saxony, the pollen season is hitting allergy sufferers particularly hard this year - sometimes with dangerous consequences. What can help now.
Fire department in Meißen district receives new vehicles
Better prepared for forest fires: Saxony reinforces its fire departments with new special vehicles.
Trekking season in Saxon Switzerland begins
The trekking huts have been renovated and the bivouac sites are ready. The season on the Elbe Sandstone Forest Trail has begun. There will soon be a sixth forest hut along the route.
Court overturns authorization to shoot wolves
30 dead sheep and goats - but a wolf in Upper Lusatia may not be killed for the time being. A court has stopped the planned cull and doubts the legality of the permit.
Beekeepers worried about colony losses - Is honey becoming scarce?
After the winter, the warm rays of sunshine lure the bees out of their homes again. Crocuses and willows provide the first food. But some beekeepers in Saxony are in for a rude awakening.
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.
Weather influences pollen count - moderate impact so far
Stuffy noses and bulging eyes: the season of suffering has begun for allergy sufferers. In Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia, the first pollen is already flying, albeit still cautiously.
Herbal witch and influencer: "Survival Siglinde"
In shorts, with a brash appearance and dialect, she provides information about nature's treasures as "Survival Siglinde" on Insta and co - and recently also in a book.
First storks back - 2024 most successful stork year
The first storks are back - and are having to endure a few frosty nights. This is manageable for the animals, and they also seem to feel at home in Saxony.
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.
Police catch wild garlic thieves in Leipzig and northern Saxony
The wild garlic season is still to come. But the police are already dealing with wild garlic theft again. A recurring problem in Saxony.
Saxony's forests well supplied with water at the beginning of the year
The extremely dry years since 2018 have been sheer stress for Saxony's forests. Things look much better at the start of 2025. But the situation can quickly change again.
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.
37 wolf packs live in Saxony
In contrast to the nationwide trend, the number of wolf packs living in Saxony is decreasing slightly.
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.
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.
Water withdrawal ban in Dresden lifted ahead of schedule
Rivers and streams in Dresden ran the risk of drying up in summer. It was therefore forbidden to draw water. The environmental agency has now lifted this ban ahead of schedule.
Mushroom season in full swing - mushrooms often confused
Mushroom pickers are currently making rich pickings in Saxony's forests. Porcini mushrooms in particular are shooting out of the ground. However, many baskets also contain species that are not without danger.
Climate change hits Central Germany particularly hard: average temperature rises significantly
Climate change has different consequences around the world. A climate report shows what is happening in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. One parameter is particularly striking in central Germany.
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.
Saxony records fewer forest fires in 2024 so far
Prolonged dryness and drought increase the risk of fire in Saxony's forests every year. Most of the fires are caused by negligence - some also occur during harvesting and forestry work.
Tank too full: heating oil flows into Lichtenstein stream
Heating oil leaked into a stream in Lichtenstein, Saxony, because a tank was too full. Firefighters set up an oil barrier.
Heating oil spills into stream in Rödlitz
Heating oil leaked into a stream in Lichtenstein, Saxony, because a tank was too full. Firefighters set up an oil barrier.
Mushroom season in Saxony: Less yield due to insufficient rain
When sun follows rain, do mushrooms sprout from the ground? It's not that simple, say mushroom experts. They do not expect a good yield this year and also have a warning for beginners.
New Natural History Museum in Leipzig: construction begins on major underground project
From bowling alley to natural history museum - construction work has begun on the new museum location in Leipzig. Four years and a lot of money are planned for the conversion.
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.
Pillnitz Palace Park - Robot helps gardeners with watering
The State Palaces, Castles and Gardens of Saxony are relying on new technology in times of climate change. A watering robot fills itself and makes the gardeners' work easier.
Porphyry less in demand - quarry files for insolvency
Rochlitz porphyry is widely used as a building material and is recognized as a special natural stone. But now the porphyry quarries have become insolvent.
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.
Christmas tree producers in Saxony expect prices to rise in 2024
Some Christmas tree producers in Saxony are expecting prices to rise in 2024. Nevertheless, the Christmas tree should remain affordable for everyone.
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.
Robot to water plants in Pillnitz Palace Park
High-tech in a baroque landscape: the State Palaces, Castles and Gardens of Saxony are relying on the support of researchers in times of climate change. One fruitful result is now being put to use.
Blue-green algae in Pirk reservoir - health authority warns
If you want to refresh yourself on a summer's day, you will have to do without the cool water in the Pirk reservoir. The health authority warns of blue-green algae.
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.
Anniversary exhibition to mark the 250th birthday of Caspar David Friedrich
The Elbe Sandstone Mountains not far from Dresden inspired the Romantic artist Caspar David Friedrich. He found motifs and moods of nature in the bizarre rocky world - they made his paintings world-famous.
Blue-green algae in the Quitzdorf reservoir - authority advises against swimming
Dangerous blue-green algae have been discovered in the Quitzdorf reservoir. Streaking and cloudy water indicate the presence of bacteria.
Number of forest fires in Saxony at a similar level to 2023
The 2024 forest fire season shows unusual developments in Saxony. Special measures and human behavior play a decisive role.
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.
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.
Danger for bees: Asian hornet soon in Saxony?
The Asian hornet is feared as a bee predator. While it is spreading in other federal states, it has not yet been sighted in Saxony. A question of time?
Forest fire danger increases in Saxony
The risk of forest fires has increased throughout Saxony compared to the weekend. There is a medium risk in large parts of the state, but two areas are in the high risk zone.
Forests well supplied with water before the start of midsummer
A series of drought years have taken their toll on Saxony's forests. Things are looking better this year. However, the height of summer is still to come.
Saxony's forests well supplied with water - average forest fire season so far
Saxony's forests are well supplied with water before the start of midsummer. The forest fire season has been average so far.
Tourism in Saxony: Nature, history and Christmas as top drivers
Nature and the countryside in combination with the cities are the strongest drivers for Saxony's tourism. Christmas, history and tradition also make the Free State an attractive destination.
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.
Tension in Saxony's forests: Bark beetle situation remains critical
The bark beetle situation in Saxony's forests remains tense. The early swarming of the bark beetles due to the warm weather at the end of March was unfavorable.
Bark beetle situation in Saxony's forests remains tense
The bark beetle situation in Saxony's forests remains tense, with up to three generations this year and a slight increase in wood infestation.
Bark beetle situation in Saxony's forests remains tense
The bark beetle situation in Saxony's forests remains tense. Warm weather favors reproduction. Water supply to the trees has a positive effect.
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.
Saxony warns of poisonous spring ragwort: control urgently recommended
The poisonous spring ragwort is spreading in Saxony, state office recommends combating it. Plant contains harmful substances.
Plague of mosquitoes in Saxony: experts warn of increased incidence of mosquitoes
People in Saxony must be prepared for significantly more mosquitoes this year. Experts warn of a potential increase in the mosquito population and disease transmission.
Reinhardtsdorf-Schöna: New state-recognized resort in Saxony
Reinhardtsdorf-Schöna is now a state-recognized resort in Saxony, with a focus on nature and landscape. Tourism Minister Barbara Klepsch acknowledges the municipality's efforts.
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.
Bombastus-Werke in Freital wants to expand its site
Bombastus-Werke in Freital near Dresden plans to expand its site in the medium term and is investing in new machinery and technology.
Reforestation in Saxony: 700,000 new trees planted
Thanks to many volunteers, more than 700,000 new trees have been planted in Saxony since 2022. A good 5,000 people have taken part in the Forest Championship campaign so far, the initiators announced on Sunday. The initiative of the Forest for Saxony Foundation, the image campaign of the Free State ..
Street trees suffer from drought and temperatures
Climate change poses challenges for street trees. When planting new trees, many cities now have to rely on drought-tolerant tree species.
Bark beetle season in Saxony starts early
The bark beetle season has started early in Saxony, forest owners should act now.
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 ..